Sebastian Pruiti of NBA Playbook has put together a detailed scouting report on Omer Asik. It’s heavy on analysis and video…a must read/watch if you want to know more about Chicago’s backup big man.
Here’s Pruiti’s conclusion:
“Out of all the overseas prospects I have scouting for my posts this week, Omer Asik will probably have lowest amount of production this year. His body simply isn’t ready for the NBA game. That doesn’t mean I think he will be a bust or that I think the Bulls made a poor decision bringing him over now. It’s actually the opposite.
“I think the Bulls made a very smart decision bringing Asik over this year. It is obvious that he won’t be challenged in the Turkish League, and if a player doesn’t get challenged they don’t improve. While he isn’t going to get many minutes, he will be competing against guys like Carlos Boozer every day in practice (or guys trying to make the pros in the D-League) and that will make him better. In addition to that, he will be working under a NBA-quality strength and conditioning program and that will make him stronger. If he can get stronger with his skill-set, that already makes him better (even before he starts adding to his game).
“So while you may not see much from Omer Asik this year, I think he will be a big man to watch two years from now.”
Like I have been saying, the Bulls will need another big for this year. Asik might contribute next season, but will need strength training and experience t deal with he physicality of the NBA. He doesn’t even discuss Asik’s FT shooting (36%).
Considering that Kurt Thomas does’nt play that many minutes anymore and IMO the 13th player on the roster will be filled with a big man/center from the d-league or undrafted rookie, it seems to me that we will see ALOT of Omer Asik this year. Hopefully, he will have decent numbers this year from his 10-15 minutes of playing time.
Not very promising if the Bulls want to contend this year. Maybe a long term project is good, but we have been a long term project since 1998. So what happens if Noah goes down again with an injury?
I’m shocked, shocked that a young center will take time to develop and contribute to a playoff caliber team.
JoeSez, I am sensing, SENSING!, some sarcasm. That said, hmm, another big is sounding like a good idea for when we need a banger (then I guess that is what Thomas is for).
Question to Sam Smith, “the Bulls shouldn’t be begging to give up Johnson and a draft pick for a player that his own coach can’t stand? I know Johnson wasn’t that great last year…” Jack Wilson
Sam:”…it’s difficult to see where he’ll get time. Thibodeau will be trying to make a great impression to open and won’t be playing experimental players. Plus, the Bulls have been trying to change his position to shooting guard…”
If in fact the Bulls are planning to convert JJ to an SG then they will definitely need another big. JJ will probably spent some time in the D’league if the conversion is attempted.
I am sure this scout knows what he is talking about, but I watched a game on YouTube where Asik absolutely dominated Pau Gasol. He had much more trouble with Marc Gasol, but this was after he had been getting it on with Pau for 15 minutes. If he is out of shape and weak then he is going to be a absolute beast because he moves great for someone as big as he is.
I really think we will pick up another big. But it will be someone like Richard or Amundson, not Shaq like some are screaming for. Asik will be able to give us 10 minutes a night, with a healthy Noah that is all we will need.
Of course he will need time to develop his skill/strength in the NBA. But do I think he is a full year sitting on the bench? No, I don’t think the Bulls would have brought him in unless they plan to play and develop him this year. Like Jack mentions, I saw some video on him and I think with his style being that of a mobile shot blocker that can run the floor he will adjust pretty well. At least I hope so. Another big could not hurt if we can afford em..
Omer Asik body language in those clips are horrible. Hopefully his shot blocking ability can make up for his lack of fundamentals. The one plus I can say is that Asik looks good in transition. We should have went after C. Hunter from G.S. or even Tolliver who’s considered an undersized center.
I mentioned in prior post that we should have gotten J. McGee included in that K. Hinrich trade.
Shaq seems like the logical choice cause I don’t trust Omer Asik or K. Thomas to be affective against bigs like D. Howard, T. Duncan, Gasol & Bynum.
I’m definitely not interested in seeing Shaq in a Bulls uniform. Amundson or Boone (if we can afford him) would be good pickups and could complement the Bulls developing style (defense to generate offense, like the Jordan Bulls).
