This draft has officially driven me insane

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 15, 2006 12:32 AM CDT in News Comment 71 comments

This site has gone bananas with the comments/diaries lately. I can't remember a draft with such chaos at the very top, everybody seems to have their own ideas for what Pax should do on draft night. But don't worry, there's nothing I like more than making mean-spirited generalizations, so I think I have everyone figured out! You're likely in one (or actually...more than one) of the following groups:

Don't be an idiot, take Tyrus Thomas: He can, uh, jump high. Disappeared in a few games over the season, but came up big in a couple tourney games I had money on! Nobody cares if he's really 6'7" and he thinks he's a SF. The unquestioned success of the Phoenix Suns proves that you don't need a player over 6'7" on the floor, ever.
Don't be an idiot, take LaMarcus Aldridge: We need a post scorer, he can score in the post. Can it be any more simple than that? May have some competitive issues, but that worked out fine with Eddy Curry. Plus he's a little thin. But...so....tall! Finally, saying "the man in the middle" when introducing the starting lineups will have some substance!
Don't be an idiot, take Brandon Roy: He's the most NBA ready, which means he may never be any good. But he won't let passes bounce off his face that first season, which always makes me sad. Doesn't fill our most pressing need, but the Phoenix Suns have proved with their back-to-back NBA championships that you can field a roster with all guards.
Don't be an idiot, take Rudy Gay: Best chance at being a superstar, even though he didn't really feel the need to do so in college. And you always take best available, unless you're the Hawks and you get mercilessly ripped on for doing so. Doesn't matter that he plays the same position as Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni. I can tell this guy is better than those two because I once saw a clip on youtube of him dunking over 3 guys from Rutgers. It was sick, really, you should check it out.
Don't be an idiot, take Adam Morrison: How many times have we needed someone to take the big shot in a close game? Those high-pressure WAC games will prepare him well for NBA crunch-time. And the Phoenix Suns have proven in their multi-decade-spanning dynasty that you do not need to play defense.
Don't be an idiot, take Andrea Bargnani: Do YOU want to be the guy who passes up on the next Dirk? How about the next Skita? I don't care if he likes to play in the perimeter, those European guys are known to be tough, he'll relish the painted area in the NBA. And the Phoenix Suns, who I need not remind you have forced the NBA to have the play a team of all-stars every night because of their dominance, have proven that the more foreign players you have, the better. And have you seen the 'Da Brat'-backed highlight clip?
Don't be an idiot, trade the picks for a veteran: Shhhh....nobody knows that this draft class is weak, but I do. And we can use that secret knowledge to our advantage. Pierce for #2 and Duhon? Garnett for #2 and Sweetney? It's the #2 pick! You can't win with all kids, but luckily the Bulls will be the only team that realizes it, so trading for veterans should be easy.
Don't be an idiot, trade the picks for a 2007 pick: Shhhh.....there's this guy coming out next season, his name is Greg Oden. Nobody knows about him, but I do. So we can get another teams 2007 pick and not tell them that the '07 draft class is way stronger than this one!

Everybody accounted for? I think deep down I'm 'Aldridge guy'. I have a feeling Pax may have predisposition to becoming 'Thomas guy'. Which Bulls fan are you?

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lol

by smegmatic on Jun 15, 2006 12:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

Love the trades

by rquinsee on Jun 15, 2006 12:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

serenity now!

I was thinking on the same wavelength for awhile.

Of course I cannot deny it, I'm an Aldridge guy.

Is this reflective of our true natures?

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 12:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

by "Is"

I mean, the guy we want drafted...

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This diary is right on target...

I think I am the Aldridge guy as well because I think we need size and then we could move Chandler back to the 4. Although I hope he can develop a mean streak in him that might go along with experience and added weight. 2nd choice at 2: Thomas.

by RingItUp26 on Jun 15, 2006 1:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Matt - thought you would enjoy this

I am not there on Alderidge but I'll keep an open mind

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12844408/

by cje on Jun 15, 2006 1:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

great article

here is another:
http://www.nwherald.com/SportsSection/pro/295118796338531.php

key quote from superscout Marty Blake:

"There aren't that many classic big men who deserve to go high in the draft," NBA scouting director Marty Blake said. "He's as close as you're going to get to fitting that profile of the prototypical big man who can be a force for you inside."

