The Bulls still have about $3 million to spend and one more roster spot to fill.
Rumor had it the team was taking long, hard looks at both Eddie House and Roger Mason. Unfortunately, House was signed by the Evil Empire Miami Heat and Mason has been picked up by the New York Knicks. Who does that leave?
Keith Bogans? Gak.
Tracy McGrady? Double gak.
I’d rather see the Bulls bring back Flip Murray than sign either of those guys. In fact, I’d rather see the entire team develop incurable skin fungus than sign “Knee-Mac.” I’m just sayin’.
Perhaps it’s important to get a little insight into what management is looking for. In an appearance on “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said: “…we feel we have to add more shooting. So right now, that’s what we’re putting a premium on.”
More shooting, eh? As I’ve mentioned before, McGrady is a career 33.7 percent three-point shooter. So even if he didn’t need a really good sports psychologist, I doubt he really fits that particular bill.
You know, the Portland Trail Blazers are still dangling Rudy Fernandez out there. And it appears he wants to come East. Conference-wise, that is.
According to Ben Q. Rock of SB Nation Chicago, Madrid-based sportswriter Francisco Rabadan tweeted the following (translated from Spanish by Mr. Rock): “I spoke with Rudy this morning. He doesn’t know anything about his possible trade to Chicago, but he gave me a clue: ‘the East seems very attractive to me.'”
Could the Bulls get him? I don’t know. If they could secure the rights to Fernandez for James Johnson and a first round draft pick, I’d give Gar Forman a big old thumbs up. But that’s about the only deal that a) both sides might reasonably agree on and b) I would be okay with. (I definitely wouldn’t be happy with giving up Taj Gibson for Rudy.)
A better question might be: Would Rudy be a good fit for the Bulls?
Well, if the team wants a shooter, they’d be getting one. During his rookie season (2008-09), Fernandez shot 39 percent from beyond the arc. During the final eight games of that campaign, he went 20-for-39 (50.9 percent).
Last season, his three-point percentage dropped to a shade under 37 percent as he struggled to adjust to his role on the team and a slight decline in his minutes per game. But he still had hot stretches, like a six-game span in early March when he went 5-for-10, 4-for-4, 1-for-3, 4-for-6, 3-for-5 and 3-for-5.
Look, the kid can shoot the three. That’s not the problem.
One potential issue is his inaccuracy from inside the arc. According to Hoopdata, Rudy shot 26.9 percent from 10-15 feet and 25.0 percent from 16-23 feet during the 2009-10 season. Those numbers weren’t much better in 2008-09: 23.0 and 29.0 percent, respectively.
Yikes. Rudy has a midrange game that would make Tyrus Thomas cringe. Not a good sign.
Shooting aside, Fernandez is pretty decent off the ball. According to ESPN’s John Hollinger: “Fernandez is outstanding moving without the ball in general, reminiscent of a Reggie Miller or Richard Hamilton, and he draws a lot of fouls this way. Off the catch, he primarily looks to shoot immediately. He’ll pass and cut if the shot isn’t there, but every so often he’ll get a wild hair and try a daring, creative and impossible pass that either ends up in Row 17 or starts a 3-on-1 the other way.”
Hmm. That “wild hair” Hollinger mentioned worries me. So does the fact that he became unhappy so quickly in Portland. Fernandez was on a winning team playing alongside character guys like Brandon Roy. That’s not exactly the Ninth Level of Hell.
I mean, would things be much different for Fernandez on the Bulls? Look at Chicago’s roster: Derrick Rose, C.J. Watson, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Luol Deng, James Johnson, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah, Kurt Thomas and Omer Asik.
That’s a pretty deep team. How many minutes would Fernandez get in a backcourt that includes Rose, Watson, Brewer and (probably at times) Korver? Last season, Rudy became “disgruntled” playing 23 minutes a game (down from 25 the previous season). How many minutes would he see on the Bulls?
I can’t see him earning many more than he got with the Blazers. Especially considering his notorious weakness on the defensive end. Here’s what Hollinger had to say about Rudy’s D going into the 2009-10 season: “Defensively, Fernandez’s lack of strength means the Blazers have to monitor his matchups carefully. … Fernandez does fine as long as he covers quick guys or non-scorers, but big wings steamroll him.”
