Let's play Sherlock Holmes with our empty SG spot

by Ceasaleo on Jun 28, 2011 6:35 PM CDT

1st, let me get my draft thoughts out the way. I'm happy with the results, the only thing I think we whiffed on was somehow finding a way to grab Charles Jenkins in the second round. We were told going in that they didn't expect 3 rookies, and we pretty much knew an international stash was coming. So we used a pick to move up and get probably the 2nd or 3rd best international prospect in this draft. And I'm of the opinion that Jimmy Butler surprises this season. Good draft for the future and now.
So we know we'll be waiting until after the lockout and new CBA is agreed upon, to see who the Bulls will be starting at SG for 2011. This link has a list of potential FA SG this summer: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=20283
The draft has given us a couple clues into who that might be...

If you listened to or read any of the pre-draft or post-draft comments, a couple of things became apparent:
1) They want to keep this young team together.
2) They only want guys that are going to fit in with the existing team chemistry.
3) The moves are being made not only for next year, but the next YEARS.
4) Not only is our SG going to have to defend, but he's going to have to be able to defend SF at some points during the game.
I'll list out some potential targets and see if I can weed out candidates using what we learned. Let's say the Top 10 (no particular order) are:
1. OJ Mayo
2. JR Smith
3. Aaron Affalo
4. Courtney Lee
5. JR Richardson
6. Wilson Chandler
7. Jamal Crawford
8. Nick Young
9. Monta Ellis
10. Andre Iguodala
It has been emphasized again and again how Gar Paxsdorf wants to keep this young core together. To me that means no major moves involving Taj, Asik, Boozer, Noah, Deng, and of course DRose. So take Iggy, Monta, OJ, and Lee off the list.
I think it's important to keep the team relatively young and developing together, so that takes Richardson and Jamal off the list. They're both 30 plus.
That leaves us with Young, Chandler, Affalo, and JR. Take Affalo off, because there's no way Denver let's him walk. And as much as I'd hate to say it take JR off, unless he's learned his lesson and has matured, he does not fit team chemistry.
That leaves you with Young and Chandler. From what I've read, each is the gym rat type that Gar Paxsdorf likes, and are good locker room guys. Both restricted free agents, but I doubt either team would match a full MLE offer.
With Young you get great offense and developing defense, he reminds me of Paul Pierce. He has the size to guard the SG and SF spots, but Thibs would definitely have to coach him up on that side of the court. Offensively, he's the exact player we're looking for. Can shoot, get to the rim, mid range game, handle the rock, he just needs consistency. Chandler is the opposite side of the coin. Great on defense, can guard the SG, SF, and PF spots. Offensively, he's developing nice range and can handle enough to get a shot off, but he's inconsistent.
I wouldn't be upset to see either one signed to a long term deal.

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Comments

whyd u take iggy off the list?

nick young as paul pierce…? I really dont see the comparison. Paul pierce was always an all around scorer, he could go to the post, he can go outside, he could attack the rim. Nick young is more of streaky shooter, and lacks immaturity more than the tools to play defense, so he might not buy into a team concept. I wouldnt hate wilson chandler at all, but hes not great at creating his own shot, which is really the biggest problem the bulls have at the 2 spot.

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Jun 28, 2011 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

Took Iggy off the list

Because he would cost Taj or Asik, which I don’t see happening this offseason.

I never said Nick Young is Paul Pierce, I said he reminds me of Paul Pierce and everything you listed about Pierce’s offensive game matches up with Young’s except the post game. I never said he lacked the tools to play D, in fact I said the opposite. He just needs to understand the importance of playing both sides, which I think he started getting last year.

Chandler isn’t a great ball handler, but I think he can do enough. His defense at the 2 is a huge plus though.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 28, 2011 7:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

im of the camp to move asik or gibson now... while their value is highest

i don’t believe either chandler or young is the answer for us. maybe young more than chandler just because of his offense.

if we give denver asik and the charlotte 1st (throw in mirotic too?), i think they have to at least think about that trade. maybe even throw in brewer (as an unguaranteed contract). that way we still have gibson on the bench and improve our starting 5 drastically. i would do anything i could to get a better SG (other than trading for ellis, crawford, richardson or lee) so that our starting 5 can compete against the girly men in south beach.

i cant trick myself into believing (no matter what i hear) that the org wants to be so patient when we are obviously one piece away from winning that ECF series against the heat. i want to win now and for the next 5 consecutive years… not in 3 years and eventually have 2-3 (or even none)

by grabmesomeBOOZ on Jun 28, 2011 7:29 PM CDT reply actions

While we have probably seen the best of Gibson...