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Aldridge was only a Sophomore last year, and is only 20 years old. The guy is unbelievably talented and can still develop his game considerably as this comment from Draft Express seems to indicate:

It wouldn't be a stetch to say that the game comes easy to him and that he is just now beginning to scrape the surface on his vast potential.

Vast potential. I like the sound of that. My biggest concern with this guy seems to be his lack of aggressiveness, but he appears to be a hard worker with a good attitude. With the atmosphere the Bulls are cultivating, I think that Aldridge can develop a bit more aggressiveness and be a great talent in the big show.

With that being said, I was initially in the "Don't be an idiot, take Tyrus Thomas" camp, but I've since changed my tune. I think we try and get Aldridge while doing whatever it takes to get Brewer.

Although if anyone thinks differently I no longer think they're an idiot. This draft is too insane to get a handle on.

The backboard is your friend.

my blog

by simplesinger on Jun 15, 2006 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One last thing...

This was a great post Matt. Way to give the draft craziness some perspective. This Bulls team is built on defense, it is not going to become the Suns 2.0.

The backboard is your friend.

my blog

by simplesinger on Jun 15, 2006 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

trying to keep an open mind

Pax has proven to have a sharp eye for talent. I didn't think Hinrich was a great pick at the time, but those two sure proved me wrong (and a lot of you guys too). So if Aldridge turns out to be the pick, so be it, I'll just have go with it and become a fan. Anyway, Pax has made it clear he understands the value of a special player. If he sees one, I trust he'll take him.

I'm originally from Minnesota (the Bulls are my team) so I've watched as a team searches high and low for a competent big man. Two picks in particular were absolute folly:

Felton Spencer (6th, 1990)
Luc Longley (7th, 1991)

Longley eventually became a great role player here in Chicago, once he was asked to do what he really had a talent for - standing in the middle like a mountain and passing the ball to MJ and Pip - but that was after years in the wilderness. I'd hate for the Bulls to overvalue a player simply because he's tall.

For those bashing the Suns comparison, simmer down. It's just the easiest way of describing a team that likes to push the ball. Dallas plays that way, too. In this year's playoff, when the Bulls played fast and spaced the floor, they gave Miami more trouble than anyone else in the east. It's a viable style for this team. Besides, the Bulls defense is light years ahead of the Suns.

I trust Pax.

by jamestkirk on Jun 15, 2006 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Style

I agree that the Bulls space the floor and played at a high pace like the Suns, but there seems to be an idea that you don't need big men or defenders (or even set positions) any more because the Suns proved you can win their way. Problem being they have an extremely talented and versatile group of players to go along with Nash.

Dallas plays up-tempo, but they still have two huge centers in Dampier and Diop.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 15, 2006 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beef

I agree completely, getting some real beef up front is huge priority. But if Pax doesn't like Aldridge, they should be able to address this in FA.

by jamestkirk on Jun 15, 2006 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

skillz

There is no big man in FA with Aldridge's array of offensive skillz (especially post moves). Plus, he is always working on them all the time. The dude has a sky hook.

That makes you wonder, why haven't Nazr, Przy, Nene, Wilcox or every other big man developed a sky hook during all their years in the league?

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sky hook

Here's what he has to say about it on Draft Express:

Jonathan Watters: What is one attribute of yours that you'll be able to use right away in the NBA?
Lamaracus Aldridge: Beyond my mobility, I would say my sky hook. That's the most unstoppable shot in the NBA, so I feel like if I went out tomorrow I could get my sky hook off on anybody.

The backboard is your friend.

my blog

by simplesinger on Jun 15, 2006 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

skillz part deux

Of the top 35 scores this year, only 6 did most of their work down low.

