2011 Chicago Bulls Offseason thread

[UMFan83]

1) Jason Richardson - my ideal fit. didnt fit right with orlando, but he creates his own shot, is a very good shooter and at the very least is a willing defender.

2) SJax - if available....a better shot creator than JRich, a guy who can handle the #1 scoring load on some nights when Rose is off, but a worse shooter than Richardson. But there are a lot of things to like. He can get to the line, he can slash, he can shoot of the dribble. I believe he can post up as well. And defensively, he's willing AND able.

 

Based on who is out there, in my mind JRich and SJax are 1 and 1a and everyone else is a step below, as it pertains to the Bulls needs. I have a slight preference to Richardson because he can shoot and space the floor for Rose a little better.

 

3) Afflalo I don't consider this overly realistic, but depending on the CBA, if we have the money it would be stupid not to sign him to an offer sheet if richardson or jackson aren't available. He's a player I'd be willing to wait the 10 days or whatever it is for Denver to match on the off chance they wouldnt.

4) Mayo - Maybe realistic but for some reason people believe Memphis won't trade with us. After this year they've had, I think they'd be more willing if we were offering what they needed. But what is that need, and can we afford to give it to them? But I like Mayo. He's still got potential to be developed in the right system and could be an absolute steal.

5) Smith - I really don't like JR Smith. But I can't deny his ability and how much he would help us. If the other 4 were off the table, we'd have to make a move for someone like him right? Wouldnt be the ideal fit, but his shooting and his ability to go off on scoring rampages are attractive to have. I forgot which game it was, but watching him in the first round this year, he looked the part of the "star" for a team without one.

6) Lee - Lee is kind of blah. I wasn't excited about him in February, and I'm not all that excited about him now. Don't get me wrong, he's a quality player, he can play excellent D and shoot from outside, but if he's supposed to be the perimeter player that is going to make teams single cover Rose, I think the Bulls are in trouble.

 

Hamilton isn't worth it even at minimum salary unless all other options are exhausted. A friend suggested to me the name Corey Maggette, and it sounds intreaging enough. He's another strong guy who can get to the line better then most NBA players, and can often create his own shot. Heck me might even be able to carry the scoring load on nights when Rose is off, but I wouldn't expect him to do it consistently.

 

Whichever direction the Bulls go, they need to think long and hard about this move, assuming there is one. Fairly or unfairly, people are looking at this move as the last piece to the championship puzzle, and the Bulls are possibly lucky enough to be able to afford most of these guys (depending on the CBA). This is a huge offseason for the Bulls, as last year was.

[WrigleyField 22]

So Jamal Crawford isn't even in your top 8 options?

[UMFan83]

So Jamal Crawford isn't even in your top 8 options?

 

I forgot him....I'm not a big fan as some though. I'd probably put him 5th ahead of JR Smith.

[rawaction]

Going by FTA per game (good off the top stat that shows if a player is good at creating for himself) then Stephen Jackson would be the best fit. Nick Young quietly may be able to take the next step to becoming a star type 2G. He's a really good shooter, very athletic defender with some potential on that end, and is becoming more capable creating his own shot. The guy I really wanted last offseason was Tony Allen, and he really played well in the playoffs for Memphis creating his shot and defensively.

[SouthSideRyan]

I suggested Tony Allen last year, but somebody pointed out he has certain issues with Chicago area people(be they gangs or neighborhood, I can't recall, but basically Chicago isn't a real safe area for Tony to reside)

[Formerly Snayke]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

[UMFan83]

I suggested Tony Allen last year, but somebody pointed out he has certain issues with Chicago area people(be they gangs or neighborhood, I can't recall, but basically Chicago isn't a real safe area for Tony to reside)

 

Yeah, they want him dead. Or at least they used to. I think he skipped trips to Chicago for a few years for fear of his safety.

[rawaction]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

[rawaction]

I suggested Tony Allen last year, but somebody pointed out he has certain issues with Chicago area people(be they gangs or neighborhood, I can't recall, but basically Chicago isn't a real safe area for Tony to reside)

 

Yeah, they want him dead. Or at least they used to. I think he skipped trips to Chicago for a few years for fear of his safety.