Asik is coming into his second year as an NBA player. I expect him to improve greatly this year, and have much more value going forward.

by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 28, 2011 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

if he can develop a jumpshot that rivals gibson's "range"

then im ok with swapping asik and gibson in a trade. but he dont need another big who can’t shoot a jumper just clogging up the middle with how drose plays.

by grabmesomeBOOZ on Jun 28, 2011 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Asik plays stifling defense.

He’ll get better at his role on offense eventually.

by Khalid El-Amin on Jun 29, 2011 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions

News flash

Taj isn’t that good of a shooter either.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jun 29, 2011 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

but better than asik. that's what he is saying. at least taj can shoot jumpers.

Walk the talk, Bulls.

by JLbuLL on Jun 30, 2011 4:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the key consideration is $$ (genius, I know)

Obviously the new CBA looms over everything, but I think we can go with Sam Smith’s assertion that money will be tight no matter what. I’ll also assume that most RFAs will stay put.

Sam Smith essentially said you can cross any FA with a significant contract demand off the list: JRich for sure and even guys like JR Smith or Nick Young would be looking for $7M per. I think a SG upgrade is actually most likely to come via trade. Moreover, both Asik and Taj are on the verge of making much more money after next season. I think the Bulls will look to trade one of them because they can’t/won’t pay them.

The two likeliest target candidates are Lee and Mayo. I think Lee will be the target: defensive rep, high character, and not on the brink of demanding a big contract like Mayo. Moreover, I think Memphis will demand a lot for Mayo while Lee could be had for Asik and the Charlotte pick.

Barring a trade, the FA list is mostly guys out of the Bulls reach financially. I’d guess Anthony Parker or Rasual Butler would two of the more likely guys for the SG spo if the Bulls go the FA route.

by hitlesswonder on Jun 28, 2011 10:06 PM CDT reply actions

The key is money

These FA’s might ask for 7 mil, but if the owners are serious all salaries are going down. I definitely can’t see Nick Young getting an offer that large. Smith might, but Chandler won’t. My thinking is that Max salaries get cut to about 12-16 mil, the higher ones coming from Bird Right exceptions. I would hope that as a concession for the hard cap, and lower salaries, that the owners would leave the MLE in and make it about 6 mil.

You don’t trade Asik or Gibson yet, because they both can be under contract for the next 2 years. Just enough time for Mirotic to develop overseas, and be ready to take the place of the departed big.

The thing that was good fortune for us is that those non-guaranteed contracts are still good for a week (maybe longer) after the new deal is signed in. There will be teams that have signed guys to qualifying offers, who won’t be willing to pay what we would pay for the player. And instead of losing him for nothing once signed to an offer sheet, would be more than happy to take some of those non-guaranteed contracts to cut costs and a 1st.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 28, 2011 11:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

You aint gonna be able to offord taj after next year hes times up

I’d trade taj or asik for any of the Sg and next years first rounds pics.

by tazz34 on Jun 28, 2011 11:11 PM CDT reply actions

I do like your point of view.

And I think that the Organization probably thinks more like you in regards to their options. Still, I don’t think that they would close the book on a Jason Richardson unless they knew that one of the younger guys wouldn’t cost too much and is a perfect fit. I really don’t think they want to go with what is recently being called the ‘Belinelli type’ so I think JRich at a decent price would be acceptable. I think he would be more about chasing a championship than getting his maximum value since he’s over 30 now.

I know that Crawford’s name has been tossed around, but I think there is a reason why he has attained the value that he has now and that is not because he is ready to be a starter. He still can’t defend and while he has always had the talent to pass he prefers to score. Frankly he will cost tot much to be offense off the bench so I’m fine with passing on him.

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 28, 2011 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Agree

by RoseFTW on Jun 29, 2011 1:32 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

KC said there 1-3 players the Bulls have in mind.

Bulls won’t sign Chandler since he’s really a SF, Afflalo looks like he’s staying, Crawford is a ball-hog who plays no D. Monta and Iggy are expensive to acquire and would cost the Bulls pieces. And I don’t believe the Bulls are high on JR compared to a lot of Bulls fans.

So the list IMO is:

1. Mayo
2. J-Rich
3. Lee

by RoseFTW on Jun 29, 2011 1:31 AM CDT reply actions

All of whom are too expensive, one way or another

Mayo because Memphis wants more than he’s worth, Lee cause Houston needs a big man (Asik), and JRich cause although I disagree about Smith and Young getting 7 mil, he probably will. So, do you wanna give up key future pieces, lose a trade with a douchey owner, or cripple your future for a past his prime player? I suddenly get YFBB’s obnoxious two-sided cynicism since the worst-sounding option (standing pat) doesn’t seem much worse than any of these choices.