To underscore that assessment, Fernandez compiled a Defensive Rating of 107 during the regular season and a staggering 123 during the playoffs. By the way, those numbers represent the number of points he was giving up per 100 possessions.
I’m not sure a defensive-minded coach like Thibodeau would be cool with that.
Look, Rudy is a wicked athlete who can drill threes and generate highlight reel-type plays. However, he isn’t a great ball handler, tends not to make aggressive moves toward the basket, has no midrange game and gets stuck in “shoot first” mode. What’s more, he just soured in only two years of being in a great system.
Still, Rudy has the proven skills (three-point shooting mostly) and potential (which seems limited only by his mind) to justify ditching Johnson and giving up a draft pick. But anything more than that? I don’t think so.
I think JJ and a pick is still too much for Rudy, forget Taj. Why is that? Apparently he’s made no effort to stifle rumors that he’d bolt for Europe when his contract is up. That’s too much of a risk to be giving up a pick along with JJ. He isn’t worth it if we don’t know he won’t be happy here and heads off to sunnier pastures. If Rudy were a team player I’d be all for it but all signs point to him not being one.
Not quite sure that Brandon is the easiest guy to play with… he seems a bit of ball-hog and had trouble adjusting to playing with Miller as well. Also Nate doesn’t strike me as the most flexible coach (a good one yes… but in a my way or the high way kind of way)… From what I have heard Rudy didn’t like basically being reduced to a spot up shooter and have his role yanked around.
I would go with that trade if it gets us Rudy
Getting an expiring contract would be a good thing in place of JJ. Its early to sell on him but i don’t really see him panning out. Add in the service of Fernandez and i’d say its a good deal. Don’t want to give up the draft pick, but with a team this good and deep finding a servicable rookie outta the mid 20’s would be hard to find. We got lucky with Taj.
There’s nothing more frustrating than a shooter without a mid-range game, add in Rudy lack of defense and JJ start to look like a project worth working on.
The Bulls should just re-sign Flip Murray or worst case sign Delonte West considering what’s left.
Guys, I think the bulls should do this deal for one reason. We are going to be good next year. That’s right, that means our first round draft pick is gonna be in the low teens to early twenties. The college pool for next years class is not going to have enough talent, or atleast, the talent level of Rudy, so why not give up that first rounder and JJ? I used to believe in JJ, he reminded me of a poor man’s Paul Pierce. Now, after watching summer league where he thorougly got his brains beaten in (by d-leaguers and rooks I might add) he just reminds me of a poor man. It’s a fair price to pay for the potential from Rudy. If you believe in Tibs like I do, you would hope he could instill some defense into Rudy. I mean, honestly, the guy helped Nate Robinson become a decent defender so i’m sure he’ll help elevate Rudy’s D as well. All in all, it comes down to 20th selection of the draft (or worse hopefully) and James Johnson for Rudy. I’ll take my chances with Rudy.
I don’t think his defense is that bad. It’s not to the level of atrocious. You can’t put too much weight on 6 playoff games for a defensive rating. The sample size is small and he was not alone in having a horrible rating. Roy’s was 124 (with a good excuse though), Andre Miller-120, Batum-121, Bayless-122 and so on. Unless every single Trailblazer is among the worst defender at his position, I don’t think the ratings mean too much. They just had an awful series against a high-powered offensive team.
Rudy doesn’t possess many defensive tools or any really but what he does effectively is flop and irritate like crazy. He’s always on the wrong end of an elbow, drawing crazy technicals and flagrant fouls. It’s highly annoying but he’s irritating enough and has very developed flopping skills that he gets by on defense.
My comparison would be Sasha Vujacic but slightly different. Similar tactics on defense though Vujacic moves his feet better and plays more “hard-nosed” I suppose. On offense, Rudy’s a better ball handler and a much better passer. He’s actually a very good passer. Overall, I think he’s a very talented shooter, an above average playmaker and worth a draft pick in the 18-30 area.
Looks like Chicago is the one that has always totally cared about winning NBA titles year after year and Chicago signing all these key notable sharpshooters has always told the entire story while those losers in South Beach have always totally cared about being cowards and dwayne wade and lebron james have always told the entire story,not to mention the Bulls have always been the NBA’s most loyal organization that has totally treated it’s current and former superstars like no one else,possibly in sports,never mind the NBA.I can guarantee anyone there will be feuding and controversy between lebron james and dwayne wade on who will keep the ball longer and who will take the game-winner,while this Bulls team will be ready to upset Miami in the postseason,forget about Chicago even beating down these fools down to the wire in the regular season.GO BULLS!!!!!
