Bulls midweek links: comparing benches, Marcin Gortat rumors, Bulls with a Beatle, and more.

As we had a few days to stew over the funk that was Bulls past weekend, nothing specifically has jumped out. But I have a lot of little things!

• The main theme of this week, not coincidentally with the Omer Bowl occurring Wednesday night, has been the demise of the bench mob and insufficiency of their replacements. Jay had some interesting work on it yesterday, but here's more from KC Johnson, Bulls by the Horns, Bulls Confidential. Some scathing stuff in those last two links, and it's not lost on Thibs or the bench's leader: Taj Gibson.
• Mike McGraw reminds us that the Bulls and Thibs had a rough start two years ago as well. To which I say: yeah, but still. I don't doubt certain things will improve, but it's also an objectively lower talent-base than what was on the roster then.
• Not sure of the veracity of this rumor, but part of Marcin Gortat's venting to the Polish press included a report that the Bulls are interested if the center is put on the trade block. As you jump to the trade machine, remember the Bulls cannot add any salary in a trade this season due to their Hinriching of the offseason. And in case you missed it, this BaB Fanpost does a great job going through what types of trades we may expect this year.
  
• Noah, Deng, and Butler met Sir Paul McCartney for some reason. Thumbs-up.
• These are unofficial figures, but the Bulls are looking at a more substantial revenue-sharing payment after the first season of the new CBA. A relative drop in the profit-bucket, but it all counts. (via SoV)
• We saw this first-hand on Saturday: how Jamal Crawford's shot-creation may not always be efficient but can help a team. I think it's a skill under-celebrated by the Bulls from their management to their broadcasters