A.I. Wants either Bulls or Celtics

He gives the Bulls a go to scorer and his defense couldn't be much worse than BG7's. I would love to see him leave it all on the floor every night for the Bulls. PJ is supposed to be sitting around waiting for the trades to come, just like this one, and Tyrus is a complete wild card. We have more leverage when he says he wants to go to our team, I say use it.

Recap-
From Multiplicity:(courtesy imdb)
"Doug Kinney #4: I like pizza. I like it!
Doug Kinney: We're gonna need a cage.
Doug Kinney #4: Bye, Steve! I like Steve."

Hinrich, Deng, Wallace for All-Star 2007!!!!!

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 1:28 PM CST reply actions

Martynas

Martynas could get some PT. He did pretty good in preaseason, i think if we did this trade we should give him a shot. him or Krapman, he talked to skiles about PT so i think this trade could be perfect. it gives krapman some pt along with marty andy and we get rid of the log jam at SG.

by the great zambino on Dec 9, 2006 1:28 PM CST reply actions

Doubting (Tyrus) Thomas

Is this the same Iverson impersonator that fooled the NBA Remora, Jim Gray? I seriously doubt the Buls are interested in trading for A.I. Besides being the antithesis of almost everything Pax/Skiles, how many years does he have left? 1, 2? When Iverson declines it's going to be a steep fall. It's been predicted for awhile, but he can't keep it up much longer.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 1:45 PM CST reply actions

"He can't keep it up much longer."

Yeah, people have been saying that for the last three years about him. He had the best year of his career last year. Putting aside whether trading for him would actually help the Bulls, if he really is the "antithesis of almost everything Pax/Skiles," then Paxson and Skiles really need to reevaulute the way they look at players. This isn't some career underachiever like Eddie Robinson or Tim Thomas. This is Allen Iverson, a future Hall of Famer.

by Big D on Dec 9, 2006 2:54 PM CST up reply actions

I personally

Think in some ways he's the poster child for Paxson and Skiles. He tries harder than pretty much everyone else in the NBA, and does more than everyone but Kobe(debatable) and Lebron with a lot less size(a la Skiles). He's gritty to a fault, never gives up, and can put up points in big bunches.
He's what we hope BG can be eventually. IMHO, he's worth a shot. I think the worst case scenario(other than a freak injury) is 25ppg and a conference championship series in Chicago.

I don't want to give up Tyrus unless we get something big and good back. Hunter wouldn't be half bad. Good that he put us in a power position. I think he could be had for our second round picks for the next two years(which we don't need), 08 1st Rounder, BG, PJ, Sweets and Duhon.

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 3:21 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not

talking about Iverson's image, his ball-hogging style of play doesn't fit the Bulls, and I really question his impact as far as winning games goes. Not trading for Iverson (I would be shocked if the Bulls even made an offer) would be the best move Paxson ever made.

I realize the A.I. doubters have been saying he's going to be done for 3 or 4 years and he's continued to play well, but would you honestly want to gamble the future of the Bulls on Iverson's health and age?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

2001 76ers

I know we are 5 years removed, but he pretty much singlehandedly propelled a less-than-stellar team to be in the NBA Finals in 2001.

Looking at their team, I don't even believe that such a team could be the only team that beat the Lakers during their nearly perfect postseason(15-1 overall).

Roster

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

The Eastern

conference that season was so bad the Bobcats could have made he playoffs.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not on the AI bandwagon

I respect all that he has done, but I'd really hate to see Allen "We talking about practice" Iverson on the Bulls. I actually really like this team, and barring some huge unforeseen issue arising, I'm hoping Pax stands pat through this season. The guys are finally starting to play well together (even if it is against sub-.500 teams), and I'd hate to see another readjustment period after a big trade.

by wjb1492 on Dec 9, 2006 8:51 PM CST up reply actions

Not on the AI bandwagon

I respect all that he can do on the court, but I'd really hate to see Allen "We talking about practice" Iverson on the Bulls. I actually really like this team, and barring some huge unforeseen issue arising, I'm hoping Pax stands pat through this season. The guys are finally starting to play well together (even if it is against sub-.500 teams), and I'd hate to see another readjustment period after a big trade.

by wjb1492 on Dec 9, 2006 9:09 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry 'bout the double post

not quite sure what happened there

by wjb1492 on Dec 9, 2006 9:10 PM CST up reply actions

Fascinating

It's almost too large a decision to think about right now. Right away I worry about becoming too thin up front, and in the backcourt.