E. Brand (11th)
C. Bosh (15th)
Y. Ming (16th)
J. O'Neil (27th)
S. O'Neil (28th)
T. Duncan (35th)

Those are guys teams try to build around. All six possess at least one or two of the following traits:
1.    Overwhelming size
2.    Top-flight skill
3.    A motor that doesn't stop

Again, I trust Pax. If he thinks Aldridge has the potential to be a top-flight center then by all means he should take him. To me, the only category Aldridge potentially has is top-flight skill. If Pax doesn't see this, I would argue he'd best be served by going with a big, beefy front line, one that could be easily assembled through free agency.

As to the question about why so many bigs don't work on their game, I think it's because they either know their limitations, they're young or they're lazy. Why hasn't Bruce Bowen worked on his one-on-one skills? Because he knows it would be a waste of time - a hundred guys in the league have better skills than him - and besides, he still wants to draw an NBA salary.

by jamestkirk on Jun 15, 2006 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am definitely Aldridge guy...

and Morrison played in the WCC, not the WAC.

by Whitebacon on Jun 15, 2006 4:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

gargh

I knew I should've looked that up.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 15, 2006 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only know

because I live in Fresno, and probably would have gone to the game had the Zags been in town for a conference game.

by Whitebacon on Jun 15, 2006 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

one thing is for certain

Matt is NOT a Pheonix Suns guy
and thats a good thing, I think, since his is a Bulls Blog
Has he ever one team more often in one post that wasn't a game thread?
And I'm leaning more toward Aldridge now cuz Ty2's "playing the 3 and outside game" comments have scared me. Of course if he is a good SF the Bulls could deal from a position of strength in next year's "stronger" draft
and this is the craziest draft I've ever seen having no clear cut #1-3; it should make for some awful gnashing of teeth by lots of fans

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 5:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't be an idiot...

Next year is promised to no man, so the focus should be this year's draft.

Were the Bulls to draft Aldridge this year, does that automatically preclude them from drafting Oden (or Noah for that matter) next year should the Knicks' #1 be #1 and fall into the Bulls' lap? Of course not; teams don't pass on Shaq, Yao or Lebron.

But who knows what fortunes lie ahead for the Bulls and the Knicks.

So back to this year's draft and what is certain: the Bulls will be able to draft a very good player regardless of need or BPA. And reality tells me that the Bulls are still a few years off barring a trade for a superstar. I guess what I'm saying is that I wish I would stop hearing about the 2007 draft when 2006's draft isn't for another 13 days.

I think CRG put it best when he said keep moving forward. There's a natural progression of things in the NBA unlike other pro sports where a team can vault out of nowhere and win the whole damn thing (think 2005 White Sox and the one strange outta-nowhere team that makes the Superbowl each year), and I'm happy for the Bulls outlook and growth. But it ain't gonna happen overnight, and it probably ain't gonna happen this year (although I'm keeping my fingers crossed).

So, uh, don't be an idiot and, uh, draft Aldridge?
Matt was right in the first place: this draft is driving me crazy too. It must be...I'm doling out admonishments. Someone give me a shot and a beer, quick.

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 5:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Don't be an Idiot

Trade down. In every weak draft you are still going to have futre All-Stars. What we need is a higher percentage of picks so we have a better chance of getting lucky. Trade #2 & pick up a veteran Big man with more picks.

Check it out! Our #2 can go to Minnisota for their #6 plus Eddie Griffin. Then trade Mike Sweetney, Songaila and the #6 to New Orleans (they need to get younger at the 4 and 5 position) for PJ Brown, that SG Arvydas, along with their #12 and #15. From all the Draft projections I've seen either Sheldon Williams, Patrick O'Bryant or Cedric Simmons will be available at #12 and then we get the two best big guards with defense and passing ability left in the draft at #15 @ #16. Ronnie Brewer, Mardy Collins and Thabo Sefolosha seem to be leading the pack in this catogory and all of them could be available at 15 and 16.

Adding PJ Brown and a shot blocking PF who can stretch the D with 3-point range(Griffin)would be huge for us. Let's be realistic in any draft (especially a draft like this) you never know who is the sure thing so lets go for percentage.

by davidmccauley on Jun 15, 2006 6:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Suffer the little children to come unto me

3 more rookies are the key for the Bulls?
PJ brown is getting really old (37 this years) and is nearly the player AD was, so there's no worth getting him when we could just sign AD for much less money.
And Eddie Griffin? After his injury year, he's regressed. Granted he's young enough to rebound, but he's less of a roll player than Pryz or Wilcox would be.