Okay, so we picked up Bogans, as leverage with Fernandez. Not so bad. He doesn’t do anything that wows you, but he appears to be a very good ball handler, at least as far as turnovers go. And, he has worked with Stan Van Gundy, Scott Skiles and Popovich, so he can handle a defensive-minded, demanding coach. I would have been very happy to have Flip Murray back on the team, but honestly, CJ Miles will provide plenty of slashing and jacking off the bench…. so this is… ok.
We just signed Keith freakin Bogans. I thought we were going after a shooter and not some scrub. Im booing Paxson/Forman next time I run into them at a Bulls game. We need some brains in our front office if we ever plan on being Titleworthy again. And don;t give me the Calos Boozer signing because he came due to Derrick Rose being here. And we only got Derrick Rose due to fluking out on the lottery.
Ho Hum…
Signing Bogans is the right thing to do. It’s a safety signing. But it highlights the biggest remaining weakness on this Bulls roster – an athletic starting wing that can create his own shot and shoot 3s, a true offensive weapon of all-star quality. When Bulls can fill that void they will be a contender. Until that time they’re just a solid playoff team competing for the Central division title.
But Bulls are in position to strike when an opportunity presents itself between now and the February trading deadline. They just have to wait for the right deal and they will.
Portland undoubtedly is asking too much for Rudy Fernandez and Bulls are right to refuse and keep their draft picks – especially the Charlotte/Tyrus pick.
Edward Richards
Chicago
Wow, we signed Bogans to be the 12th man and everyone’s ready to shit their pants. He’s not great, but who cares?
Isn’t it hilarious that GarPax gets no credit whatsoever for the good things they’ve done (Noah, Rose, Boozer, Brewer, etc.) but all the credit for picking up junk vets to round out the very bottom of the roster?
JJ and a pick is not too much for him at all. I think Rudy could add a lot to the team and really grow with the young nucleus we have. I would be very happy if we got him for a first round pick and JJ.
Hey complainers about Bogans, look at his shooting stats. He is a better shooter than Flip Murray and he’s not far behind Rudy F. He hit .357 from 3pt range and was 50 of 102 or 49% inside of 3 pt range. Rudy F shot .368 from 3pt range last season, and complained about playing 23 min/game. That will make Bogans the 3rd best 3pt shooter on the Bulls behind Korver (.536) and Deng (.386). It will be interesting to see where he fits in the rotation. Bogans could play some SF.
Now as I think about it, I agree with most of you people about Rudy Fernandez trade deal.
He is not worth giving up Taj Gibson and the Bulls 1st round draft pick. If anything he is worth giving up only James Johnson and Bogans who we just sign lol.
Not that I got anything against Keith Bogans but, he really won’t get that much minutes. (5-8 minutes if he is lucky lol)
Thats if Portland is willing to give up Rudy of course, if not o0o we still have the trading deadline to find a better deal, which the Bulls will.
Now the Bulls need to focus on adding another PG! to complete their 13 man roster like: Rafer Alston, Earl Watson or John Lucas III to backup: Rose and C.J Watson and then we will be set for this season to start. Watch out: Miami, Boston and Orlando here we come!
I forgot we have Charlotte’s FIrst RD pick. Not that I am like this but maybe Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will miss a lot with injuries or whatever and the Bobcats will be positioned to get a TOp 3-5 Lottery pick. I mean if they stay healthy and all they are at least a 7, 8, or 9 rank in East, which won;t score a great lottery pick unless a fluke happens. Oh wait this is STephen Jackson maybe he will go into the stands and punch people out again lol, getting suspended. Plus if the Bobcats suck big time by FEB then that pick will help a lot for a trade.
Man, not thrilled about the Bogans signing. I hope those that think it is a good signing are right and it works out. I just don’t see him being a big contributor. He played limited minutes on a Spurs team that was a shell of its former self last year. I was hoping for more. Maybe a deal down the line could be made. I like the talent on our squad and can’t wait to see how well the can play together. I hope their foundation is being a very tough minded team. Coach T seems like a guy that would teach and preach mental toughness. We need a never say die attitude every game needs to be important. The Bulls are a team that need to go out a prove that the can be a contender for years to come.