BUT the Bulls can deal from the strength position here as AI wants out. Don't forget, we'd be accomodating THEM. Paxson doesn't have to pay full price.

Meditate on this, I will....

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 9, 2006 1:51 PM CST reply actions

exactly

we can really low ball them

by the great zambino on Dec 9, 2006 1:58 PM CST reply actions

Maybe it's just me

but a package of: Gordon, Ty, Duhon, & Brown for AI & Williams doesn't sound like that good of a deal for us considering age, salaries, and potential.

Iverson has three years left (counting this one) for $18,281,250; 20,109,375; 21,937,500. Even with Goron's contract extension next summer, he and Ty combined won't be making that much. Pluis, both are far younger and even though their numbers right now don't match AI's (but Ty has been injured, just now starting to get decent playing time, and is a rookie), both have the potential to be worth more to a team together than just AI.

I don't think it makes sense to mortgage years and years to come for a much older and higher paid guy that may or may not make us better over the next three years to warrant the risk.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 2:01 PM CST reply actions

Frontcourt

In any A.I. deal that you assume will include Brown and Sweetney, I'd be willing to take Stephen Hunter off their hands to help the frontcourt. He has a few years left on his contract so I doubt Philly would mind.

The only blue-chipper I'm giving is Gordon. Gordon and Thomas is too much. For Garnett maybe but not Iverson...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2006 2:27 PM CST reply actions

I agree

I wouldn't give up Gordon and Ty for AI. I'm not even sure I'd do it for KG if I thought he were going to opt out after next year and go somewhere else. If it meant having KG for at least five years then it would be worth it.

Cuban wants AI and seems reluctant (or it could just be all smoke and mirrors) to give up who Philly wants the most. If AI is willing to go to Dallas, this could be a good chance for the Bulls jump in and act as a third team so that Philly could get who they want, Dallas doesn't have to give up Devin Harris, and we're able to become better even if it means giving up Gordon along with Brown, Sweetney, and/or etc... Pax could even try to work his way into a three-way deal with Boston and Philly if Iverson doesn't want to be a Mav (although it seems like he'd have a much better shot at winning in Dallas than Boston).

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 2:41 PM CST up reply actions

And it looks like

Krap-ya wants out and this could be a chance to get something for him if we're not going to give up Ty, Deng, or Noc (and I highly doubt any possible deal here is worth giving up Deng) and him still riding the bench.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised

if Philly would take a lesser offer from a western conference team.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2006 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

Couldn't Iverson

veto a trade if he doesn't like the new team?

I'm sure a lot of teams in the West would love to have AI, but whether or not AI would want to be on a lot of those teams is another question entirely. Even if Iverson can't veto a trade, I'm pretty sure trading for him and having to deal with him being wicked pissed off about being on that team isn't all that desirable.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

A.I.'s Headband

Would he be willing to lose his headband?

by Kantut on Dec 9, 2006 2:41 PM CST reply actions

heh

didn't think of that. I have a feeling that'd come up in the trade discussion. For someone so desperate to get out of philly you'd hope he'd be willing to do whatever the team asked.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2006 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

getting a.i....

would just be asking for internal problems to arise. I'd rather deal with the hand we've been dealt than risk making a catastrophic error with this one.

by NocChapu on Dec 9, 2006 3:20 PM CST reply actions

I don't know

He has had problems with coaches(understatement) but he might love playing on our team with BW and other guys.

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

Also

Fringe benefit is turning Hinrich into more of a scorer.

