This draft has officially driven me insane
This site has gone bananas with the comments/diaries lately. I can't remember a draft with such chaos at the very top, everybody seems to have their own ideas for what Pax should do on draft night. But don't worry, there's nothing I like more than making mean-spirited generalizations, so I think I have everyone figured out! You're likely in one (or actually...more than one) of the following groups:
- Don't be an idiot, take Tyrus Thomas: He can, uh, jump high. Disappeared in a few games over the season, but came up big in a couple tourney games I had money on! Nobody cares if he's really 6'7" and he thinks he's a SF. The unquestioned success of the Phoenix Suns proves that you don't need a player over 6'7" on the floor, ever.
- Don't be an idiot, take LaMarcus Aldridge: We need a post scorer, he can score in the post. Can it be any more simple than that? May have some competitive issues, but that worked out fine with Eddy Curry. Plus he's a little thin. But...so....tall! Finally, saying "the man in the middle" when introducing the starting lineups will have some substance!
- Don't be an idiot, take Brandon Roy: He's the most NBA ready, which means he may never be any good. But he won't let passes bounce off his face that first season, which always makes me sad. Doesn't fill our most pressing need, but the Phoenix Suns have proved with their back-to-back NBA championships that you can field a roster with all guards.
- Don't be an idiot, take Rudy Gay: Best chance at being a superstar, even though he didn't really feel the need to do so in college. And you always take best available, unless you're the Hawks and you get mercilessly ripped on for doing so. Doesn't matter that he plays the same position as Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni. I can tell this guy is better than those two because I once saw a clip on youtube of him dunking over 3 guys from Rutgers. It was sick, really, you should check it out.
- Don't be an idiot, take Adam Morrison: How many times have we needed someone to take the big shot in a close game? Those high-pressure WAC games will prepare him well for NBA crunch-time. And the Phoenix Suns have proven in their multi-decade-spanning dynasty that you do not need to play defense.
- Don't be an idiot, take Andrea Bargnani: Do YOU want to be the guy who passes up on the next Dirk? How about the next Skita? I don't care if he likes to play in the perimeter, those European guys are known to be tough, he'll relish the painted area in the NBA. And the Phoenix Suns, who I need not remind you have forced the NBA to have the play a team of all-stars every night because of their dominance, have proven that the more foreign players you have, the better. And have you seen the 'Da Brat'-backed highlight clip?
- Don't be an idiot, trade the picks for a veteran: Shhhh....nobody knows that this draft class is weak, but I do. And we can use that secret knowledge to our advantage. Pierce for #2 and Duhon? Garnett for #2 and Sweetney? It's the #2 pick! You can't win with all kids, but luckily the Bulls will be the only team that realizes it, so trading for veterans should be easy.
- Don't be an idiot, trade the picks for a 2007 pick: Shhhh.....there's this guy coming out next season, his name is Greg Oden. Nobody knows about him, but I do. So we can get another teams 2007 pick and not tell them that the '07 draft class is way stronger than this one!
Everybody accounted for? I think deep down I'm 'Aldridge guy'. I have a feeling Pax may have predisposition to becoming 'Thomas guy'. Which Bulls fan are you?
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serenity now!
Of course I cannot deny it, I'm an Aldridge guy.
Is this reflective of our true natures?
by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 12:44 AM CDT 0 recs
This diary is right on target...
by RingItUp26 on Jun 15, 2006 1:11 AM CDT 0 recs
Matt - thought you would enjoy this
by cje on Jun 15, 2006 1:24 AM CDT 0 recs
great article
http://www.nwherald.com/SportsSection/pro/295118796338531.php
key quote from superscout Marty Blake:
by CRG on
Jun 15, 2006 2:05 AM CDT
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Also
It wouldn't be a stetch to say that the game comes easy to him and that he is just now beginning to scrape the surface on his vast potential.
Vast potential. I like the sound of that. My biggest concern with this guy seems to be his lack of aggressiveness, but he appears to be a hard worker with a good attitude. With the atmosphere the Bulls are cultivating, I think that Aldridge can develop a bit more aggressiveness and be a great talent in the big show.