@ Savage, I do not think 19 minutes a game is limited minutes for the 12th man on the roster. On top of that he didn’t complain about it. The Bulls do not need someone who complains about playing 23 minutes a game like Fernandez did in Portland, on a winning team.
If we look at the Bulls roster going into this upcoming season it is much deeper than the past 2 seasons. I am concerned about the bigs (C, PF) depth and the PG depth, but only in the event of injury. I think that I would describe my thoughts about this coming season as excitement.
I would not be surprized to see the Bulls try Brewer and/or Korver as the possible 3rd PG. With the Possibility of converting JJ to a 2/3 that would end the search for another guard and allow for the addition of another C/PF which I think we will need for depth. Especially if the conversion project with JJ goes forward.
I do consider 19 minutes limited floor time. I just think some here are overestimating how much Bogans will really contribute. He clearly is not a game changer. That said we signed him for almost nothing and only one year guaranteed giving us almost the same salary flexibility we had before we signed him. Neither Brewer or Korver will play point. All the point minutes will go to Rose and Watson. We will only add another point if one of them gets hurt. Rose will be playing major minutes and what Watson is very capable of picking up the rest. I don’t see why so many here are calling for another point. Sometimes if someone goes down you need to add another player at that position as the Jazz did last year. No big deal. Another big wont hurt but at this point the Bulls are planning to sign another player if someone goes down for significant time.
Rudy Fernandez is a “sexy” guy because he has name recognition.
Bogans is a better player for this team. As some others have pointed out, his stats are as good or better than some clearly softer players.
Is he a game changer? He can be if he’s paired against the 2nd unit or if he can slow down better wing and help with match-ups.
As a roster rounds out, teams have to get value at each price point, this guy is a good deal for a 12th man. He’s also signed to a one year contract with a 2nd year team option.
Matt Steigenga sez “Not that I am like this but maybe Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace will miss a lot with injuries or whatever and the Bobcats will be positioned to get a TOp 3-5 Lottery pick.”
StacJack might implode, he gets pissed when the roster changes – Bobcats lost a bunch of vets.
The key is Tyrus and Livingston. If Tyrus can play to his potential and Livingston’s knees hold up, our pick will be in the bottom half of the 1st round.
@ BoppinBob,
For the last time our depth on PF-C is set with: PF: Boozer, PF-C: Gibson, SF-PF: Deng, PF-C: Omer, PF-C: Noah and PF-C: Thomas in case one of these guys get hurt.
Plus we can always sign a player like Chris Richard again, to a small deal if one of our key players go down with huge injury.
What the Bulls are really lacking on right now is another PG! Since we only have D. Rose and C.J Watson that can only play the point. The Bulls need to sign: Rafer Alston, Earl Watson or John Lucas III and then we will be set like I mention before with great backup players!
DJ: “What the Bulls are really lacking on right now is another PG! Since we only have D. Rose and C.J Watson that can only play the point. ”
yes and it’s even more dire at the PG position.
CJ Watson isn’t a PG, he’s a hybrid. Warriors need a PG but let him go b/c Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are both 6’3″ and hybrid guards. Watson couldn’t run the offense and he was their third of a kind.
Brewer may have to step in and bring up the ball form time to time.
Bogans is good sign. He will fit right into Thibs system. He can guard 3 positions, decent 3 point shooter, can play a little point guard, can take the ball to the basket, and will not complain about his minutes.
Rudy has talent, but the only thing he’s proven he can do well in the NBA is hit the 3. Rudy needs to take better percentage shots, improve his defense, improve his ball handling, and not be afraid to go to the rim in the NBA. Rudy is only 25yrs old and can improve his game, especially given he’s 6’6 and athleticaly talented. But, is Rudy motivated to improve his game or does he want to just give up and go back to Spain? I don’t know. That is why I would not trade Taj for Rudy. Taj is a proven NBA Starting Power Forward willing to improve his game and will be in the NBA for a very long time. Rudy is a risk for any team that gets him and is a work in progress shooting gaurd. Rudy is not part of Portland’s regular rotation anymore and if Portland does not want the Bulls generous offer of a first round pick for Rudy, then Bulls should just move on. Bulls will be fine with D. Rose and Boozer.