If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball.

by paddyfairview on Jun 29, 2011 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions

And fans will still show up to the games no matter what.

The Bulls got to the ECF with this current team and management can just say “another year of experience will make the difference from losing in the ECF and moving on to the NBA finals”. We’ll also hear about chemistry, and how they didn’t want to effect the whole team, while other teams improve their roster with actual basketball players.

On the J.R. Smith bandwagon until otherwise advised.

by BlackStar on Jun 29, 2011 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions

And while some get worse making stupid moves cough Orlando Magic cough

hile other teams improve their roster with actual basketball players.

by tuluse on Jun 29, 2011 4:19 AM CDT up reply actions

I hate to bring up an old school saying but.....

In order to get something, you must give up something.

Either you stay stagnant or do something. Simple as that.

by RoseFTW on Jun 29, 2011 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll counter with another old school saying.

Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make.

by Tim S. on Jun 29, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Then we'll be stuck as yearly runner-up if we don't make a play for a legit SG

by RoseFTW on Jun 30, 2011 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions

You may be right.

I’m just noting that there are old school sayings to justify every move, or non-move. So, you know, maybe it isn’t as simple as that.

by Tim S. on Jun 30, 2011 6:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Which is better than what the Magic have done trying to find the last piece to push them over the top

It just take a little luck to go from runner-up to winner. Something as little as Lebron missing a game or two could be enough.

by tuluse on Jul 6, 2011 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

The Bulls have stated that they play the SG and SF interchangably.

I’d prefer a hybrid wing as opposed to a hybrid guard, if only to have a backup for the inevitable Deng injury.

by JockstrapNoah on Jun 29, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

It's hard to know whether any free agents will give the Bulls a discount.

And it’s also hard to know whether any other teams will be willing to trade.

Unfortunately, all of the available candidates have serious flaws. But then so do Bogans/Brewer/Korver.

by Tim S. on Jun 29, 2011 9:35 AM CDT reply actions

I don't think we'll get any discounts

We will get our choice of SG’s though. The guys out there will know how much we have to spend, because basically it’s going to be whatever the MLE ends up being. It’s comes down to whether they want to be a part of a Championship team, if not let them get their money elsewhere.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 29, 2011 5:07 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I disagree, it is pretty regular practice for FAs to take a little less and shoot for a title

And everyone in the league knows we’re one piece and good health from the finals. It’s more if there are any FAs worth paying real money at all

If you meet the Buddha in the lane, feed him the ball.

by paddyfairview on Jun 29, 2011 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think position matters so much

as ability to create their own shot. If creation comes from the SG, then great. If it’s a SF that we play that can create his own shot, great. I don’t think it HAS to be a SG. SF and SG are pretty much the same position minus a few inches in height. W. Chandler is an interesting opiton because he wouldn’t be that expesive to grab, plays great defense, and has shown some ability to get to the rim. His shot needs some help, but if you’re looking for a cheap option, he’s one I could live with. Bulls don’t lose anything defensively.

by Vuke on Jun 30, 2011 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, it's pretty much a given

that Deng will be at the SF spot for most of the crucial minutes, and people are wary of depending on Boozer or Noah. That pretty much leaves the SG spot as the only other available one to put a shot creator on the floor.

Chandler is nice, but I’m not sure he’s an upgrade on Brewer. I certainly wouldn’t want to depend on him hitting shots or creating offense, which leaves us right back where we started.

by runningman on Jun 30, 2011 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Let's not forget the #1 priority when looking for SG is that he can handle the rock

Someone like Afflalo shouldn’t even be on the list for that reason alone. This is also why JRich shouldn’t be considered either. All he does is spot up and shoot 3’s the last couple of years.

At this point, if you can do a Taj for Mayo swap, I don’t see any reason why that shouldn’t be done immediately.

by berzerkulous on Jun 29, 2011 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I think they'd need more than that.

At this point, I think Xavier Henry may be available (he plays 14mpg), if we’re willing to take a chance. The other problem with Mayo is that we’ll have to agree on an extension before he plays a minute here, or else we risk a rent-a-Mayo, and the FO will not risk that.

by cubbybear on Jun 29, 2011 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow, Xavier doesn't take 3's at all. Never mind, forget what I said about that guy. Mayo's better, but I'm not sure he's much better than Courtney Lee.

by cubbybear on Jun 29, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Handling the rock isn't really the #1 priority

I would think being able to score effectively and efficiently is #1 on the list. Then, ball handling and defense.

by Ceasaleo on Jun 29, 2011 5:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah I agree

It’d definitely be nice to have another ballhandler. But if that ballhandler can’t shoot the 3, we’re still going to have a lot of trouble spacing the floor.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Jun 29, 2011 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions

We already have too many specialists at the 2 guard position.