With that being said, I was initially in the "Don't be an idiot, take Tyrus Thomas" camp, but I've since changed my tune. I think we try and get Aldridge while doing whatever it takes to get Brewer.
Although if anyone thinks differently I no longer think they're an idiot. This draft is too insane to get a handle on.
by simplesinger on
Jun 15, 2006 10:12 AM CDT
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One last thing...
by simplesinger on
Jun 15, 2006 10:17 AM CDT
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trying to keep an open mind
I'm originally from Minnesota (the Bulls are my team) so I've watched as a team searches high and low for a competent big man. Two picks in particular were absolute folly:
Felton Spencer (6th, 1990)
Luc Longley (7th, 1991)
Longley eventually became a great role player here in Chicago, once he was asked to do what he really had a talent for - standing in the middle like a mountain and passing the ball to MJ and Pip - but that was after years in the wilderness. I'd hate for the Bulls to overvalue a player simply because he's tall.
For those bashing the Suns comparison, simmer down. It's just the easiest way of describing a team that likes to push the ball. Dallas plays that way, too. In this year's playoff, when the Bulls played fast and spaced the floor, they gave Miami more trouble than anyone else in the east. It's a viable style for this team. Besides, the Bulls defense is light years ahead of the Suns.
I trust Pax.
by jamestkirk on
Jun 15, 2006 10:44 AM CDT
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Style
Dallas plays up-tempo, but they still have two huge centers in Dampier and Diop.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
Jun 15, 2006 10:49 AM CDT
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Beef
by jamestkirk on
Jun 15, 2006 11:04 AM CDT
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skillz
That makes you wonder, why haven't Nazr, Przy, Nene, Wilcox or every other big man developed a sky hook during all their years in the league?
by CRG on
Jun 15, 2006 11:11 AM CDT
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Sky hook
Lamaracus Aldridge: Beyond my mobility, I would say my sky hook. That's the most unstoppable shot in the NBA, so I feel like if I went out tomorrow I could get my sky hook off on anybody.
by simplesinger on
Jun 15, 2006 11:34 AM CDT
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skillz part deux
E. Brand (11th)
C. Bosh (15th)
Y. Ming (16th)
J. O'Neil (27th)
S. O'Neil (28th)
T. Duncan (35th)
Those are guys teams try to build around. All six possess at least one or two of the following traits:
1. Overwhelming size
2. Top-flight skill
3. A motor that doesn't stop
Again, I trust Pax. If he thinks Aldridge has the potential to be a top-flight center then by all means he should take him. To me, the only category Aldridge potentially has is top-flight skill. If Pax doesn't see this, I would argue he'd best be served by going with a big, beefy front line, one that could be easily assembled through free agency.
As to the question about why so many bigs don't work on their game, I think it's because they either know their limitations, they're young or they're lazy. Why hasn't Bruce Bowen worked on his one-on-one skills? Because he knows it would be a waste of time - a hundred guys in the league have better skills than him - and besides, he still wants to draw an NBA salary.
by jamestkirk on
Jun 15, 2006 12:12 PM CDT
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I am definitely Aldridge guy...
by Whitebacon on Jun 15, 2006 4:23 AM CDT 0 recs
gargh
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
Jun 15, 2006 8:05 AM CDT
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I only know
by Whitebacon on
Jun 15, 2006 3:09 PM CDT
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one thing is for certain
and thats a good thing, I think, since his is a Bulls Blog
Has he ever one team more often in one post that wasn't a game thread?
And I'm leaning more toward Aldridge now cuz Ty2's "playing the 3 and outside game" comments have scared me. Of course if he is a good SF the Bulls could deal from a position of strength in next year's "stronger" draft
and this is the craziest draft I've ever seen having no clear cut #1-3; it should make for some awful gnashing of teeth by lots of fans
by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 5:09 AM CDT 0 recs
Don't be an idiot...
