[srbin84]

Lots of rumors about Bargnani going to the Bulls at #2. Andy Katz was on ESPN News and he said Thomas likley slipped out of the #2 spot because Skiles was upset TT couldn't finish either of his workouts for the Bulls. The Raptors apparantly are seriously considering Gay with the top pick.

 

I didn't hear about this. If he was getting too tired and quit, I change my mind completely about him. I wouldn't even consider drafting him in that case even though I was all for him for a long time. If he's that lazy, he would be a total waste.

[Brian]

Lots of rumors about Bargnani going to the Bulls at #2. Andy Katz was on ESPN News and he said Thomas likley slipped out of the #2 spot because Skiles was upset TT couldn't finish either of his workouts for the Bulls. The Raptors apparantly are seriously considering Gay with the top pick.

 

I didn't hear about this. If he was getting too tired and quit, I change my mind completely about him. I wouldn't even consider drafting him in that case even though I was all for him for a long time. If he's that lazy, he would be a total waste.

 

First time he had a stomach-ache, I think there was a possibility he ate some bad food. Second time he had a tweaked groin.

[ChiCubsFan]

You know what made me feel so happy yet so sad all at once. When I realized today that I have complete confidence in the decision making of John Paxson and zero confidence in Jim Hendry & Company. I was thinking I really don't want Aldridge and would prefer Thomas, Bargnani, or Roy. But then I reached the conclusion that if Pax feels Aldridge is the man to take at #2, then I'm happy to have Aldridge aboard. Kind of refreshing.

[srbin84]

Lots of rumors about Bargnani going to the Bulls at #2. Andy Katz was on ESPN News and he said Thomas likley slipped out of the #2 spot because Skiles was upset TT couldn't finish either of his workouts for the Bulls. The Raptors apparantly are seriously considering Gay with the top pick.

 

I didn't hear about this. If he was getting too tired and quit, I change my mind completely about him. I wouldn't even consider drafting him in that case even though I was all for him for a long time. If he's that lazy, he would be a total waste.

 

First time he had a stomach-ache, I think there was a possibility he ate some bad food. Second time he had a tweaked groin.

 

Was this confirmed by a doctor or just his word?

[Brian]

Was this confirmed by a doctor or just his word?

 

This is from a Paxson interview on the Bulls website

 

“He ended up not feeling well during the first one and kind of tweaked his groin a little bit, but it was more because he wasn’t feeling well that night before the workout before dinner. When we brought him back, we were hoping that his groin was better and we could put him through a full-fledged workout, but it was still a little bit sore. That was the one workout where we physically weren’t able to do everything we wanted to do, but that was the only one. We wanted to get LaMarcus [Aldridge] back in as well; he didn’t workout against anybody and those are always the toughest ones to judge anyway. All you do is watch a guy shoot by himself and run up and down the floor by himself; there’s not a whole lot you can simulate with a dummy pad or anything like that out there.”

[1908]

Chad Ford[/url]"]On Tuesday night, I spoke with Bulls GM John Paxson, who told me that the choice was down to Bargnani, Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge. Within the Bulls organization, the respective camps had made their pitches, and Paxson said, "Now I've got to go pick the guy I feel most comfortable with."

 

The word is that Paxson is a Thomas fan, but Thomas didn't endear himself to Chicago coach Scott Skiles with the two workouts he cut short.

 

But according to Paxson, he's making the decision based on who will be "the best player down the road and a guy who fits the character of the team."

 

That's Thomas.

Roy's out?

[Derwood]

TT was on ESPNews yesterday and said that he works out nearly 8 hours a day. I don't think there is reason to label him as lazy.

 

Yahoo has a mock draft up today that makes zero sense:

 

1. TOR - Adam Morrison
2. CHI - LaMarcus Aldridge
3. CHA - Rudy Gay
4. POR - A. Barganini
5. ATL - Brandon Roy
6. MIN - Tyrus Thomas
7. BOS - Marcus Williams
8. HOU - Shelden Williams
9. GS - Patrick O'Bryant
10. SEA - Randy Foye
11. ORL - Ronnie Brewer
12. NOKC - Cedric Simmons
13. PHI - Rodney Carney
14. UTA - JJ Redick
15. NOKC - Hilton Armstrong
16. CHI - Thabo Sefolosha
17. IND - Shawne Williams
18. WSH - Alexander Johnson
19. SAC - Rajon Rondo
20. NYK - Saer Sene
21. PHX - Shannon Brown
22. NJ - Sergio Rodriguez
23. NJ - Oleksiy Pecherov
24. MEM - Maurice Auger
25. CLE - Daniel Gibson
26. LAL - James White
27. PHX - Quincy Douby
28. DAL - Jordan Farmar
29. NYK - Kyle Lowry
30. POR - Paul Davis

 

I mean, it COULD go down that way, but doesn't this list look like it was made by someone who hasn't listened to a word out of any GM's mouth the last month?