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

yeah

just like all the other scorers that have benefited from A.I.'s play. When Philly went to the Finals no one except Iverson scored more than 900 points that season. That is absolutely pathetic.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

So he wants

to come to the Bulls this time. What if he doesn't feel all sunshine and roses after he's here a while and wants traded again next season? I may be in the minority here but this trade makes me gaggy.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Dec 9, 2006 3:33 PM CST reply actions

I'm right there with you

It's not worth it. We'd be better off taking part in a three-way trade that sends Iverson to Boston, Dallas, or wherever.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 9, 2006 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

three way deal

what would we be interested in accquiring through a three way deal? How would that work?

by Sambossanova on Dec 9, 2006 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

We talking 'bout PRAC-TICE!

How in the world would General Skiles and Iverson coexist on off days? Aren't the Bulls known for their intense practice sessions? Isn't Iverson the opposite? That jumps out at me as a potentially huge red flag.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 9, 2006 3:57 PM CST reply actions

Love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 9, 2006 4:52 PM CST up reply actions

I don't see

that flying with Skiles at all. lol I don't think we need to worry about it anyway.

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Dec 9, 2006 5:49 PM CST up reply actions

not worth it times two

i dont get it. why would the bulls even want to get someone else. the bulls are getting better and better. we have made so much progress in the last two years and why do we have to be taking a risk with allen iverson. i would not give up anyone of our ten man rotation. kryapa should get the nod over sweetney come on. sweeteney is done this year and the bulls better not even think about signing him again. so kryapa who has two more years including this one should be the oprion. i think he would really make an impact with our team. pj should just back up ben wallace at centre. kryapa really can play ive seen him play in portland.

by glycen on Dec 9, 2006 4:02 PM CST reply actions

Why

are we even talking about this. There is no way that the Paxson/Skiles regime would want to trade for AI. He might want to come here, but there has to be mutual intrest.

by LD9 on Dec 9, 2006 4:13 PM CST reply actions

Original report

Good catch by Jeff at Celticsblog. The RealGM 'report' kindof confuses what the original report from San Antonio said.

http://celticsblog.net/blog/?p=2553

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2006 4:18 PM CST reply actions

Make the deal

Gordon, # 1 pick for Iverson. Do it as soon as possible.

by chris44 on Dec 9, 2006 5:55 PM CST up reply actions

ok deal

once they get rid of the salary cap, they'll do the trade.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 9, 2006 6:00 PM CST up reply actions

this

is just too much. I think the Bulls should just focus on Garnett and kicking their asses tonight.

by Option27 on Dec 9, 2006 7:21 PM CST reply actions

i love iverson

Bring him in. Everyone talks about the practice thing but he was young and retarded and he really wants to win now. He's gonna work hard in practice and everyone knows he gives his all every single night. He plays through injuries and deserves a ring more than any current player. He's called a ball hog because he has to be with the horrible talent around him.

Obviously if AI was here, I wouldn't miss Gordon. Tyrus is all potential and the bulls don't have that kinda time in the east. With sef improving, they can afford to lose duhon. PJ has not met my expectations.

Of course this all my opinion. Iverson's been my favorite player for a long time and I really want to see him win a ring, and why not with my favorite team.

...but who will wear #3?! Sorry Wallace

by hinrich12 on Dec 9, 2006 10:13 PM CST reply actions

Everybody calm down

Iverson will never be a Bull with the Paxson/Skiles regime. He's everything they despise in a player.

by miserabull on Dec 10, 2006 12:15 PM CST reply actions

dispise?

...like playin hard for 48 minutes, getting to the free throw line, playing defense? good call

by hinrich12 on Dec 10, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

no,

like taking practice as a joke, not hustling on defense, being more of an individual player, confrontations with coaches. You can also add wearing headbands since Pax thinks it takes away from team unity or something like that.

by miserabull on Dec 10, 2006 7:31 PM CST up reply actions

Despise

is probably too harsh a word. I doubt Paxson or Skiles have any hatred towards Iverson, his playing style, and lack of professionalism. They have proven again and again that similar behavior isn't accepted, but to say they despise it is taking this a little too far.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 10, 2006 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

The trouble with trading for guys

with huge salaries is how much you have to give up to match salaries.