Were the Bulls to draft Aldridge this year, does that automatically preclude them from drafting Oden (or Noah for that matter) next year should the Knicks' #1 be #1 and fall into the Bulls' lap? Of course not; teams don't pass on Shaq, Yao or Lebron.
But who knows what fortunes lie ahead for the Bulls and the Knicks.
So back to this year's draft and what is certain: the Bulls will be able to draft a very good player regardless of need or BPA. And reality tells me that the Bulls are still a few years off barring a trade for a superstar. I guess what I'm saying is that I wish I would stop hearing about the 2007 draft when 2006's draft isn't for another 13 days.
I think CRG put it best when he said keep moving forward. There's a natural progression of things in the NBA unlike other pro sports where a team can vault out of nowhere and win the whole damn thing (think 2005 White Sox and the one strange outta-nowhere team that makes the Superbowl each year), and I'm happy for the Bulls outlook and growth. But it ain't gonna happen overnight, and it probably ain't gonna happen this year (although I'm keeping my fingers crossed).
So, uh, don't be an idiot and, uh, draft Aldridge?
Matt was right in the first place: this draft is driving me crazy too. It must be...I'm doling out admonishments. Someone give me a shot and a beer, quick.
by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 5:47 AM CDT 0 recs
Don't be an Idiot
Check it out! Our #2 can go to Minnisota for their #6 plus Eddie Griffin. Then trade Mike Sweetney, Songaila and the #6 to New Orleans (they need to get younger at the 4 and 5 position) for PJ Brown, that SG Arvydas, along with their #12 and #15. From all the Draft projections I've seen either Sheldon Williams, Patrick O'Bryant or Cedric Simmons will be available at #12 and then we get the two best big guards with defense and passing ability left in the draft at #15 @ #16. Ronnie Brewer, Mardy Collins and Thabo Sefolosha seem to be leading the pack in this catogory and all of them could be available at 15 and 16.
Adding PJ Brown and a shot blocking PF who can stretch the D with 3-point range(Griffin)would be huge for us. Let's be realistic in any draft (especially a draft like this) you never know who is the sure thing so lets go for percentage.
by davidmccauley on Jun 15, 2006 6:57 AM CDT 0 recs
Suffer the little children to come unto me
PJ brown is getting really old (37 this years) and is nearly the player AD was, so there's no worth getting him when we could just sign AD for much less money.
And Eddie Griffin? After his injury year, he's regressed. Granted he's young enough to rebound, but he's less of a roll player than Pryz or Wilcox would be.
by james@lifeinthecell on
Jun 15, 2006 7:15 AM CDT
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Check the stats
Neither Brown or Griffin will be the long term solution, but the only true long term solution we'll find will be in the draft, because no team in their right mind trades away a true franchise center and that's what we need. Till then we get our young guys accustom to winning. Develop them and teach how to play right. We can make the playoffs for quite few years with our guards and our defense. And when we do get that center (maybe next year, shoot could be O'Bryant) then the team will be ready to back him up.
by davidmccauley on
Jun 15, 2006 8:19 AM CDT
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PJ
To be honest, its too late in the day for me to follow that flurry of trades, but the idea of multiplying picks is not inherently a bad one. In a draft like this, going 1 for 2 is a great idea. With the youth we already have, though, going 2 for 3 is probably more than we need. I'd say make your picks or trade 'em for vets.
by preverbal on
Jun 15, 2006 4:06 PM CDT
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Ambivalence
by Sambossanova on Jun 15, 2006 8:29 AM CDT 0 recs
Phoenix
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
Jun 15, 2006 8:47 AM CDT
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Be safe
Like Pizza? Me too.
by FAQ on Jun 15, 2006 9:06 AM CDT 0 recs
I'm uncommitted
Of course, the draft picks will get scrutinized, rated, praised and degraded but the true worth won't be known for a year at the earliest. It's not necessarily getting the best player ,but the best player for your team.
by KT on Jun 15, 2006 9:10 AM CDT 0 recs
Garnett for #2 and Sweetney?
by MarcGldstn on Jun 15, 2006 9:36 AM CDT 0 recs
I didn't see initially the
by cubbybear on Jun 15, 2006 9:41 AM CDT 0 recs
from today's Daily Herald
So the biggest question regarding Aldridge is if he will simply be a competent NBA big man or if he has the chance to be special.
