Maybe we don't need a "Home Run"

by Ceasaleo on Jun 15, 2011 7:56 PM CDT

We've all seen the cold shower quotes, basically washing our dreams of Iggy, and for some Monta Ellis away. And even though Sham thinks it's plausible, I doubt Capt Jack is in the picture either. Any of those players could have been considered a swing for the fences, and be the "missing piece" to a championship next year. But let's think bigger picture. What if winning a championship next year isn't the goal? What if winning multiple championships is the goal? Does bringing on the extra salary still allow for flexibility once the new CBA is signed in? Maybe with the Capt, but certainly not with Iggy or Monta, if you believe Booz isn't going anywhere. (Which I do) To stay with the baseball theme, let's say instead of looking for the big hit, we try to get a big inning started. We already have DRose and Thibs on 3rd, Lu, Booz, and Jo on 2nd, and a great bench on 1st, with no outs (because who thought we'd get this far, so soon) What move could we make to keep payroll down for the next couple of years, still provide the talent we need to fill our holes in the lineup, and not sacrifice any "runners on base"? The next idea is my shot at trying to hit that "base clearing triple". Not only lining us up for Championship contention this year, but also keeping the flexibility to make moves later on. Remember, Blake Griffin is 2013...

CHI sends Bogans, JL3, Pargo, and #30 to HOU; #28 and #43, plus next year's 1st to SAC HOU sends Courtney Lee and #23 to CHI; Brad Miller and #14 to SAC SAC sends Omri Casspi and #35 to CHI; Jason Thompson to HOU CHI gets Courtney Lee to fill the SG hole. I know he doesn't do much for some of you, but I can see him easily coming in avg. 12-15 on our team, while providing solid defense and a 2nd ball-handler. We also get Casspi, who can fill our hole backing up Deng. I really don't want Deng playing big minutes again next year, and Casspi provides an athletic shooter to provide a good 15 mins/game. With the 23rd pick, you take Charles Jenkins from Hofstra and with the 35th pick you take the stretch 4, whether it's Harper, Thompkins, or Leuer. HOU does the deal, because they get rid of Miller's contract and get the starting C they so desperately need. The rest are contract filler they can dump to free up cap space. They can use the 30th pick to grab another big like Tyler or just go best avaliable. SAC seems to be getting robbed, but they have tons of open cap space so swallowing Miller's salary will be nominal and they get a good mentor for Cousins. From reading articles from the Sacramento Bee, it seems that they are looking for a guard to pair with Evans and a SF at #7. They make this deal and can get a young piece for every hole in their lineup. Picture Jimmer at #7, Jordan Hamilton or Chris Singleton at #14, and a PF like JaJuan Johnson at #28. Plus, an extra pick next year and still having plenty of space under the cap.

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Apologize early for the format

It didn’t look like that when I typed it out.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 15, 2011 8:20 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

so go in an edit it?

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"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 16, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs

*and edit it

IRONY

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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jun 16, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs

True Irony

I tried to edit it and it still came out like this. I don’t know the html codes to throw in there for my paragraph breaks.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 16, 2011 2:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

In my opinion, this is the best trade I've seen so far.

I’m okay losing all of those firsts because I don’t think any late first rounder is going to contribute on this team. Obviously, Lee replaces Bogans and we churn the bottom of the roster by signing guys to replace JL3 and Pargo. Also, Casspi is a nice bonus. He’ll definitely take some of the load off of Lu. Great idea, all around.

by Fergie3108 on Jun 15, 2011 10:10 PM CDT reply actions

Kudos, Ceasaleo

A very well thought out post.

Lee is not an original thought but adding Casspi in the same trade is.

Casspi is such a Euro-baller, and I mean that in a good way. He’s the kind of shooter that would have easily fit in with the Mavs, for example. He shoots 44% from 2 and 37% from 3. He’s 6’8". Good stuff.

Regarding Houston, perhaps they do regret giving Brad Miller that contract. Not sure J. Thompson is the answer as a starting C, though, only because I don’t know that much about him. DX says he lacks mental focus, toughness and basketball IQ, and is an “atrocious defender”. So you’re going to pair him with… Spencer Hawes??