I don't know if AI would make anyone a winner. He's a great indvidual player, but that doesn't make him a great team player.

by KT on Dec 10, 2006 2:16 PM CST reply actions

nicely said

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Dec 10, 2006 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

But wouldn't it be fun to have him on the Bulls. He, Deng, Wallace and Hinrich would be here for a long time, I think. We might never win a championship without a great 2nd option, unless Deng is that.

Who can be a go to scorer for the Bulls?

by cubbybear on Dec 10, 2006 8:46 PM CST up reply actions

wouldnt make his team better?

this guy has very similar numbers MJ.
career APG 6.1
SPG 2.3
and his numbers are up this year. KG seems like a long shot. MAKE THE TRADE

by Dr0ne420 on Dec 11, 2006 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

Assists & Steals

Those stats are overshadowed by Iverson's horrible shooting percentage.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Plus, his age, contract length/amount, and trade price also seem to outweigh the positives.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

Ok I'm starting to warm up to the idea

Basically...the price for AI seems cheap.

Think that this would be enough?

leaves Bulls with:

Hinrich/Duhon
Iverson/Sefolosha
Deng/Griffin
Nocioni/Thomas
Wallace/Hunter/Allen

Sure they'd be better. But this is the Bulls one shot at building a title team (unless they get lucky in the lottery...although maybe they send a protected 1st to Philly). With no cap flexibility left you have to ask is this a title team? If not then it's not worth it. A lot rides on Tyrus Thomas maturing quickly.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 10:28 AM CST reply actions

also

the rebounding/postdefense would be bad. Unless Wallace regains the strength of 5 men.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

tempting

It would be nice to get Hunter in the deal.

I still can't imagine Skiles and AI coexisting, but it would be nice to be able to count on 25-30 a night from the 2 spot.

Could AI adjust his game to play a meaningful part of a motion offense without completely dominating the ball?

B-jizzle my nizzle!

by preverbal on Dec 11, 2006 10:39 AM CST up reply actions

motion offense

That's my concern too.

although Iverson may disrupt the offense on some possesions, it'd be nice on others when 'motion' isn't working, and you just need someone to go one-on-one and get a good look or a foul.

Iverson seems to full of pride to be humbled by this trade situation. You'd hope it'd wake him up to realize that altering his game may be best for the team. Maybe with actual good teammates around him he'd do it.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 10:50 AM CST up reply actions

That is

a tempting trade. Say it does happen and things don't work out then what? This makes me nervous and I have too many "what ifs".

Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Dec 11, 2006 11:07 AM CST up reply actions

if it doesn't work

The Bulls are screwed for 2 more seasons. But after that Iverson is off the books, Wallace would have only one more year on the books. You'd still have Hinrich and Deng and Thomas (and likely Nocioni) in their primes. Not a bad worst-case-scenario...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

You know....

that's actually tempting, but it seems like Philly would want more than just pretty much Gordon. I'd walk away if they asked for a first-rounder.

I still think we benefit the most from being the third team in a three-way deal and not getting Iverson but younger, cheaper guys that can help fill our needs.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 12:19 PM CST up reply actions

huh?

Why do the Bulls need younger cheaper guys?? They need expensive (i.e. good) guys who can take them to a championship level.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 12:29 PM CST up reply actions

Impressive Matt

I feel like the deal you put together is such a one-sided deal for the Bulls that we'd be silly not to consider it. I'm in.

As much as we talk about our lack of low post scoring as the major flaw on the team, I think there's actually a more glaring weakness: the absence of the "Go To Guy" in the 4th quarter. The Alpha Dog. That's what wins in the NBA playoffs - we as Bulls fans should understand this better than anyone. And before everyone starts screaming about the '04 Pistons, please realize that they were an aberration, not the norm. Stars get the calls in May and June and the Bulls don't seem to have that guy.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 11, 2006 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

That Pistons

team won the Finals, made the playoffs before, has made another Finals appearance, and is still a very good team. Iverson's Sixers that lost to the Lakers seem to be more of an aberration. How many games has Ben Gordon won in the 4th quarter?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

you could say

the Pistons didn't have zero go-to guys, they had 3 (Billups, Hamilton, Rasheed).