As far as Asik goes, did you see the video of the guard knocking him out of rebounding position? From the video that I watched he does have some offensive moves and did collect a lot of fouls. Unfortunately he shot 36% from the line. HackOmer defense here we come. He does run the floor very well and fills the lane, the question is can he take the beating that he will be given, he looks soft.
LOL at Shaq in a Bulls uniform. Maybe a Rose to SHaq alley oop will signature the start of a dynasty as it did for Lakers in 2000—Oh wait Shaq can’t get off the floor anymore.
Look I realize the TMAC worry but if we get Bogans then I will be ticked. Say what you want about TMAC but I will take a TMAC of last yr’s Knicks and any problems of his PT complaints over Bogans anyday. AT least you get something good from TMAC. WHat does Bogans give?
And this yr’s chances of upsetting the Heat and going far all pin on Deng. We know Rose will dominate his position, Brewer will play Wade as tight as he can, and a Boozer/Noah combo down low should dominate a Bosh/?? (Big Z lol) combo down low anyday. Its up to Deng to finally take that next step by becoming one of the league’s best lockdown defenders, play his offensive game (with Boozer here he can finally do that), and hit his jumpers.
Boppinbob, yea I have to agree with your comments regarding seeing some of the videos of him playing. I don’t think he will be a major contributor at all but his ability to run the lane and block shots will help him fit into a role well. I can’t wait for the season to start.
It seems Taj Gibson for Rudy Fernandez is gaining more steam.
Trade Update from 7/31/10:
There are rumors that the Bulls could trade Taj Gibson to the Trail Blazers for Rudy Fernandez.
“From what I’ve heard it’s in Portland’s hands now for what they want,” writes Sam Smith for Bulls.com. “I’ve heard the Bulls have a pretty good shot, but nothing matters until it’s done.” Rudy would be a nice fit in Chicago’s second unit, where he could get the larger role he has been pining for.
SOME FORWARDS/CENTERS STILL AVAILABLE ON FA MARKET:
LOUIS AMUNDSON
KWAME BROWN
JOSH BOONE
CHRIS RICHARD
SHAQ O’NEAL
We Bulls fans have zero interest in Shaq,man come on because we will beat down those Cavaliers down to the wire in the Central Division,especially now that we have Boozer and other key sharpshooters in the mix,not to mention Cleveland no longer even has lebron james.Chicago not winning an NBA title has always been a total disappointment regarding it’s totally rich winning tradition,forget about losing in the Finals or winning just one postseason series,but you should take everything one at a time as a Bulls fan because Chicago can’t even start winning NBA titles again until they start winning postseason series.GO BULLS BABY!!!!!
@ Savage, I truely believe that Asik fits very well in the Bulls future. He may well be more offensively effective than Noah. But looking at this year, I do not see significant contributions. He needs to build muscle and stamina to compete with the NBA front line players, and right now he can not compete in Europe. I would have liked to see him spend some time with Brad Miller. Maybe the Bulls could get Cartwright to work with him. I see huge potential in Asik, but it could be 2 or 3 seasons away.
I don’t really know how the scouting guy could leave out the time where Asik totally owned Pau Gasol in international play. He dominated the poor man. Mark Gasol he had some trouble with, but Pau didn’t stand a chance.
Yeah, his free-throws are pretty terrible, but if that’s the biggest knock you have on your second or third string center, I think you’ll be ok.
Treydog, I’m suprised the Bulls would actually think of trading Taj for Rudy. I definitely am for the Bulls trying to get Rudy. Taj impressed me last year and I don’t want to see him go. Would we rather have Rudy and a guy like Amundson than Taj. I’m kind of conflicted I like what I have seen from Both Taj and Rudy, they both are young. It’s a tough call, I guess well have to see how it works out..
I agree with TexasBearsFan,
I don’t see Asilk being a bus down type of player this year, I think he will be a very productive player in the 2nd half of the regular season. He will learn and pick up things quickly of how to play in the NBA level like Taj Gibson and he is going to be a much better player then Aaron Gray garbage ass lol. (Just wait and watch people.)
As for Rudy, I have not heard anything about Portland wanting Taj Gibson since they have enough PF players on their team or if they are willing to trade Rudy to the Bulls.