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Check the stats

PJ Brown gets the job done. Check his stats vs Nene, Przybilla or Nazr and even Magloire. They more than match up. He's a tough defender and is good at setting screens. Age is a non-issue if the dude is getting the job done. We aren't going to win the Championship next year but we can keep our young guys in a winning environment and sorround them with veterans who'll lead by example and show them how to play the game right. As for Griffin I'm glad he had a down year (offensively), he was still in the top 3 with blocks per minutes. Now we just ask for a high second rounder along with him. And I wasn't expecting him to be huge factor just a solid defensive role player.
Neither Brown or Griffin will be the long term solution, but the only true long term solution we'll find will be in the draft, because no team in their right mind trades away a true franchise center and that's what we need. Till then we get our young guys accustom to winning. Develop them and teach how to play right. We can make the playoffs for quite few years with our guards and our defense. And when we do get that center (maybe next year, shoot could be O'Bryant) then the team will be ready to back him up.

by davidmccauley on Jun 15, 2006 8:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

PJ

I really don't hate the PJ idea, I gotta admit. I'd be happy with him on the squad.

To be honest, its too late in the day for me to follow that flurry of trades, but the idea of multiplying picks is not inherently a bad one. In a draft like this, going 1 for 2 is a great idea. With the youth we already have, though, going 2 for 3 is probably more than we need. I'd say make your picks or trade 'em for vets.

by preverbal on Jun 15, 2006 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ambivalence

I would say that most Bulls fans like the team that they have now. Therefore we should add players (including picks) that compliment what we already have. It is true that we are missing a big defensive guard. Unfortunately, I think trading Duhon or Gordon will have to happen if Roy is drafted with the number two pick. That's is why I rather draft the big guard with our second pick (most likely wont ask for as many minutes). There is just no way for 4 guards that are as good as Hinrich, Duhon, Roy, and Gordon to share 96 minutes. Picking thomas seems like it would be the death of Luol Deng and all the potential he has. People don't understand that the Suns have been extremely lucky/and/or smart about building a specific team with a specific vision that is very hard to replicate. This whole lets have a small extremely athletic team and run is not going to become the norm in the NBA anytime soon. I still don't know though what should be done. I would probably be open to most things except picking another small forward or a small guard.

by Sambossanova on Jun 15, 2006 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Phoenix

That was exactly my point in bringing up Phoenix.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 15, 2006 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Be safe

Draft Aldridge. I'm still laughing out loud. lol for you pros out there.

Dalibor and Dragan!
Like Pizza? Me too.

by FAQ on Jun 15, 2006 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm uncommitted

Stats, highlight videos are all very nice but I've not seen anyone of these people in person, and that does make a difference.

Of course, the draft picks will get scrutinized, rated, praised and degraded but the true worth won't be known for a year at the earliest. It's not necessarily getting the best player ,but the best player for your team.

by KT on Jun 15, 2006 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Garnett for #2 and Sweetney?

Hey I'm in the Aldridge camp...but if you think Pax can pull that one off then that one I'm all for...no way in hell minnesota would do that

by MarcGldstn on Jun 15, 2006 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see initially the

Brandon Roy intangible benefit of not making us sad by letting the ball bounce off his head. Thanks for the POV change.

by cubbybear on Jun 15, 2006 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

from today's Daily Herald

Aldridge runs the floor well, has some credible post moves and can knock down a medium-range jumper. Some would say he's not an especially fluid athlete, and Aldridge admits to being awkward and uncoordinated before he got to high school.

So the biggest question regarding Aldridge is if he will simply be a competent NBA big man or if he has the chance to be special.

Here's an interesting comparison to two former college centers from the state of Texas: Tony Battie averaged 18.8 points and 11.8 rebounds during his final season at Texas Tech. Chris Mihm produced 17.7 points and 10.5 rebounds at Texas in 1999-2000.