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

I brought up that Pistons team

because most people point to that particular group of guys as the team that "won without a superstar." They clearly have clutch guys - especially Billups.

But my point is that they're unique in their composition as a team as they didn't have the typical alpha dog scorer that almost all championship teams have. I'm talking about Wade, Kobe, Duncan, Shaq, MJ, Isiah, Bird, Magic, Kareem, Dr J/Moses, etc. They're likely the only team in the last 20 years to win a championship, and not have a true All NBA 1st team offensive superstar like the guys I just mentioned.

Also, PaxJax, just b/c Iverson lost his only trip to the Finals, I don't think that means he can't be on a championship team. Do you think the same is true about Garnett as he's never had any real playoff success? I think both of their careers have suffered tremendously b/c of their respective front offices being retarded.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on Dec 11, 2006 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

Iverson's

style of play worked out for such a short period of time due to an incredibly weak Eastern Conference and Larry Brown (he used to be a good coach, remember?) maxing out veteran talent. Oh, and Iverson was/is really good too.

Where Detroit has had sustained success (even without a 'star'), Iverson's take every shot style is one of the reasons Philadelphia has been awful to mediocre the past several years. The Sixers front office has done a poor job of improving the roster, but even decent players that were brought in struggled to play with A.I. Garnett has had playoff and roster dissapointment as well, but he is playing in the West, and middling to good talent doesn't struggle to play well with him. If Iverson doesn't change his game he'll never return to the Finals, where Garnett could be inserted into a better roster and vastly improve the team.

My biggest problem with the Bulls/Iverson trade scenarios isn't who could be traded for the guy, it's will Iverson become a team player? That doesn't mean he has to tone down his game and become a role player, but he does have to become a more efficient scorer and distributor, which would lead to so many good things - if he's willing to change.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

That was longwinded

My point - without reading the above nonsense - is that looking at the individual player is going to yield better thinking than just seeing an available 'star' and saying my/your team needs him. Neither Iverson nor Garnett are labeled 'winners' but one has a far better chance at becoming one than the other.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

To both of you...

It's not one star, but two. One star can't get it done, but two "supers" or one "super" and two "above average" All-Stars can.

In the last twenty-five years, save the Pistons (twice), that's been the case of EVERY team.

Magic/Worthy
Magic/Kareem
Bird/McHale/The Chief
Scottie/Michael
Zeke/et. al
Team Pistons
The Dream/The Glyde
Shaq/Kobe
Shaq/Wade
Duncan/Robinson
Duncan/Ginobli/Parker

There are countless teams with one superstar (team player or not) that have fallen short, Nowitzki, Nash and Iverson and their teams are just three that come to mind.

by tyger1147 on Dec 12, 2006 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks

for the correction, I had no idea the NBA was a 'star'-driven league. How about all the teams with too many 'stars'? Or the 'star' duos who never won? Or what the definition of a 'star' is?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Dec 12, 2006 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Not a good move

I don't think that trading for AI will make the Bulls a better team. We have looked our best this season when we have had a lot of ball movement and movement off the ball (76ers game). I think that he would help us run a more effective fast break and score more points but that is about it. If this deal is stolen on the VERY cheap consider, but nothing more.

by Jud Buechler on Dec 11, 2006 11:01 AM CST reply actions

I would do this

if it was AI and Hunter for Gordon, Duhon, Sweetney, and Brown. Steven A Smith reported that the Bulls could offer Gordon, Brown, Sweetney and that infamous 1st round pick. God this is tempting as well. Cause if that pick turns out to be like the 8th pick in the draft or something, I would do that for sure. But we just don't know where it's going to be.