Joe, come on just admit he is not a game changer and leave it at that. Anyone who says he is a game changer may not have seen him play before. He is an okay signing since it is only one year guaranteed for a very reasonable price. He can play defense, provide hustle, and hit an occasional three and is another veteran addition. I am happy with the squad, but would I rather have Rudy than Bogans and JJ yes in a heartbeat. Maybe even quicker than a heartbeat.
Can we please put the PG position to rest… CJ Watson WILL PLAY MOST OF HIS MINUTES AT THE POINT GUARD POSITION. And he is qualified to do just that. I have seen plenty of his game. He played almost all of his minutes at the PG position for the Warriors. He can play and will play primarily the PG position. 2 quality PGs (which we have) is enough to start a season with in my opinion. And apparently the opinion of the front office as well. I can’t remember the last time fans were so confused on what position each player will fill. I guess we have a lot of new additions but if you watch a lot of BBall you have seen what position they played before we got them. I think it is pretty safe to assume the new acquisitions will play primarily the position(s) they had played before they came to the team.
Chicago has added quite a few weapons since acquiring Boozer from Utah,while Miami has just added Mike Miller since acquiring lebron james and chris bosh,not to mention superstars on one team have never even won NBA titles and the 2004 Lakers have always told the entire story and these Bulls are the exact opposite of so many teams because they want to totally mind their own business and win multiple NBA titles during and even after D’Rose and Noah leave the Windy City. GO BULLS!!!!!!
@ DJ,
At least you have stopped mentioning JJ as a backup at PF/C, if he sticks it will be as third option at SF and possibly SG. As far as Deng as a backup at PF, he is too soft to spend very much time as a PF. Omer Asik is a project that is 1-2 years from providing any quality time at either C/PF. That leaves the Bulls with Boozer, Noah, Thomas and Gibson. While they are solid, any foul trouble and the Bulls are screwed. The only real banger/enforcer the Bulls have is Thomas.
I don’t see Asik or Deng filling that role any time soon. A moose to give fouls and be an enforcer is needed more than a PG. In a pinch Brewer could help at the PG role.
I believe JJ will stick and improve and contribute as a SF/SG at sometime in the future. Possibly even toward the end of this coming season.
That’s my opinion, you have yours, we agree on some and disagree on others. You want a PG, I want a big, maybe they go with 12.
“CJ Watson WILL PLAY MOST OF HIS MINUTES AT THE POINT GUARD POSITION. ”
He’s still a hybrid guard, a “tweener” who plays PG in the NBA. I’d feel more comfortable with a 3rd PG on the team.
From the Mercurynews…final grade for Watson’s 2nd season.
What doesn’t show up in the stat line, however, are the subtle improvements in his game. After seemingly blowing every at-the-rim conversion attempt last season, Watson finally started finishing his drives. On defense, he still lapsed into his old matador ways on occasion, but also showed a great eye for the passing lanes and a better sense for when to cut off penetration. He still can’t run a fast break to save his life and is far more of a tweener than either Curry or Ellis, but he’ll have value on the free agent market among teams with nothing but a mid-level exception to spend.
…
If Watson commands more than $2 million per year on the open market, I’d be happy to part ways with him and look for a truer point guard to replace him on the bench. But given Watson’s familiarity with Nelson’s system and the team’s professed desire last off-season to retain him long-term, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Warriors end up matching whatever deal he receives. You can do much worse than Watson in the world of back-up point guards — but that doesn’t mean the Warriors shouldn’t try to do better.
ADAM LAURIDSEN ON MAY 3RD, 2010
Not such a big deal. The 10th man on the team does not need to be a game changer. Actually, he is supposed to be an anti-changer … hold a lead or keep a deficit where it is … I’ll say it again, low turnovers and he has played a good role for three very good coaches. It is almost like the Bulls are treating free agency the way they draft by taking players from good systems, when possible. Actually, he is a great compliment to CJ Watson, as Watson has good scoring upside and Bogans can clearly run a system – potential and stability. To state the obvious, I think it helps a coach when knows what to expect from a player – especially a ball-handling guard. Let’s ask the question: Is he an upgrade Jannero? Cause Watson replaces Flip and Bogans takes Pargo’s cargo.