Both turned in better college stats than Aldridge, both were top-10 draft picks and both have become decent, but very ordinary, NBA players.

The idea that Aldridge might have limited potential probably is the biggest reason he has ranked below LSU forward Tyrus Thomas and Washington guard Brandon Roy on the Bulls' draft board.

But nothing is set in stone. Thomas is scheduled to visit the Bulls today, while Roy is due in Saturday.

One argument in favor of Aldridge is he didn't get a chance to show all he could do in college. He took fewer shots than teammates P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson and often was the focus of opposing defenses.

by jamestkirk on Jun 15, 2006 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

All of this

just makes my head spin. Since there is no sure thing in this draft I will rely on Pax to do what is right for this team.

I will be on vacation in northern Minnesota the week of the draft so the only way I will see it is if I can find a sports bar somewhere. :(

by sue369 on Jun 15, 2006 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Glad we have Pax to make the decision...

I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to be excited on draft night no matter who's name is read off when the #2 pick is announced. It's fun to read the debates going back and forth about these guys, but we're basing our opinions on a small fraction of the information that Pax has undoubtedly gathered on these guys. I'm glad the Bulls have him to make the decision, and all of the scouting, personal workouts, interviews, dinners, etc. will lead him to make a good decision when all is said and done.

With our last GM...I remember a few years ago buying a newspaper in the gift shop of the resort in Cancun we were vacationing at to see what happened in the draft, only to shake my head in disbelief/disgust after reading that we traded our 20-and-10 power forward/model citizen for a high school player.

Go Pax!

by MMP on Jun 15, 2006 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

while I'm thinking of that trade...

One thing I forgot about the whole Elton Brand fiasco...there was actually a GM (at least I think that was his position) that screwed up that day just as bad as Krause. Michael Jordan actually turned down Brand for the #1 pick, demanding that the Bulls also throw in Crawford. When that didn't happen, he selected Kwame Brown, and the Bulls got the #2 pick for Brand. Shortly later, Jordan returned to basketball to play for the Wiz, which always puzzled me...If he was going to return, why not get an established player to play with in Brand, instead of a high schooler? Oh well, that's a long time ago....

by MMP on Jun 15, 2006 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MJ

Because his ego wouldn't allow him to make a trade with Krause unless he was completely ripping him off. Obviously, Brand for the #1 pick would have been a ripoff in itself, but that's hindsight.

by Big D on Jun 15, 2006 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome Post

This draft has consumed my of my thoughts and will likely intensify over the next 13 days. It's easily one of the 5 most important things in my life. Can I create a new category? "Don't be an idiot, hopefully the Raptors make the decision for us and we'll take the other big man" Bear (bare?) with me here, talking about it is therapeutic.

At first I was a Thomas guy. Thinking about how much fun it would be to watch him dunk on Zydrunas Ilgauskas 5 times a game. Then, like Kidd said, his "I'm a SF, etc" comments sent me running in the other direction. I was an Aldridge guy. The safe pick. As Matt said, "It's simple." THEN, I saw the question in the Trib the other day, and the Nash/Amare comparison was made. My head started spinning. I was back in the Thomas camp. Then, the official draft measurements are up at Draft Express and I see Thomas is 6'8.25 with shoes with a 7'3 wingspan. Certainly a little on the small side for an NBA PF. Back to Aldridge again, who is 6'10 barefoot! There's that size they need.

As Stephen A Smith would say: THE BOTTOM LINE for me, is that I'm still a Thomas guy. Still. Mainly because of his energy, upside, and "motor." All the key draft buzzwords. The mean streak, desire, and passion are characteristics that the TRUE NBA Superstars have. The killer instinct. I'm not a Thomas guy b/c I'm envisioning "The Suns 2.0" as someone else said, I'm a Thomas guy b/c he appears to just be a total badass - and I can't say that about Aldridge. Ultimately, I'll be thrilled with whatever move Pax makes. He's earned all of our trust. But at lunchtime on Thursday - I'm with Thomas.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Jun 15, 2006 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

come on!

the dude has a sky hook!