[RynoRules]

Chad Ford[/url]"]On Tuesday night, I spoke with Bulls GM John Paxson, who told me that the choice was down to Bargnani, Thomas and LaMarcus Aldridge. Within the Bulls organization, the respective camps had made their pitches, and Paxson said, "Now I've got to go pick the guy I feel most comfortable with."

 

The word is that Paxson is a Thomas fan, but Thomas didn't endear himself to Chicago coach Scott Skiles with the two workouts he cut short.

 

But according to Paxson, he's making the decision based on who will be "the best player down the road and a guy who fits the character of the team."

 

That's Thomas.

Roy's out?

 

He's bluffing. There's no way he'd be that direct and obvious.

[1908]

He's bluffing. There's no way he'd be that direct and obvious.

Why? It's not like he's hoping those guys will fall to him. He's guaranteed to have his pick of two of the three.

[RynoRules]

He's bluffing. There's no way he'd be that direct and obvious.

Why? It's not like he's hoping those guys will fall to him. He's guaranteed to have his pick of two of the three.

 

Its not about that.

 

If he makes Toronto or whoever else he has heard is trying to trade up / down (Boston? GS? Suns?) think he is interested in several players and a decision has not been made, someone might be willing to pay more in a trade with him to get the No. 2 spot in order to ensure they got their guy. I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

[Garwilly]

He's bluffing. There's no way he'd be that direct and obvious.

Why? It's not like he's hoping those guys will fall to him. He's guaranteed to have his pick of two of the three.

 

Its not about that.

 

If he makes Toronto or whoever else he has heard is trying to trade up / down (Boston? GS? Suns?) think he is interested in several players and a decision has not been made, someone might be willing to pay more in a trade with him to get the No. 2 spot in order to ensure they got their guy. I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

 

Like how the Clippers drafted Chandler for us?

 

Or how we drafted Mihm.

[RynoRules]

He's bluffing. There's no way he'd be that direct and obvious.

Why? It's not like he's hoping those guys will fall to him. He's guaranteed to have his pick of two of the three.

 

Its not about that.

 

If he makes Toronto or whoever else he has heard is trying to trade up / down (Boston? GS? Suns?) think he is interested in several players and a decision has not been made, someone might be willing to pay more in a trade with him to get the No. 2 spot in order to ensure they got their guy. I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

 

Like how the Clippers drafted Chandler for us?

 

Or how we drafted Mihm.

 

if your post is meant to imply that this strategy is a bad idea, you should consider who was responsible for the transactions you referred to.

Hint: It wasn't Paxson.

[1908]

I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

Fair enough. I think Paxson's keeping and using the pick. If the Raptors choose Bargnani like most prognosticators believe, all signs point to the Bulls picking either Thomas or Aldridge. But it could all be a mirage as you suggest.

[RynoRules]

I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

Fair enough. I think Paxson's keeping and using the pick. If the Raptors choose Bargnani like most prognosticators believe, all signs point to the Bulls picking either Thomas or Aldridge. But it could all be a mirage as you suggest.

 

I hope its Aldridge, if it shakes down as you are predicting.

 

The Iverson talk is really interesting also. I read in Sam Smith's column that Memphis is a front runner, and maybe on other team that I can't recall.

[Flames24Rulz]

I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

Fair enough. I think Paxson's keeping and using the pick. If the Raptors choose Bargnani like most prognosticators believe, all signs point to the Bulls picking either Thomas or Aldridge. But it could all be a mirage as you suggest.

 

I hope its Aldridge, if it shakes down as you are predicting.

 

The Iverson talk is really interesting also. I read in Sam Smith's column that Memphis is a front runner, and maybe on other team that I can't recall.

 

Boston is the other team interested in Iverson.

[RynoRules]

Here's an interesting exchange between a poster and Ford:

 

Chris (chicago): Hey Chad, wasn't there talk at one point about the Bulls trading the #2 pick for an established NBA player and I heard something about Shawn Marion to the Bulls? What are the chances of a last minute trade? (will not stop asking until answered!!!)