(*over Jannero)
@ Boppinbob
I never said J.J was a PF-C, I said he was a SF-PF last season and now I believe he is going to play the SG-SF this season depending on the match ups since he lost some weight and he is a lot quicker on his feet.
I think Omer will start out slow this season like I said before but, he is going to get some minutes for sure behind Kurt Thomas. Remember their is a reason why the Bulls decided to bring him this season. They feel he can help out the Bulls right way with his size.
Deng on the other hand is a SF-PF player depending on the match ups. Trust me, he has done it before but, mostly he is going to play the SF position.
R u serious about Brewer or J.J playing the PG position behind Rose and Watson? I don’t think so! lol
Your are right on one thing, we both think differently, I feel like the Bulls are weak right now on their PG depth and your feel that they are weak right now on their big guy depth.
We will see who is right when, the Bulls make their finial decision for the 13 spot player. Hopefully they will end up with another PG, since we need one badly in case Rose or Watson go down with a huge injury.
omer is a good add, he needs to improve his body but has good euopean style skills.
yes, rudy will be a good fit-but not for taj in exchange… portland is under pressure…hope they will accept johnson.
instead of bogans i wished to bring flip back.
we have a good and deep rooster!
You do not read very closely. I never said JJ would play at PG, I said SG. And yes, Brewer could end up being our third PG in a pinch. If Rose or Watson are injured, then the Bulls will go and get another PG as Savage suggests.
I think the Bulls brought Asik over now to begin building his strength and stamina. If they get any substantial minutes this season it will be a bonus. Did you see how that guard manhandled him in the video? Like most European big men, when they first get to the NBA, he is soft. He definitely has skills and will contribute in the future.
I apologize for mis-stating your view of JJ’s positions. You have stated SF/PF all along. I think he has potential as a SF/SG, if the Bulls can wait for him to develop.
When you say “We will see who is right…”, what you mean is who is predicting what Pax/Gar will do. That does not make either one of us right, it makes us good predictors of an action. What proves us right is how the season unfolds.
This just in from jeff van gundy.miami will break Chicago’s all-time record of 72 wins,[OHH HELL NO],this all time record of 72 wins may be the safest record of all records because these 72 wins will be immortal.The Bulls are the owners of this record of 72 wins and yet they won’t ever even break their own record by tallying off more than 72 wins,while every other team stands a [zero chance].Those stupid 72 dolphins will die totally soon when someone pulls off a 19-0 perfection and Ican guarantee anyone someone will go 19-0 soon in the near future,especially after those Patriots totally threatened perfection in 2007,that 72-win Bulls team is [immortal/4ever].GO BULLS BABY.
@BoppinBob From what I’ve seen from Brewer in games in the regular season and playoffs with Utah, I don’t remember seeing Brewer ever playing the point guard position, but have seen him play the small forward position. On the other hand, I have seen Bogans play the point gaurd position on numerous occasions with San Antonio and Orlando. Also, I believe Asik was signed by the Bulls to play at least 10-15 mins a game off the bench and was not signed to just build strength and stamina during the season. IMO, the best way to gain strength and stamina as well as learn the NBA game is by playing in actual games.
I would have preferred signing an unsigned rookie,because I have always been totally inspired/influenced by the baseball’s Braves building through the draft and building less through free-agency but signing Rudy Fernandez is a great choice regardless.GO BULLS!!!!!
LOL, Joe he is not a tweener. He is barely 6’2 and has no chance of guarding an average height 2 guard. We already had that experiment with Ben Gordon. A 6’2 SG simply does not cut it in this league. As I said before Watson will play most if not all his minutes at the PG position and he is quite capable of doing so. It seems like Bull’s fans consistently have to complain about something. Oh he is good but is a tweener ect… CJ is a very good backup pg and we will see that this year. I guess we can pick this discussion up again when the season starts and we see what position he plays.
Really like this Bogans addition. The FO seems content with what they already had and confident that they would be able to challenge. This team is should definitely win at least 1 playoff game and I think has a ceiling of (and could reasonably win) 2 playoff games (putting them in the ECF).