"It’d be ridiculous to hate someone for simply what they say in a sports blog. But I greatly dislike every syllable of your angst-filled, smarmy, nondescript, half-assed, elitist-garbage responses." –Rogerspark Kris

by bullhockey on Jun 16, 2011 12:05 AM CDT reply actions

Thing is...

Courtney Lee types, or Omri Casspi types are always available. I don’t think the Bulls need a home run as in “add a polished star immediately”, but if they’re going to trade 1st round picks I want someone with the upside to be a difference maker.

Courtney Lee is the same age as Luol Deng, and Lee has been a 12 PER player his whole career. To me, there’s no upside there. Is he a good defender? Maybe. APM says he’s mediocre. His defensive Synergy numbers don’t look impressive, but I’ll guess part of that had to do with Houston having no shotblockers inside. Lee’s Synergy clips make me think of him as a less-freakish Thabo defensively, where his footspeed is average but he recovers really well. Offensively, he has zero ability to score off the dribble (0.52 PPP in isolation, 0.56 in PnR as the ball handler). IMO he’s a step down from both Korver and Brewer, and just because he’s passable on both ends of the court doesn’t mean he’s good.

I like Lee and Casspi as bench players, but with a few 1st round picks / Asik / Watson / Korver, I want the Bulls to get a bigger talent. Rudy Fernandez seems interesting still. I love Ryan Anderson. Maybe JR Smith will want enough money that the only way to get him is via sign and trade. Could the Bulls get David Lee in a Boozer deal to assure a longterm offensive option at PF? Is Asik enough to move up to take Alec Burks? Lots of options there, I’d just hate for the Bulls to spend assets getting role players.

by YaoPau on Jun 16, 2011 3:38 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs

Completely agree

Lee looks like another version of Bogans to me. Maybe Bogans 2.0, but still Bogans. We need someone who can handle the ball and score a lot better than that.

As far as Burks he is dropping in the draft. DX now has him going #17 to the Knicks. Its not inconceivable the Bulls could trade the #28, #30 and #43 pick and move up into that 16 to 21 range and grab him.

by Basketball Smurf on Jun 16, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions

just curious, why does he keep dropping?

is it workout related? injury? just general lack of need among the teams in that range of the draft?

i’d love to land Burks, but i’d be very reluctant to give up Asik to move up for him. but picks and/or other crap, sign me up.

by M 80 on Jun 16, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I think Burks is dropping

Because Brooks is eating all the SG’s lunch in workouts. Burks’ drop has pretty much coincided with his rise.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 16, 2011 2:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Not too sure about the Bogans comparisons

I’ve never seen Bogans drop 20 something in his career. Not saying it has NEVER happened, but I’ve seen Lee light up teams for 20 plus on several occasions. I think you guys are selling Lee short. He’s way better offensively than Bogans, and pretty close defensively, if not the equal.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 16, 2011 2:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Lee is younger, slightly more skilled version of Bogans. I don’t mind trading the 1st rounders bc this draft has mostly just role players available. I’d rather try out JR Smith who we could get without giving anything up or trading for Kevin Martin(whose D is bad but could be hidden)

by C Smoove on Jun 16, 2011 5:08 PM CDT reply actions

I'd rather have a home run than a triple

I get what you’re saying though and I have no problem making this trade. At least with Lee and Casspi it gives me hope. We can’t go at this again with this same team. I honestly think last year was kinda fluky and teams will play Derrick better next year so we need to make some changes. I hate to say it but I belive the big change will be giving Butler some time.

by pick1out on Jun 16, 2011 7:38 PM CDT reply actions

"Butler" and "big change"

…shouldn’t be in the same sentence.

by Thrustacular on Jun 18, 2011 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I think the Bulls should assess Omir Asik's trade value before any trades

Strangely as it may sound, I actually think Asik might be the team’s second most valuable asset behind DRose. He doesnt make a load of money like Noah, Deng, or Boozer. While Gibson is a better player, he is also more replaceable because he is not a 7’ center.