And if they do, hopefully Portland is willing to take James Johnson since they really need a back up SF and our future 1st round draft pick from charlotte, so they can give us Rudy Fernandez. If not, we should just settle for T-MAC and test our luck and sign another backup PG like: John Lucas III, Earl Watson, Jamaal Tinsley or Rafer Alston. (Since these guys are all good 3 point shooters and passers.)
@Savage I like Taj too, but Bulls might be trying to matchup better with the top echelon teams in the NBA by getting more skilled wing players and by getting bigger bodies on the frontline who can rebound more than anything. Bulls can really use an an athletic multi-talented shooting gaurd who can stroke it like Rudy and there are still some frontline players with good size still available. Boozer and Noah are going to get the majority of the minutes anyways barring injury. IDK, we’ll see what happens.
as a huge dragon tarlac and dalibor bagaric fan i am extatic!!
Hopefully the Bulls can pull off that trade move for Rudy Fernandez by giving up J.J and the Bulls future 1st round draft picks from Charlotte.
Let’s face it people we all know James Johnson is still going to need some time to develop his game and we can’t wait that long for him to get better! Plus Rudy Fernandez is the best SG player the Bulls can get over Keith Bogans, Roger Mason or any other experience Guard.
Starters:
PG: D. Rose
SG: R. Brewer
SF: L. Deng
PF: C. Boozer
C: J. Noah
Bench:
PG: C.J. Watson
SG: R. Fernandez or T-Mac
SF: K. Korver
PF: Taj Gibson
C: O. Asik
Backup Players:
G: R. Alston or John Lucas III
SG-F: J. Graham or Rodney Carney
PF-C: K. Thomas
PF-C: Chris Richard
GO BULLS!!!
The Good: O. Asik – it will take him 2 years but he’s here.
The Bad: “There are rumors that the Bulls could trade Taj Gibson to the Trail Blazers for Rudy Fernandez.”
A starting big for a reserve small. A horrible trade.
The Ugly: JJ and 1st round for Portland’s bench guard R. Fernandez. Rudy’s upset he can’t start in Portland. He won’t here either. Starting 2 Guards are achievable in the late first round.
What is this crap about “we can’t wait for anyone to get better, we have to win now!”? Is your brain functioning? This team is really young, our star player is only entering his 3rd year and our starting center his 4th. Our team is really young, really deep, and really athletic. Now is not the time to look at Miami’s team, hit the panic button and sell our future for 1/2 price today.
This team is built to be good for years to come, that’s the point. Heck, Boozer’s one of the oldest guys on the team and he’s only what, 28? He’s not done yet, not even close. This team doesn’t need to start selling off valuable pieces for pennies on the dollar because we think the window is closing. This window is just starting to open.
Just to reiterate, it was not just playing time that Fernandez was upset about, it was the type of role he was offered. They were using him like Korver, setting up for jumpers, when he wants to move and go to the basket. That is exactly what the Bulls would need from, so I expect he would be happier here …
Uh
The bulls need perimeter shooting which is why they went for JJ after signing Korver.
Fernandez will be asked to do the same think here, Brewer isn’t a perimeter shooter and would play the kind of game you suggest For Fernandez.
And
WTF! If the team needs him to play a certain way ton win the do it. Do we need a player who wants to play his way?
Man this sucks, if Portland really wants Taj Gibson and our 1st round draft pick, we should also offer them James Johnson since we really don’t need him.
In exchange we get Rudy Fernandez and Jeff Pendergraph from Portland to make a balance trade for both sides.
@ Bill Thomas
At this point I can care less if we have to give up Taj Gibson and the Bulls 1st round draft pick for Rudy Fernandez. Trust me people he is worth it!
If Portland take that deal, hopefully the Bulls have a backup plan of a player that they can sign to replace Gibson energy right away. Someone like: Anthony Tolliver, Louis Amundson or Josh Boone to backup Carlos Boozer in case he gets hurt. Me personally I would sign Josh Boone, since he is still young and he is a unrestricted player.
Then I would go after another PG like: Earl Watson, Rafer Alston or John Lucas III to back D. Rose and C.J. Watson to complete my 13 man roster.