It shows the FO is still concerned with the future. Rudy would have been nice. Easily the more attractive piece. But in taking Bogans when ensure ourselves of a 1st round pick next year (that Bobcats pick isn’t until 2012 and is heavily protected so I don’t think we’ll actually see it until 2014-2015 when it will be a mid lotty pick…Bobcats mights become pretty bad). Adding Rudy wasn’t going to all of a sudden make the Bulls legitimate title contenders this year (Lakers still would have their way with us) and I don’t think the FO wanted to give up a 1st for a guy wasn’t going to be a game-changer this year and likely leave after his contract ends (I think in two years).
First – Yes a legit all-around starting SG is still the hole on this team. If we could find a top 10 SG (that fits this squad) I think we really would be title contenders. Of course there is the possibility of a trade this year but there are also some very attractive options in 2011 free agency. This is of course a risky route to take because of the new CBA/possible lockout. But on ShamSports it says that with salaries and cap holds the Bulls will be at 63 million next summer. That is obviously over the cap, so I believe that means the Bulls are left with the mid-level exception correct? So I figure they’ll be able to offer about 5-6 mil/year contract. I’d rank attractive SG in that free agency as this:
JR SMITH
SHANE BATTIER
KELENNA AZIBUIKE
MARCUS THORTON
JAMAL CRAWFORD
I think Crawford would fit amazing with the Bulls but I put him last b/c I know he really wants to re-sign with the Hawks and he’d be the most expensive, outta our range probably.
SMITH is perfect. Yes, he’s a chucker, but he’s proven (even after bit of a slump last year) to be a sharpshooter. Plus he’s got size at 6’6″. He’s young and athletic, would run the floor beautifully with Rose’s Bulls. Can’t remember much about his defensive effort, but even so he’s basically Ben Gordon and a real SG body. And when you have Brewer splitting min with you he can come in to keep the likes of Wade, Bryant, Johnson from going off on us. Could you imagine if we has SMITH and KORVER in 2011. It’s gotta be what Rose is dreaming for. If Denver re-signs Melo will you think they can still hold on to Smith? If the Bulls used all their mid-level exception could they land him?
BATTIER would be great too. Played with Thibs at Houston is arguably the best defensive SG out there. He would make the Bulls easily the #1 defensive team. Not to mention his .385 career 3pt% (has made about 100 or more threes the last 4 seasons). He’s a little older (would be 32), but I love the guys character. He’d be a wonderful presence for this team. I don’t feel like Houston is going to let him go, but you never know. Would the full MLE be enough to sign him?
KELENNA and THORNTON are two of the best young SG in the league. I’d wanna see first how KELENNA responds to his injury, but he’s a real big guard with great altheticism. Can really rebound. Shoots the three pretty well from the time he’s been given. THORNTON had an excellent rookie season. Shoots amazingly from long-range. I think he could be a nice long-term piece to grow and develop the starting backcourt with Rose.
What do you guys like of the Bulls chances finding that last piece in FA next year? All-in-all I’m very happy with Bogans signing. Helps fill out the roster this year with a guy that won’t complain about min, has played with Thibs before, and does some efficient dirty work in limited time. To me, this really opens hte door for Watson to get some big min at the SG. It would be awesome if he could excel, hit a high clip of 3s, and defend well enough. I’m not worried too much about another PG (d-league would be enough just for depth). If Watson is the floor as the PG I’m sure Brewer will also be out there and bring the ball up or set the offense. He’s a very good ball-handler and I get he impression he has a high b-ball IQ (the years under Sloan can’t hurt). CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START!!!
ONE LOVE
the world championships of basketball is coming..why not wait to see a good player from this tournament.it will be a lot of good shooters there…
@Treydog, did you see the scouting report and accompanying video of Asik. He was moved out of rebounding position by a guard. He was bounced around like a feather by European players. What will NBA players do to him? Right now he looks like a good high school player.
Bulls4ever Jeff Van Gundy said the Miami Cheat will break the 72-10 record???? Oh HECKS NO Mr. Van Gundy. I knew someone would get all hard overexcited about that Heat trio and say a dumb comment like “They will break the 72-10 mark.” They have DWade to be their MJ (even though we all know MJ is way better), LEbron to be their Pippen (Lebron may be more aggressive to score but Pippen is way better defensively and can play more positions), and Bosh and Rodman are totally different players as one looks to score only (Bosh) and the other wants to fo the tough work such as guard SHaq in his prime, etc (Rodman)—thats one Pt in case, their frontline is no where near the toughness of that 72-10 Bulls frontline, heck they aren’t even tougher than the Boozer/Noah frontline. Also does this Miami team have a Toni Kukoc player off the bench to light go provide instant offense, capable of scoring 40 PTS any given night and getting double figure REB, and playing any position from the 1 to the 4? NOPE. Heck 72-10 Bulls bench is much better and deeper. STeve Kerr>>>Eddie House (who will try to be their Steve Kerr). And Phil JAckson>>>>>>>>Erik SPolstra.