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok, fine

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Jun 15, 2006 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot the text

I'm back to Aldridge. :) He's got height - and you can't teach that!

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Jun 15, 2006 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

in addition to height

it must take dedication and competitiveness to add 25 lbs of muscle and develop a sky hook. By just those measures, he is already ahead of the vast majority of NBA big men.

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

competitiveness

From what I've read he has the work ethic and desire, its just the in-game 'motor' that's sometimes lacking. That's more than we could've said about Curry/Crawford.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 15, 2006 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT-- Przybilla to Chicago for Chandler money?

http://www.oregonlive.com/weblogs/blazersblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_blazerblog/archives/week_2006_ 06_11.html#151449

I doubt it would be for Chandler money. Bucher is probably doing a favor by suggesting that... Przy's wife is from Chicago-- done deal.

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 2:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

scroll down

to wed june 14th headline.

by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pfft

Tyson Chandler doesn't even deserve Tyson Chandler money.

by Colossus on Jun 15, 2006 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tyrus thomas cuts short his berto workout

due to stomach cramps.

i think it was a bad side effect of the SKILES STAREDOWN.

i hope pax stays FAR away from TT.

miz

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-060615bulls,1,1722625.story?coll= cs-home-headlines

by mizenkay on Jun 15, 2006 4:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Disagree - what is toronto takes alderidge?

Unless TT is a great actor he fits the culture and has more skills then people give him credit for.

by cje on Jun 15, 2006 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If Toronto takes Aldridge....

which could happen because they seem so worried about keeping Bosh and the two are friends, I'd hope the Bulls take Bargani. He has more offensive skills and he is taller than Aldridge. You won't have to worry about him drifting out to the perimeter, maybe his 1st year. Once again, Bulls need size. They wouldn't be getting that if they took Thomas.

With all that said and all the comments in my diaries and other comments, I really don't care anymore like many of you have already said. I know Pax will make the right decision for this team. If it's Thomas, that's fine. He IS a good player.

by RingItUp26 on Jun 15, 2006 10:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Will he still be #1 next year?

The Big Focus Next Year is hurt and will requre surgery.
Is this enough to get us to stop thinking about next year?

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 10:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bizarro suns explanation

Jobu, Matt, excellent comments/post. I love that there are other people who get as consumed with the draft as I do. Yesterday I said I envisioned the Bulls with Thomas as the bizarro suns, meaning (if anyone can hark back to seinfeld and bizarro Jerry) that we would just be so ferocious defensively, nagging every player (like noce) swatting at every ball, and with two amazing shot blockers...imagine the possibilities. We would be, hands down, the absolute most annoying team to play against. Not to mention with Speed at every position (I hate when people knock Deng/Kirk athletically) and some offensive touch to boot. Kirk gets to stop chasing taller 2g's around thanks to Mr. #16, evens out his shooting %, an actual post presence (nazbilla/thomas) and of course...gordon killin people.

by dcarioca on Jun 16, 2006 12:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DBAI = 2006's M2GwcDaS

Nice post. Of course, you forgot the Don't Be An Idiot Draft Mike Ditka option. I mean, Ditka. That would be crazy. He's sick and word on the streets is that he is a hard worker, that will fit the team's model and that he can jump out of the gym. If we get him, we could probably beat a line-up of MJ, Karl Malone, Wilt (in his prime), Jerry West(in his prime), Jared Fogel, God, Galactacus and Uwe Blab even though Ditka was forced to play in a pair of ski boots and John Stockton-constrictive shorts.
If we don't do this, we WILL lose 87 games next season, be relegated to the /w/nba and lose the right to draft any players for the next 99 years. It's a fact. Look it up.

by CookDing on Jun 16, 2006 7:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

mini ditkas

Don't be an idiot. we should draft ditka and then trade it to New York for cap space. We would use that money to sign a bunch of MINI-DITKAS. Ditka of course would help Isaiah in his quest to single handedly destroy the Knicks. Such task would be performed by performing ski boot kicks in all players' butts, commencing with Starbury, and ending in Nate Robinson over the backboard. After, Ditka would soliliquize "In life . . . . " Meanwhile, mini-ditka's would set all time records for points scored and defense. Midseason, we trade Jannero Pargo to New York and get back Ditka. Hence Mega Ditka and Mini-Ditkas win NBA title and then create world peace.

by GWKD on Jun 16, 2006 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And to think...

there's still about 13 more days until the draft actually gets here.
Stir crazy is setting in and I assume mini-ditkas won't be the last bizarro idea.
In the end, maybe the Bulls should draft Jason Mcelwain.
He did score 20 points in about 4 minutes. Is he eligible?
(By the way, if that story didn't warm your heart then you don't have a heart.)