 

Chad Ford: (1:33 PM ET ) OK ... I know there's a lot of Bulls trade talk. Here's my opinion and that's all it is. If the Bulls make a big trade it will be for Kevin Garnett. I think a package of No. 2 (Wolves would take Tyrus Thomas) and No. 16 (probably a point guard like Marcus Williams) along with a young player like Luol Deng or Ben Gordon has to be intriguing. But if a deal like this were to happen, it couldn't happen untill mid July for cap reasons.

 

That seems like a steep price to pay, even for the Big Ticket. I think I could live with it if it were Gordon and the no. 2, or Deng and the no. 2.

[1908]

Here's an interesting exchange between a poster and Ford:

 

Chris (chicago): Hey Chad, wasn't there talk at one point about the Bulls trading the #2 pick for an established NBA player and I heard something about Shawn Marion to the Bulls? What are the chances of a last minute trade? (will not stop asking until answered!!!)

 

Chad Ford: (1:33 PM ET ) OK ... I know there's a lot of Bulls trade talk. Here's my opinion and that's all it is. If the Bulls make a big trade it will be for Kevin Garnett. I think a package of No. 2 (Wolves would take Tyrus Thomas) and No. 16 (probably a point guard like Marcus Williams) along with a young player like Luol Deng or Ben Gordon has to be intriguing. But if a deal like this were to happen, it couldn't happen untill mid July for cap reasons.

 

That seems like a steep price to pay, even for the Big Ticket. I think I could live with it if it were Gordon and the no. 2, or Deng and the no. 2.

Ford's been advocating that trade for months now without much supporting evidence. I don't think Garnett getting traded this off-season. Maybe during the regular season we'll see something like this, maybe next off-season.

[1908]

I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

Fair enough. I think Paxson's keeping and using the pick. If the Raptors choose Bargnani like most prognosticators believe, all signs point to the Bulls picking either Thomas or Aldridge. But it could all be a mirage as you suggest.

 

I hope its Aldridge, if it shakes down as you are predicting.

As long as we're quoting Chad's opinions:

 

Ben, Chicago: Has John Paxson locked into Tyrus Thomas, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Andrea Bargnani yet?

 

Chad Ford: (1:04 PM ET ) He told me he was still deciding last night. However, I think they've been leaning for the past six weeks toward Thomas. Doesn't make any sense to change now. In my opinion, Thomas has the most upside of anyone in the drat and is the guy most likely to become a star in five years.

[BigSlick]

I still think Pax has something up his sleeve, and even if we do stay at No. 2, we might be drafting for someone else, a la Webber and Hardaway in 94'.

Fair enough. I think Paxson's keeping and using the pick. If the Raptors choose Bargnani like most prognosticators believe, all signs point to the Bulls picking either Thomas or Aldridge. But it could all be a mirage as you suggest.

 

I hope its Aldridge, if it shakes down as you are predicting.

As long as we're quoting Chad's opinions:

 

Ben, Chicago: Has John Paxson locked into Tyrus Thomas, LaMarcus Aldridge, or Andrea Bargnani yet?

 

Chad Ford: (1:04 PM ET ) He told me he was still deciding last night. However, I think they've been leaning for the past six weeks toward Thomas. Doesn't make any sense to change now. In my opinion, Thomas has the most upside of anyone in the drat and is the guy most likely to become a star in five years.

 

Ugh.

 

I know you draft the best player available, and not for need, but c'mon...

 

Thomas doesn't help this team immediately, or maybe at all, Aldridge helps immediately.

[1908]

Thomas doesn't help this team immediately, or maybe at all, Aldridge helps immediately.

Neither player helps the team immediately. Aldridge's passiveness makes me more nervous about him than Thomas.

[Derwood]

We need Thomas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So he can win the Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest!

[CaliforniaRaisin]

If you want immediate impact, you should go for Brandon Roy. The Bulls need BPB.

 

But I want Roy if Bargnani is gone.

[Brian]

I just read on another board that Espn is saying that Garnett to Chicago is going down right now, but ESPN has the Yankees game...

 

It's an Insider article on ESPN.com

 

Is the Kevin Garnett era coming to an end in Minnesota? The Bulls and their two first-round picks might have the power to make it happen.

 

Don't have Insider so I don't know if it just speculation or if it has weight.

[1908]

Don't have Insider so I don't know if it just speculation or if it has weight.

Speculation. Ford mentions it in his blog as a rumor, while Katz writes all his sources say the Bulls aren't making a trade.

 

If the Bulls draft a PG at number 16, it's time to get suspicious.

[Milli1306]

sebastian telfair to the celtics

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/news/story?id=2503245