Ben Gordon is trying to be what AI is already and what he is going to be for at least 2 more years. You know what? Throw in Hunter and I say Pax should give em that pick. New York is starting to play better with Curry coming along. As long as we don't give up Tyrus, I would say do it. Bulls have said all along they need that go to guy and they would be near the top of the pack. Go out and get him then. Think of how good it will feel knowing that New York eventually got say, the 8th pick in the draft. Then it would just be another young guy to develop all over again. We have that young guy in Tyrus. No need to get younger if you can keep Kirk, Loul, and Noc.

Do it Pax!

by Option27 on Dec 11, 2006 11:49 AM CST reply actions

Matt,

Don't know if you sawthis or not. This part sticks out, "Chicago could send the expiring contracts of forwards P.J. Brown and Michael Sweetney, with guard Ben Gordon and a first-round pick to Philly for Iverson. Their brass will meet today but appear unlikely to make such a move". The emphasis is mine.

I don't like the idea of giving up a first-rounder and I'd want more than just Iverson in return.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 12:30 PM CST reply actions

eh...

I did see that. Stephen A Smith reported it...and it does seem that he at least has contacts, if a little spread out in his many entertainment ventures.

I'd get over losing the pick if the Bulls won with Iverson. Picks are more fun to talk about, but the time to win is now...and the Bulls already have a developing big man in Tyrus Thomas. I guess I'm just not a draft fiend.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 12:36 PM CST up reply actions

Depends on what year though

I could deal with losing a 2008, but giving up our 2007 Knick's pick seems like a huge mistake just to get Iverson. Even a top 10 pick next year is looking really, really valuable.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

would you rather

give up thomas or 2007 pick. just a theoretical question. Considering how awful the atlantic division is, Id rather have thomas. The knicks are going to win at least 30 mostly because everyone in the atlantic is awful this year. Let's stop fooling ourselves thinking we are gonna get a top 3 pick when Boston, Philly and the Raptors playing the way they are.

by Sambossanova on Dec 11, 2006 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

I'd rather give them

a 2007 1-10 protected pick than Ty.

I'm not expecting the Knicks to end up with a top 3 pick, but I'd be really happy to end up with a top 10 pick because of how deep this draft appears to be.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Dec 11, 2006 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

Somebody has my back

Off today's Hollinger chat:

Chris (Los Angeles): Iverson and Hunter for Gordon, Duhon, Brown, Sweetney and 1st round pick (top 3 protected)? Would you do it if you're Chicago?

SportsNation John Hollinger: (2:06 PM ET ) Here's the dilemma for the Bulls: If they want Iverson, they can definitely outbid anybody -- but doing so means they'll miss out on the Garnett sweepstakes if he becomes available later in the year. So if I were the Bulls, I'd only do it if AI was going to end up in Minnesota otherwise (thus nullifying any future Garnett scenario); otherwise I'd probably hold my cards.

I'm with him on that Minnesota wrinkle.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2006 1:26 PM CST reply actions

ha!

that was my question that John answered.

Let's get this done.

I totally agreed with him though.

by Option27 on Dec 11, 2006 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

AI not going to be a Bull

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/168800,CST-SPT-bullnt12.article

"The Bulls are one team that is definitely not involved in trade talks for Allen Iverson. General manager John Paxson said Monday he has no interest in trying to deal for the disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers superstar, a sentiment echoed by coach Scott Skiles.

''I know we're not a team that's in there talking about it -- contrary to a couple reports I've read,'' Skiles said. ''I haven't given it a whole lot of thought. Wherever he ends up, he ends up.''

An erroneous report in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday said the Bulls had offered P.J. Brown, Michael Sweetney, Ben Gordon and a first-round draft pick for Iverson."

by Option27 on Dec 12, 2006 9:38 AM CST reply actions

Something like Okafor for A.I. would work.

Then, I wouldn't be surprised if they flipped Iverson again towards the trade deadline to a legit contender for some young cheap players or draft picks.

(damn I just checked over at espn.com and Iverson is balking at that trade, I'll post this comment anyway for no credit whatsoever. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2695147 )

I'm sick of my name, damn gwkd.

by GWKD on Dec 12, 2006 4:03 PM CST reply actions