Cedric Simmons, the former #15 overall pick in 2006, is a 6'9" 235lb. PF and seems to be the forgotten man on the Bulls roster. He played in just 7 games last year for the Bulls after being included in the trade last February that brought Shannon Brown, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Adrian Griffin(to Seattle). He is signed for one more year, with a team option after that. Having played so sparingly, its difficult to evaluate what kind of player he could be, or what value he would bring in a trade. I think most of us will agree that he hasn't lived up to the expectations of a #15 pick, and his trade value has fallen considerably.

 Allow me to limit this discussion to the current roster and upcoming draft picks; as painful as that may be to some of you. Draft pick #1 would be Derrick Rose; and #39 would be the best player available, but plays most of the season overseas or in the D-League. Noah(20.7mins per game last season), Gooden(30.8 mpg), and Thomas(18mpg) obviously deserve the bulk of the minutes at the PF and C positions. Aaron Gray averaged 10 minutes in 61 games last season, and will probably average even more this season. Deng and Nocioni also have played PF, but I would suggest Simmons get more of that time this year to determine his impact and future with the Bulls, or improve his trade value to another team. IF Noah, Gooden, and Thomas all get 28mpg that only leaves12 mpg at PF and C positions. What are your thoughts as to minutes per game at PF and C, using this roster as a model? Would the Bulls be severely outplayed at these positions by nearly every other team? Would giving Cedric Simmons minutes cause the Bulls to miss the playoffs?