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 16, 2006 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicknames

To help focus the intellect around here, I put forward the following nicknames: Chandler--Stonefingers Gordon--Shorty Aldridge--Softy Gray(Pittsburgh)--the Rock (because of his mobility) Thankfully Pax has this figured out.

by hlac on Jun 16, 2006 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Chandler

Shouldn't Chandler be Pebblefingers, as in rock-hard and tiny?

by preverbal on Jun 16, 2006 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

chandler

without a doubt, chandler should either be t rex or girl hands.

Dalibor and Dragan!
Like Pizza? Me too.

by FAQ on Jun 16, 2006 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummmm

I have girl hands and I can handle a basketball.
Maybe you could just say he has lousy hands?

by sue369 on Jun 16, 2006 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but can you palm one?

that's what i'm referring to. yes, he can't catch either, but i hate that unlike our guards, he can't grab a ball with one hand.

Dalibor and Dragan!
Like Pizza? Me too.

by FAQ on Jun 19, 2006 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

T-Rex

would mean short arms as well, and I don't think he has those.

by Whitebacon on Jun 17, 2006 4:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dont forget Sweetney

as...Big Footwork

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Jun 16, 2006 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Best. Post. Ever.

I can tell this guy is better than those two because I once saw a clip on youtube of him dunking over 3 guys from Rutgers.

Ha!

by Mike Aparicio on Jun 16, 2006 4:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

NCAA player success rates

I was perusing 82games.com and thought this article was interesting:

http://www.82games.com/nbadraft2006.htm

by CRG on Jun 17, 2006 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a fantastic article

I've been an Aldridge supporter for some time now. But if the occasional "soft" criticism actually equates to him playing like Samaki Walker, I'm kinda scared. Maybe we should just take Roy. Even if he's redundant on the Bulls, he could make for better trade fodder in a couple years.

by Todd Lerner on Jun 17, 2006 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a fantastic article

The Bulls have a Hinrick 1, a Hinrick 2, a Hinrick 3, and a Hinrick 4; therefore, Roy would not be redundant. Now you have to convince me that Roy is better than Brewer or Sefalosa.

by hlac on Jun 17, 2006 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no Roy

Do people remember how painful it was to watch our offense the past 2-3 years? We desperately need a low-post scorer because all the attention was focused on Gordon and the perimeter.

Roy is overrated as far as picking him at #2.

After drafting our big man at #2, we should trade up to grab Brewer.

by CRG on Jun 17, 2006 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

now you're talkin'

Besides, there's no way of getting around it: Roy and Gordon play the same position. Neither one of them can play the 1 or the 3, so that means less run for Gordon. I don't know how that makes them better; Gordon's their most explosive scorer. He doesn't help you sitting on the bench.

Drafting Brewer would open up a ton of combinations. He can play the 1, 2 or 3.

by jamestkirk on Jun 17, 2006 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Word

Brewer is looking better and better. For argument's sake, what would the Bulls have to do to trade up for Brewer?

by preverbal on Jun 17, 2006 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Strategy

1. The Bulls cannot get a 2 in free agency. 2. They may be able to get a 4 and/or 5 in free agency. 3. The bigs this year are all suspect.
Therefore, use the draft picks, one or more of the Hinrich's (but not Kirk)...and Chandler to get a 4/5, one way or another, and draft a 2, whomever that turns out to be--Brewer, Roy, or Sefalosa with an appropriate draft pick. So now Pax has to figure out how to make that happen. Easy, right.

by hlac on Jun 17, 2006 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs