Zach's just engaging in wordplay. By mentioning Ball, he's subtly intimating that Lonzo's injury is responsible for the team's poor play. And the L..A. doesn't signify Los Angeles, it's Love Arturas.
I believe I'm on record that this is a lottery team regardless of whether Zach Lavine is on it or not. Who are they clearly better than? What matchup edge do the Bulls have? I don't think they beat Detroit the other night if Jalen Duren is healthy. Leave the names and past "glories" aside, there are maybe 5-6 rosters with less talent. Their most impactful player comes off the bench and said impact is made by putting forth full effort on defense. You'd think I was describing a high school team if you only read that last sentence.
I think they could make the Play-In again and possibly win the games needed to get into the actual playoffs. This would require starting Carter and bringing Coby off the bench. Not a knock on Coby but if Lavine+DeRozan are your primary scorers you need a 3&D PG to play off them
I think swapping Zach for a competent PG would dramatically improve the team. My preference is a total teardown, but if they want to stay competitive (you know they do) getting rid of Zach and putting in someone who can actually run an offense is the way to go.
Bulls trade Zach and get absolutely fleeced. They end up not really getting worse since Zach isn't a plus asset anyway. DeMar leaves after the season is over because he's sick of mediocrity. Lonzo comes back only for AK to find out he's no longer an NBA-caliber player due to his injuries. They re-sign Pat to a $150 million deal because they have nothing better to spend their money on. Vooch gets 20 shots a night and couldn't be happier despite the team being absolute dog shit. #DoubleDoubleMachine
Apologies in advance for coming here to dump all my trauma and cynicism but it's how I get through the day:
Which teams have a low level former All-Star, preferably past his prime with only 1-2 ASG selections under his belt? I'd start there. Probably throw in a wing who can't shoot. Plus they should be amenable to receiving a 1st round pick to take on Zach's contract. Or AK might throw in a pick anyway as an act of generosity. "Winning trades" is such an outdated capitalistic concept anyway.
Deal with Charlotte for Gordon Hayward? Try to get FVV from Houston? I'm thinking guys who are "a name" but not too big of a name.
I'm at the same conclusion. Especially after reading KC's tweet yesterday that seemingly bemoans the fact AKME inherited a rebuild and have stated repeatedly that their goal is "making the playoffs."
They're basically arguing that purgatory is better than hell with those aims, and I think they're comfortable enough with that premise to trade Zach for parts that may conceivably help them back-in to a play-in spot. Which is just--IDK--the worst.
Yeah, it feels like malpractice to try to salvage basically anyone from this current roster. They need to completely blow this team up and start over. I fucking hate tank humping, but trying to build a winner out of #7 draft picks has also sucked.
Agreed. But... we're in a situation where seemingly the only viable path to improvement is to get extraordinarily lucky. Like, no one trusts this FO to build through free agency. They clearly don't like making trades. They draft like shit and young players don't develop in their system. They will probably have to tank for 5-6 years and have a generational talent fall into their laps. It's going to get worse before it gets better, but we need to first pull the plug on these zombie bulls and speedrun our descent to the abyss. And maybe if we're embarrassing enough the league will step in and force the Reinsdorfs to install new leadership.
I only know that AKME will get clowned. Every deal he's made has been bad. And this is coming from someone that liked the original Vooch deal! Back then I thought that the Bulls had two seasons to catch lightning in a bottle. If it didn't work, trade Vooch and recover some assets. I knew the Bulls wouldn't get back what they gave up. That was ok though. Take a shot. The only way the deal would go bad is if it obviously didn't work and then the Bulls resigned Vooch. #Welp. Truthfully, I didn't mind resigning Vooch, if the deal made sense. It wasn't about the dollars as much as the years. #Welp. AKME only makes bad deals. The LaVine deal will be another one.
Can someone clarify so next years bulls pick in 2025 is top ten protected I think that goes to spurs from demar trade. So next year they should in lottery for cooper flag sweepstakes. But akme will want to stay mediocre anyways next season so Low odds in lottery.
ok I phrased that wrong, I think they figure they can just get the pick commitment over with in 2025, then their draft and cap (since Lonzo will medically retire) will be clean!
Apparently attendance numbers are waaaay down. Hopefully Jerry realizes that we don’t want any version of this team anymore. Tanking sucks because losing a lot sucks, but if you get young, promising players and draft picks as a result, the fans will get behind that more than a first round exit playoff team going absolutely nowhere.
If you're referring to that post someone made on Reddit, it was kind of false. The Bulls are like 25th in attendance when counting both home and away games. As granvillator said, they're 7th in home attendance, which is what actually matters. To be fair, they've been first the last two seasons, so 7th is definitely worse. I don't think it's super bad though. Hopefully it continues to drop as the season goes along.
gosh, I'm just thinking through and knocking down more suitors the more I think about it
Memphis - makes sense now, but Bane's salary jumps to $35M next year
Nets - don't think LaVine considers himself 'under' Bridges, and they have Cam Thomas doing LaVine-lite for dirt cheap
Timberwolves - it's a new regime, and on-court it kinda fits, but Towns would have to be the one out, and I just don't think them or LaVine want a reunion
I agree but in terms of fit it's one of the best situations for Zach. The Thrashtors have too much of the same thing (lengthy defending wings) and could use a Zach.
maybe. Klutch represents De'Aaron Fox so perhaps that is all worked out behind the scenes in terms of who gets the ball late. It's not a big market though obviously.
I think the problem from the Kings perspective is that while LaVine would be an upgrade over Monk, it's not a big one and they do not need more offense.
Bane and Zack are both pure 2s....neither of them can play the 3 so i'm not sure how that fits unless they just say fuck it we need the offense and fuck the fit
Same goes for Minnesota.....That's Ant's team, why bring in another shot dominant 2?
That was pretty dickish
Maybe he needed to poop.
YES we need more people in the media putting this team on blast.
Wearing a sweet hat https://nitter.net/NBCSBulls/status/1725003718397997432#m
Zach's just engaging in wordplay. By mentioning Ball, he's subtly intimating that Lonzo's injury is responsible for the team's poor play. And the L..A. doesn't signify Los Angeles, it's Love Arturas.
Time for Vooch to get outworked by the other Wagner!
I saw that the bulls played the Magic twice this week and picked up Mo Wagner in fantasy
Smart move 😂😂
GAME PREVIEW IS UP
https://www.blogabull.com/p/bulls-vs-magic-roster-preview-2-games
Turns out, Bulls don't need to see Wendell Carter on the other side to shit their pants.
Jesus, any more salt and I’ll have a heart attack!
I believe I'm on record that this is a lottery team regardless of whether Zach Lavine is on it or not. Who are they clearly better than? What matchup edge do the Bulls have? I don't think they beat Detroit the other night if Jalen Duren is healthy. Leave the names and past "glories" aside, there are maybe 5-6 rosters with less talent. Their most impactful player comes off the bench and said impact is made by putting forth full effort on defense. You'd think I was describing a high school team if you only read that last sentence.
Well they were literally in the lottery last year with everyone pretty much healthy and playing better than they are now.
I think they could make the Play-In again and possibly win the games needed to get into the actual playoffs. This would require starting Carter and bringing Coby off the bench. Not a knock on Coby but if Lavine+DeRozan are your primary scorers you need a 3&D PG to play off them
Just a reminder that when AKME took over, the Bulls were rated one of the teams with the brightest futures because of their assets.
Then they bet on Zach. And passed on Haliburton for Pat (and probably because they already had Coby). And gave up a ton of assets for Vooch.
Just bad decisions all around.
I think swapping Zach for a competent PG would dramatically improve the team. My preference is a total teardown, but if they want to stay competitive (you know they do) getting rid of Zach and putting in someone who can actually run an offense is the way to go.
Looking at the Grizzlies and trying to think if there's a way to make something like Brandon Clarke and Marcus Smart for LaVine and Caruso work.
Why does Memphis do this? And Smart isn't really a PG tbh
Just get rid of the guy for chump change. IDC anymore about him. I have never hated him and liked him to a point. But he is the problem.
He is A problem my friend, with the Bulls you can always have more!
At least he's not the system!
Prediction:
Bulls trade Zach and get absolutely fleeced. They end up not really getting worse since Zach isn't a plus asset anyway. DeMar leaves after the season is over because he's sick of mediocrity. Lonzo comes back only for AK to find out he's no longer an NBA-caliber player due to his injuries. They re-sign Pat to a $150 million deal because they have nothing better to spend their money on. Vooch gets 20 shots a night and couldn't be happier despite the team being absolute dog shit. #DoubleDoubleMachine
Apologies in advance for coming here to dump all my trauma and cynicism but it's how I get through the day:
Which teams have a low level former All-Star, preferably past his prime with only 1-2 ASG selections under his belt? I'd start there. Probably throw in a wing who can't shoot. Plus they should be amenable to receiving a 1st round pick to take on Zach's contract. Or AK might throw in a pick anyway as an act of generosity. "Winning trades" is such an outdated capitalistic concept anyway.
Deal with Charlotte for Gordon Hayward? Try to get FVV from Houston? I'm thinking guys who are "a name" but not too big of a name.
Is Rudy Gay still in the league?
I could see him being our big midseason signing lol
He got cut.
I'm at the same conclusion. Especially after reading KC's tweet yesterday that seemingly bemoans the fact AKME inherited a rebuild and have stated repeatedly that their goal is "making the playoffs."
They're basically arguing that purgatory is better than hell with those aims, and I think they're comfortable enough with that premise to trade Zach for parts that may conceivably help them back-in to a play-in spot. Which is just--IDK--the worst.
Yeah, it feels like malpractice to try to salvage basically anyone from this current roster. They need to completely blow this team up and start over. I fucking hate tank humping, but trying to build a winner out of #7 draft picks has also sucked.