Here's an interesting comparison to two former college centers from the state of Texas: Tony Battie averaged 18.8 points and 11.8 rebounds during his final season at Texas Tech. Chris Mihm produced 17.7 points and 10.5 rebounds at Texas in 1999-2000.
Both turned in better college stats than Aldridge, both were top-10 draft picks and both have become decent, but very ordinary, NBA players.
The idea that Aldridge might have limited potential probably is the biggest reason he has ranked below LSU forward Tyrus Thomas and Washington guard Brandon Roy on the Bulls' draft board.
But nothing is set in stone. Thomas is scheduled to visit the Bulls today, while Roy is due in Saturday.
One argument in favor of Aldridge is he didn't get a chance to show all he could do in college. He took fewer shots than teammates P.J. Tucker and Daniel Gibson and often was the focus of opposing defenses.
by jamestkirk on Jun 15, 2006 9:44 AM CDT 0 recs
All of this
I will be on vacation in northern Minnesota the week of the draft so the only way I will see it is if I can find a sports bar somewhere. :(
by sue369 on Jun 15, 2006 10:34 AM CDT 0 recs
Glad we have Pax to make the decision...
With our last GM...I remember a few years ago buying a newspaper in the gift shop of the resort in Cancun we were vacationing at to see what happened in the draft, only to shake my head in disbelief/disgust after reading that we traded our 20-and-10 power forward/model citizen for a high school player.
Go Pax!
by MMP on
Jun 15, 2006 12:07 PM CDT
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while I'm thinking of that trade...
by MMP on
Jun 15, 2006 12:18 PM CDT
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MJ
by Big D on
Jun 15, 2006 5:35 PM CDT
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Awesome Post
At first I was a Thomas guy. Thinking about how much fun it would be to watch him dunk on Zydrunas Ilgauskas 5 times a game. Then, like Kidd said, his "I'm a SF, etc" comments sent me running in the other direction. I was an Aldridge guy. The safe pick. As Matt said, "It's simple." THEN, I saw the question in the Trib the other day, and the Nash/Amare comparison was made. My head started spinning. I was back in the Thomas camp. Then, the official draft measurements are up at Draft Express and I see Thomas is 6'8.25 with shoes with a 7'3 wingspan. Certainly a little on the small side for an NBA PF. Back to Aldridge again, who is 6'10 barefoot! There's that size they need.
As Stephen A Smith would say: THE BOTTOM LINE for me, is that I'm still a Thomas guy. Still. Mainly because of his energy, upside, and "motor." All the key draft buzzwords. The mean streak, desire, and passion are characteristics that the TRUE NBA Superstars have. The killer instinct. I'm not a Thomas guy b/c I'm envisioning "The Suns 2.0" as someone else said, I'm a Thomas guy b/c he appears to just be a total badass - and I can't say that about Aldridge. Ultimately, I'll be thrilled with whatever move Pax makes. He's earned all of our trust. But at lunchtime on Thursday - I'm with Thomas.
by Jobu on Jun 15, 2006 12:39 PM CDT 0 recs
Forgot the text
by Jobu on
Jun 15, 2006 2:08 PM CDT
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in addition to height
by CRG on
Jun 15, 2006 2:20 PM CDT
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competitiveness
by your friendly BullsBlogger on
Jun 15, 2006 2:34 PM CDT
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OT-- Przybilla to Chicago for Chandler money?