Korver is a 3-point specialist who can’t dribble or defend. Brewer is a defensive specialist who can’t shoot or dribble. And Bogans is a better defender than Korver and a better 3-point shooter than Brewer, which I guess is why he gets playing time even though he’s not particularly good at anything. We need someone more well-rounded than Korver or Brewer and better than Bogans.

by Tim S. on Jun 30, 2011 6:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

#random

OJ Mayo – former (current?) roids user

JR smith – current (former?) knucklehead

smh

Woooooooooooooot!!

by Belize on Jun 29, 2011 4:08 PM CDT reply actions

In my dream world

I am trading deng and the charlotte first round pick for Iggy and then signing jr smith in FA.

I know trading deng is tough but the reality is he has a huge contract and I think its unlikely that he 1) stays healthy like this year and 2) he plays as well as he did this year again. Although point 2 is a bit of a reach considering his age.

Iggy is a great passer and ballhandler who will be perfect in beating teams who trap rose off of the PnR like the heat did.

by TheFunkle on Jun 29, 2011 4:19 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Iggy's contract is bigger than Deng's I believe

And I don’t think he’s much better than Deng if at all. You get more assists, but Deng is the better shooter and that’s a rare skill on the Bulls. Iggy would help with traps, but unless the Bulls get a SG that can really shoot (like you propose with Smith) I wouldn’t like to see that deal get made.

by hitlesswonder on Jun 29, 2011 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

The floor spacing would be an issue

I agree. I do think Iggy is better on both ends than deng but its very close and if we got a shooter at the two then I want Iggy and if not you are right in that Deng is a better fit

by TheFunkle on Jun 29, 2011 11:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I know vince carter is not the player he was ten years ago

But if we can pick him up for cheap. Wouldn’t he be worth a gamble? He can still score the ball & while he’s not known for defense he has good size and wingspan. Iggy is my plan A but if bogans can start 82 games surely VC could play on this team.

by #1humblebot on Jun 29, 2011 6:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Nothing about VC's history

Suggests to me that he has the intensity and work ethic to play for Thibs or to win a championship. That said, when he is motivated I bet he could still be deadly, and maybe joining the bulls will put him in the best chance he’s had to win a title.

I’m a little young to remember, were VCs nets with Kidd ever considered contenders?

by TheFunkle on Jun 29, 2011 7:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

yes

VC, Kidd and Jefferson went to the finals.

by Vuke on Jun 30, 2011 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions

not surprisingly

it was an awful finals. 4-2 Spurs. DRobinson was still playing.

by Vuke on Jun 30, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

vince carter was not on that team

by Basketball Smurf on Jun 30, 2011 9:53 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

mayo and vc as backup!

Walk the talk, Bulls.

by JLbuLL on Jun 30, 2011 4:47 AM CDT up reply actions

What about James Jones?

I know he’s primarily a SF, but I’ve also seen him listed as a G/F. He has a great three-point shot. I think he played defense okay for the Heat, and all he really has to do is play defense better than Korver. I’m really not sure why Spoelstra dropped him from the Finals rotation — he had to be better than Eddie House. He could play at both the 2-guard and the SF position, our two primary needs. Am I wrong?

by Tim S. on Jun 30, 2011 9:25 AM CDT reply actions

I think he is talking about startes

LET'S GO BULLS!!!

by JustAnotherFan on Jun 30, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Spo dropped him because he's not a good basketball player.

Dallas can rotate around the perimeter well enough to make a James Jones completely irrelevant. Considering his size he SHOULD be a good defender, but he’s really not. And of course he has all the ball-handling skills of Manute Bol.

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 30, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

He's pretty unskilled

apart from hitting wide open 3 point shots. He basically does exactly what Korver does, but Korver does it better.

by runningman on Jun 30, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

No

Boozer + Brewer = Monta Ellis + Biedrins, stole this from bleacher report.
i would love Earl Smith III (the none crazy persona of jr smith) over mayo. I like Mayo but Tony Allen whooped that ass. How would it look for the Chicago Bulls to pick up some dude that got his ass whooped by a dude from the Chi. I aint goin.; and it aint happenin.

Yes, I am high

by Hoodcat on Jul 3, 2011 9:26 AM CDT reply actions