And I am also sorry Boppinbob for miss understanding your comment. You are right, you never said anything about J.J being a backup PG but, I still think you are crazy for saying Brewer is capable of playing the PG position behind Rose and Watson. lol
If anything J.J has a better chance of becoming a potential PG since he has played that position before in high school.
Beside the guy we just sign Bogans he is more capable of playing the PG position then Brewer! but, he is not the type of guy that can make everyone better like Rose. That is why I am saying we need another TRUE PG like: Earl Watson, Rafer Alston, Jamaal Tinsley or John Lucas III.
To me these guys are the best candidates for that 3rd PG spot if Rose or Watson get hurt with a huge injury. (hopefully not!)
As for Omer Asik I ready said what I needed to say about him and I am pretty sure he is going to get some minutes. (Hint: he is a fast learner like Gibson.)
And the reason why I said we will see who is right is because you make yourself sound like Pax/Gar are going to choose another big guy and I think they are going to go after a PG for that final 13 spot.
For Jeff Van Gundy comment, their is no way the Miami Heat will win more games then the Bulls did with their 72-10 recorded. Their are to many good teams out their that improve their roster like the Bulls did.
GO BULLS!!!
@BoppinBob I agree with you that there are question marks regarding Asik, but unfortunately feel that the Bulls have made a commitment to play Asik at least 10-15 mins a game or else they would have signed a more proper backup center instead of settling for the 6’9 Kurt Thomas who is old, undersized, and has been playing less mins over the years. Noah is going to play the majority of the time anyways, but there are centers/forwards still available thru free agency.
Centers/Power Forwards Still Available:
Lou Amundson
Kwame Brown
Josh Boone
Chris Richards
Savage,
CJ Watson is a hybrid guard whose only hope for playing in the NBA is to play point or 2 guard in crazy Nellie’s small ball system.
I’ve seen 2 years of warrior’s games. He has been learning how to play PG in Nelson’s system. The guy’s gotten better but….
W’s let him go because he’s their third tweener, behind Ellis and Curry.
What happened to acie law
72-10 Bulls forever.
Now to the present. I really think your gonna see Luol Deng have a great yr this yr. Remember for the past 5 (okay maybe his whole career) we have put expectations on him to be the best player on this team or second best (when Rose came we excpected 2nd best). Honestly I think thats why we look at him as “I’m not satisfied with Deng”, because he can;t live up to those expectations and it got him out of his game a lot. Now with Boozer here and Noah surpassing him, Deng is the 4th best option on this team and that will take a load off his mind and be able to free him up to do his strengths. Spot up jump-shooting, slashing and cutting without the ball to get easy hoops or open jumpers (and constantly moving without the ball ala Rip Hamilton—which will wear out whoever guards him), and he can focus more on being a shutdown defender and play passing lanes beter with Coach T’s Defensive system (heads and shoulders above Vinny’s system). I mean the way I see it we already have 3 all-stars (okay some of them potential)in Rose, Boozer, and Noah—-the same number that Miami has. Our 4th best player—Luol Deng, is heads and shoulders above whoever their fourth best player is.
Joe, I live in the bay area and watched plenty of Warriors games. I know Nellie has a crazy system but Watson is a point guard. And I hate to argue over small things but it seems like too many people are trying to say certain players can/will play multiple positions when they can’t. Like saying Brewer will play point or Gibson can play SF. Not sure where people get these ideas. Do you honestly think Watson will play any substantial time at the SG position in Coach T’s system? A barely 6’2 shooting guard? I think your lack of enthusiasm on Watson will only be cured by watching him shine as a solid back up PG that can bring a lot to the table with the second unit. I think he will quickly so you won’t have long to wait. Can’t wait for the season the start!
we should just pick up a Vet like Jerry Stackhoouse and call it a day. dude can drop buckets and from being on Dallas you can tell he can get hot quick off the bench