Starters: Bench Players: Backup Players:
PG: D. Rose PG: C.J Watson PG: J. Lucas III
SG: R. Brewer SG: R. Fernandez G-F: J. Johnson
SF: L. Deng SF: K. Korver C: O. Asik
PF: C. Boozer PF: J. Boone
C: J. Noah C: K. Thomas
By making these moves the Bulls will have one of the best rosters in the NBA baby!
GO BULLS!
Let’s forget Fernandez, he’s a potential cancer on this or any other team.
I would have to strongly disagree Boppinbob,
Rudy Fernandez is still young, he can score, he can pass, he can play defense, he is an energy guy and he is a versatile player that can play both positions: shooting guard and small forward. What is their not to like about Fernandez? What that he missed a couple of small games? Please Boppinbob…
I would rather take Rudy Fernandez in heart beat over: T-Mac, Keith Bogans or Roger Mason who are the other candidates right now on the Bulls list.
Who would you rather take Boppinbob?
Remember we still need another SG-F, PG and maybe another big guy.
If we trade Taj Gibson we can easily replace him with a bigger, young and versatile player like Josh Boone like I mention already.
For those of you unsure what positions certain Bulls players will be next season, check this link out. It’s ESPN’s depth chart for Chicago.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/depth?team=chi
According to this, Korver will be a starting SG with Brewer backing him up. Kurt Thomas will backup Noah at C and Asik will backup Noah. Taj will play backup PF behind Boozer. Watson will play backup PG and James Johnson will play SF behind Deng.
Hmmm. That scouting report did not shed Asik in a good light. So Thomas is our backup center. That means we need another big more than we need another SG. It also means there is no way we can afford to let Taj go. He’s our first big off the bench and the only big off bench that should be part of the rotation. We need to sign Amundson as an insurance policy if eiterh Noah or Boozer go down. An 8 man rotation would have Rose, Brewer, Deng, Boozer and Noah as starters and Taj, Korver and Watson off the bench. Maybe Thomas and Johnson get a few minutes a game as 9th and 10th guys off the bench. We need Amundson because I don’t think we can expect Thomas to fill the void if Boozer or Noah go down for an extended period.
I am doubting that a deal gets done with Portland at this point. Portland only does trades if they can pull off one that is substantially one sided in their favor. We should offer them JJ and a first round pick. If they can do better than a youngster with some possible potential and a first round pick for a player unproven in the NBA let them do it. As mentioned above we can not afford to lose Taj and I think the front office knows that. Maybe Portland will keep a very unhappy player around rather than pull off a mutually beneficial trade with another team. Makes no sense to me but then again they gave Camby near 10 Million a year so you never know?
@luvabullnj, that has been my point for the last few days. The Bulls need both a big and a combo guard. They definitely do not need 2 guards.
ESPN has Kyle Korver as the starting SG, I am not sure that is the way it will shake out. Although CJ Watson and Brewer would work well together as a second unit. I am ready to see how the Bulls gel in camp.
I could care less what ESPN says on the matter. When I saw him last year for the Jazz he was playing the SF position. I am not comfortable at all having JJ being our only back up at the SF position. Best case scenario is we get Rudy and then we can have Korver back up Deng. I am not really sure Korver is a starter at either position but his ability to hit the 3 will definitely increase the value of having him on the floor to spread things out. I guess we will have to go out with what we have. But I think without a doubt we are a better more well rounded team if we can get another quality SG that can hit the 3.
ESPN Starting lineup is not accurate.
I think Ronnie Brewer is the Starter for the Bulls SG position and Korver will become a backup bench player behind Deng and Brewer.
Hopefully the Bulls can end up signing another solid SG-F: like Rudy Fernandez or T-Mac. In case James Johnson is still not ready to play at a higher level.
Then hopefully, we can add another 3rd PG like John Lucas III to backup Rose and Watson. (so we can be set)
Rumor has it Blazers having difficulty moving Rudy Fernandez. Blazers are overvaluing Rudy’s worth. IMO, Taj Gibson for Rudy Fernandez is a lopsided trade in favor of Blazers. You know what your going to get from Taj for years to come where with Rudy although there is alot of potential Rudy might not be interested in playing in the NBA long term and maybe dissatisfied with his role in NBA. Taj will work hard and do what a NBA team wants him to do with no questions asked. I think a first round pick with or without James Johnson is what Rudy is worth.