Go for the Gold: Risky Noah Replacement Plan

I know, this plan has numerous flaws and pitfalls, yet, it might just work.

The Bulls big man depth is down to just Boozer (undersized PF, let along C), Taj (likewise undersized, and under-muscled), Asik (raw, foul prone, and skinny), Kurt Thomas (over-the-hill), and Deng (ok as a PF, but still doesn't solve our C problems).  Let's face it, we're likely to see some small ball lineups in the next 8-10 weeks while Noah recovers, and even then, we lack front court depth.   

Given that small ball is likely to be the "poison" of our choosing anyway - and we don't want to wear out Boozer and Deng this early in the season - why not get another small ball center with tons of potential (and a rookie contract) to fill in while Noah's out?  Who am I talking about?  The once-promising, but now utterly forgotten Anthony Randolph!

Glued to the end of the Knicks bench and collecting DNP-CDs at nearly the same rate as I collected Magic The Gathering cards in 4th grade, Randolph is certainly gettable.  The Nets made some "big" moves this week, collecting two first rounders to put towards the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, and you'd have to think that New York wouldn't mind a first rounder to bolster their Carmelo bid too.  Perhaps Bogans and the Bulls' 2011 pick for Randolph?  

At 6'11, Randolph has the height to play center, and his skill set is actually quite comparable to Noah's in that he's a good rebounder, ball handler, and shot blocker.  Away from the offense-only Knicks and Warriors, Thibs might actually be able to get him to play some good defense too, as he's got all the right attributes.  True, he's more power forward than center, but so are the rest of our "big men".  

I know he was horrible in preseason, but let's face it, the kid was never given a chance.  He was given the Tyrus Thomas treatment in Golden State, and now even more so in New York.  Every time he's gotten extended playing time, he's made it count.  

Discounting the current season, his per 40 stats are: 20 ppg, 3 assists, and 12 rebounds, with a PER of approximately 17.5.  

Hollinger on his defense: "Randolph has the potential to be a Marcus Camby-esque dominator defensively -- he rated third among power forwards in blocks per minute and sixth in steals per minute -- and needs only to improve his understanding and effort level to become an ace disruptor." 

Hollinger also points out that he has a horrible outside shot, and makes terrible decisions on offense.  I would suspect that as the 4th or 5th option on a disciplined Bulls team, his offensive shortcomings shouldn't make too much of a difference.  We're not gonna be running plays for him.  Open dunks and putbacks are all that will be expected of him. 

So now you might be saying to yourself, "Diz, I follow your line of thinking, but why do the Bulls give up a first round pick for a 'bandaid' to hold the frontcourt together until Noah gets back?"  Well, the need for frontcourt depth has certainly been emphasized by Boozer, and now Noah's, injuries.  The Bulls need a permanent solution at SG but shouldn't give up their only serviceable backup big to get such a player.  Assuming Randolph lives up to his potential once coming to the Bulls, we now have two "starting caliber" big men in Randolph and Gibson, each with considerable trade value.  Upon Noah's return, the Bulls can trade whichever of the two makes most sense for a three point shooting, defense playing shooting guard.  Buy low, sell high.

Is it a risky plan?  Yes.  Could it backfire?  Yes.  Is Randolph more of a small forward than a power forward, let alone center?  Probably.  Is it possible that Randolph just sucks and will never figure it out?  Of course.  But the Bulls could use another big guy right now, and the downside to this plan really isn't that big considering we still have Charlotte's first rounder in our back pocket and our 2011 first rounder isn't likely to be that great anyway. 

I say it's worth looking into. 

I'll leave you with this youtube link (sorry Tyrus, but you got owned!).