Asik had a good playoff run, and got some national exposure in the ECF. I am sure a lot of GMs saw him playing in the 4th quarter, defending the interior against a driving Dwyane Wade.

Then you have to consider this draft. Not a single prospect measured at 7’. If a very raw Bismack Biyombo can be considered a lottery pick, then I think Asik should have relatively the same value.

by VaderMaul on Jun 16, 2011 8:18 PM CDT reply actions

which is why he is the last one I want to see go.

I’d “almost” rather have Noah traded than Asik. Only thing that worries me about Asik are the injuries.

by pick1out on Jun 16, 2011 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Even if the Bulls dont want to trade Asik

they should still assess his trade value, because a lot of teams will inquire about Asik. While I dont want to see Asik go either, I think the Bulls should consider trading him while his value is high, and if the team gets better through the transaction.

by VaderMaul on Jun 16, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Trading noah and adding a few first rd picks u can get a good player

Lets face it noah gets hurt alot and against bigger guys he get punished .Asik out played him a few times in the playoffs.You can find energy guys anywere and we dump some salary all pending who we sign.I like noah but hes not worth no 14 mill a yr.

by tazz34 on Jun 17, 2011 12:25 AM CDT reply actions

Good thing the bulls won't be paying him $14 million a year then

by 5liv4 on Jun 17, 2011 3:42 AM CDT up reply actions

This is the kind of thing that I'll never understand.

With quality bigs at a premium, let’s trade our young top 5 center. It’s like people forgot he was averaging about 15/13/2.5 with a steal and a half and 2 blocked shots per game before he hurt his thumb.

How does one practice consistency? Take lots of Benefiber?
by WearShades on May 31, 2011 6:37 AM PDT

by Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. on Jun 17, 2011 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed.

As many shortcomings as Noah has as a player, the simple fact is that good centers are a rare commodity, and Noah still certainly qualifies as a good center. He’s one of few players in the game that are a shot-changer down low and can also stretch out to the perimeter.

While Asik may be a better post defender (only marginally, and that potential may yet be realized), I have a hard time thinking he can be as “busy” as Noah is on defense.

And, let’s not forget that Noah’s 5th-grade jumpshot was for real before his thumb injury. There may be some real offense in him yet.

by Thrustacular on Jun 18, 2011 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree we don't need a "homerun"

but that trade is as helpful as a sac bunt down 5 in 9th

by 5liv4 on Jun 17, 2011 3:43 AM CDT reply actions

I sort of like the idea of Courtney Lee

If something like this went down I wouldn’t be upset, mainly because we aren’t giving up anything of true consequence. But this would certainly feel like a silver (or even bronze) medal.

I agree with the sentiment that we don’t need a “homerun,” and we probably aren’t in a real position to hit one. The hard-cap will likely be a reality, and you have to figure the Bulls will be close to it soon (after Rose’s extension) if not immediately.

I think the very best outcome that’s realistic would be either Mayo or Smith. Neither are thrilling, but they are still upgrades over Bogans. Lee is an upgrade too, but there’s far more potential in Mayo or Smith. Lee’s probably topped out in that regard.

by Thrustacular on Jun 18, 2011 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

Serious?

Good ideas and all and I dont want to sound like a jackass, but did you have some major epiphany and realize that “maybe we don’t need a home run”. Obviously we dont, seeing as we made the ECF and we’re a young team. You always want another/better piece and the Bulls could use a scoring SG, but no one (no intelligent fan) is going to panic if that doesnt happen.

by Kunaal on Jun 22, 2011 3:46 PM CDT reply actions

I don't know if the Bulls could do this trade but..

What about: CJ Watson, Keith Bogans (pick up team option) and one of our first round picks for Leandro Barbosa (pick up his player option then signs his extension with the Bulls)?

The Bulls could then use Barbosa at both guard positions and draft a back up PG (Nolan Smith?) in the late first round. I’d think about moving Brewer to the starting SG and making Barbosa a 6th man (where he excelled in PHX). Rose and Barbosa would be a force in the open court, Barbosa would be our secondary ball handler and he is a career 39% 3PT shooter.

by juicewolta on Jun 23, 2011 10:47 AM CDT reply actions