I doubt it would be for Chandler money. Bucher is probably doing a favor by suggesting that... Przy's wife is from Chicago-- done deal.
by CRG on Jun 15, 2006 2:40 PM CDT 0 recs
Pfft
by Colossus on
Jun 15, 2006 5:20 PM CDT
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tyrus thomas cuts short his berto workout
i think it was a bad side effect of the SKILES STAREDOWN.
i hope pax stays FAR away from TT.
miz
by mizenkay on Jun 15, 2006 4:22 PM CDT 0 recs
Disagree - what is toronto takes alderidge?
by cje on Jun 15, 2006 8:17 PM CDT 0 recs
If Toronto takes Aldridge....
With all that said and all the comments in my diaries and other comments, I really don't care anymore like many of you have already said. I know Pax will make the right decision for this team. If it's Thomas, that's fine. He IS a good player.
by RingItUp26 on Jun 15, 2006 10:22 PM CDT 0 recs
Will he still be #1 next year?
Is this enough to get us to stop thinking about next year?
by james@lifeinthecell on Jun 15, 2006 10:50 PM CDT 0 recs
bizarro suns explanation
by dcarioca on Jun 16, 2006 12:49 AM CDT 0 recs
DBAI = 2006's M2GwcDaS
If we don't do this, we WILL lose 87 games next season, be relegated to the /w/nba and lose the right to draft any players for the next 99 years. It's a fact. Look it up.
by CookDing on Jun 16, 2006 7:58 AM CDT 0 recs
mini ditkas
by GWKD on
Jun 16, 2006 9:38 AM CDT
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And to think...
Stir crazy is setting in and I assume mini-ditkas won't be the last bizarro idea.
In the end, maybe the Bulls should draft Jason Mcelwain.
He did score 20 points in about 4 minutes. Is he eligible?
(By the way, if that story didn't warm your heart then you don't have a heart.)
by james@lifeinthecell on
Jun 16, 2006 9:52 AM CDT
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Nicknames
by hlac on Jun 16, 2006 1:06 PM CDT 0 recs
Chandler
by preverbal on
Jun 16, 2006 1:27 PM CDT
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chandler
Like Pizza? Me too.
by FAQ on
Jun 16, 2006 4:06 PM CDT
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ummmm
Maybe you could just say he has lousy hands?
by sue369 on
Jun 16, 2006 4:09 PM CDT
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but can you palm one?
Like Pizza? Me too.
by FAQ on
Jun 19, 2006 11:05 AM CDT
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T-Rex
by Whitebacon on
Jun 17, 2006 4:34 AM CDT
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Best. Post. Ever.
Ha!
by Mike Aparicio on Jun 16, 2006 4:20 PM CDT 0 recs
NCAA player success rates
by CRG on Jun 17, 2006 12:57 PM CDT 0 recs
That's a fantastic article
by Todd Lerner on
Jun 17, 2006 5:01 PM CDT
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That's a fantastic article
by hlac on
Jun 17, 2006 7:42 PM CDT
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no Roy
Roy is overrated as far as picking him at #2.
After drafting our big man at #2, we should trade up to grab Brewer.
by CRG on
Jun 17, 2006 8:23 PM CDT
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now you're talkin'
Drafting Brewer would open up a ton of combinations. He can play the 1, 2 or 3.
by jamestkirk on
Jun 17, 2006 9:50 PM CDT
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Word
by preverbal on
Jun 17, 2006 10:16 PM CDT
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Strategy
Therefore, use the draft picks, one or more of the Hinrich's (but not Kirk)...and Chandler to get a 4/5, one way or another, and draft a 2, whomever that turns out to be--Brewer, Roy, or Sefalosa with an appropriate draft pick. So now Pax has to figure out how to make that happen. Easy, right.
by hlac on
Jun 17, 2006 11:42 PM CDT
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Me too
by hlac on
Jun 17, 2006 11:55 PM CDT
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Brewer with the #2 pick
by smegmatic on
Jun 18, 2006 12:31 AM CDT
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how about that?
by preverbal on
Jun 28, 2006 11:28 PM CDT
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Don't be an idiot...
by Todd Lerner on Jun 22, 2006 3:10 PM CDT 0 recs