#7 draft picks are lottery picks. Which is supposed to be the reason to tank. A bad front office results in bad plans and worse execution.
Agreed. But... we're in a situation where seemingly the only viable path to improvement is to get extraordinarily lucky. Like, no one trusts this FO to build through free agency. They clearly don't like making trades. They draft like shit and young players don't develop in their system. They will probably have to tank for 5-6 years and have a generational talent fall into their laps. It's going to get worse before it gets better, but we need to first pull the plug on these zombie bulls and speedrun our descent to the abyss. And maybe if we're embarrassing enough the league will step in and force the Reinsdorfs to install new leadership.
I only know that AKME will get clowned. Every deal he's made has been bad. And this is coming from someone that liked the original Vooch deal! Back then I thought that the Bulls had two seasons to catch lightning in a bottle. If it didn't work, trade Vooch and recover some assets. I knew the Bulls wouldn't get back what they gave up. That was ok though. Take a shot. The only way the deal would go bad is if it obviously didn't work and then the Bulls resigned Vooch. #Welp. Truthfully, I didn't mind resigning Vooch, if the deal made sense. It wasn't about the dollars as much as the years. #Welp. AKME only makes bad deals. The LaVine deal will be another one.
That extension has to be one of the worse things in recent bulls lore
Can someone clarify so next years bulls pick in 2025 is top ten protected I think that goes to spurs from demar trade. So next year they should in lottery for cooper flag sweepstakes. But akme will want to stay mediocre anyways next season so Low odds in lottery.
they own their 2024, but the 2025 is top 10 protected.
Also, the Spurs have Wemby and 6 first round picks in the next two years. Man, oh to be them...
Thanks I had the years backwards. Ugh 😑 giving away another first round pick for mid 3
it's top-10 protected in 2025, and top-8 in 2026
but then it converts to a second rounder
So I think it's way more likely don't tank and figure they can wait out the protection. Last year the pick they sent to Orlando was #11
ok I phrased that wrong, I think they figure they can just get the pick commitment over with in 2025, then their draft and cap (since Lonzo will medically retire) will be clean!
Apparently attendance numbers are waaaay down. Hopefully Jerry realizes that we don’t want any version of this team anymore. Tanking sucks because losing a lot sucks, but if you get young, promising players and draft picks as a result, the fans will get behind that more than a first round exit playoff team going absolutely nowhere.
fans may get behind it but I don't think they're more likely to go to the games. And it removes any chance of home play-in or playoff game
honestly, play-in game feels pretty far-fetched now anyway. Especially if they trade Lavine.
If you're referring to that post someone made on Reddit, it was kind of false. The Bulls are like 25th in attendance when counting both home and away games. As granvillator said, they're 7th in home attendance, which is what actually matters. To be fair, they've been first the last two seasons, so 7th is definitely worse. I don't think it's super bad though. Hopefully it continues to drop as the season goes along.
gosh, I'm just thinking through and knocking down more suitors the more I think about it
Memphis - makes sense now, but Bane's salary jumps to $35M next year
Nets - don't think LaVine considers himself 'under' Bridges, and they have Cam Thomas doing LaVine-lite for dirt cheap
Timberwolves - it's a new regime, and on-court it kinda fits, but Towns would have to be the one out, and I just don't think them or LaVine want a reunion
Raptors - someone had an idea in the last thread about using them as a 3rd team where they send OG to the Sixers.
I think it makes sense, but similar problem with Nets (LaVine would think he's #1 option) and it's not a glamo(u)r market
What about Trent Jr, Thad, Porter Jr, ad Achiuwa for Zach? All are expiring and Dorfs would save $3M this year! Raptors get something for nothing.
That was me but no one liked or replied to my comment so I'm never ever commenting on Blogabull ever again!
In all seriousness (not really), the gist of it was:
TOR Lavine
PHI OG
CHI Morris, Korkmaz, and other filler, Springer picks
An alternate version where Bulls also send Caruso to Philly and get Melton.
I don't see Toronto wanting to do this, especially if Zach isn't keen on being a Raptor
I agree but in terms of fit it's one of the best situations for Zach. The Thrashtors have too much of the same thing (lengthy defending wings) and could use a Zach.
Kings? They've signed him to a an offer sheet before... He'd be an upgrade over like, Huerter and Monk.
Don't own their 2024 1st though..
maybe. Klutch represents De'Aaron Fox so perhaps that is all worked out behind the scenes in terms of who gets the ball late. It's not a big market though obviously.
I think the problem from the Kings perspective is that while LaVine would be an upgrade over Monk, it's not a big one and they do not need more offense.
Bane and Zack are both pure 2s....neither of them can play the 3 so i'm not sure how that fits unless they just say fuck it we need the offense and fuck the fit
Same goes for Minnesota.....That's Ant's team, why bring in another shot dominant 2?