 

I didn't know about that. I know he's from Chicago and thought he'd be a good fit. OH well, he's not available anyway.

[WrigleyField 22]

Yea, people in Chicago want Tony Allen dead. When he travels here he gets special security.

[UMFan83]

I suggested Tony Allen last year, but somebody pointed out he has certain issues with Chicago area people(be they gangs or neighborhood, I can't recall, but basically Chicago isn't a real safe area for Tony to reside)

 

Yeah, they want him dead. Or at least they used to. I think he skipped trips to Chicago for a few years for fear of his safety.

 

I didn't know about that. I know he's from Chicago and thought he'd be a good fit. OH well, he's not available anyway.

 

http://deadspin.com/5225981/tony-allen-is-not-very-popular-in-chicago

[Formerly Snayke]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

[WrigleyField 22]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

They also need Noah and Boozer to play better, particularly when in the game together. That could reasonably happen. Boozer will likely decline as he ages, and they'll both miss time with injuries, but they can definitely approve.

[rawaction]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

 

Miami can't get significantly better though because they don't have the money to throw around. After the Big 3, the only players making more than 1.3Mil are Mike Miller ($5Mil), Haslem ($3.5Mil) and Joel Anthony at $3Mil. Any talent they get is going to be at a similar level of talent. Even if they get their old guys to retire/leave (Dampier, Howard, House, Magloire, Z) that's still only frees up 5MIl. Haslem isn't going anywhere. And sure they could dump Miller and Anthony and those 5 old guys and bring in another high priced player with the rest being roster filler, but that's not realistic. They are going to do the same as they did this year and try to piece together a couple shooters and some veteran bigs to field the rest of the team and hope the Big 3 carry them.

[CubColtPacer]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

 

Miami can't get significantly better though because they don't have the money to throw around. After the Big 3, the only players making more than 1.3Mil are Mike Miller ($5Mil), Haslem ($3.5Mil) and Joel Anthony at $3Mil. Any talent they get is going to be at a similar level of talent. Even if they get their old guys to retire/leave (Dampier, Howard, House, Magloire, Z) that's still only frees up 5MIl. Haslem isn't going anywhere. And sure they could dump Miller and Anthony and those 5 old guys and bring in another high priced player with the rest being roster filler, but that's not realistic. They are going to do the same as they did this year and try to piece together a couple shooters and some veteran bigs to field the rest of the team and hope the Big 3 carry them.

 

The Bulls and Heat are basically in the same cap situation. Both are over the cap and will have to use their exceptions to add talent. The Bulls have more draft picks but that's the only significant difference. Miami will slowly get better though because they'll use their MLE to add talent if the new CBA stays the same. Their cap number will continue to go up but that won't matter to them as long as they're winning.

[rawaction]

I just don't see anyone on the FA market that brings the Bulls up to the Heat level. Is a trade for Howard realistic or are people just dreaming?

 

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

 

Miami can't get significantly better though because they don't have the money to throw around. After the Big 3, the only players making more than 1.3Mil are Mike Miller ($5Mil), Haslem ($3.5Mil) and Joel Anthony at $3Mil. Any talent they get is going to be at a similar level of talent. Even if they get their old guys to retire/leave (Dampier, Howard, House, Magloire, Z) that's still only frees up 5MIl. Haslem isn't going anywhere. And sure they could dump Miller and Anthony and those 5 old guys and bring in another high priced player with the rest being roster filler, but that's not realistic. They are going to do the same as they did this year and try to piece together a couple shooters and some veteran bigs to field the rest of the team and hope the Big 3 carry them.

 

The Bulls and Heat are basically in the same cap situation. Both are over the cap and will have to use their exceptions to add talent. The Bulls have more draft picks but that's the only significant difference. Miami will slowly get better though because they'll use their MLE to add talent if the new CBA stays the same. Their cap number will continue to go up but that won't matter to them as long as they're winning.

 

Those picks are a huge difference though. As is the presence of young tradeable talent. Plus, it remains to be seen (IMO) who the Heat are able to get on the MLE. Does someone want to play 4th fiddle? And if they do, does that person have anything left in the tank? The best they could hope for is bringing in a guy like Mike Miller, around 30. I think the Bulls have enough room and tradeable parts to manuever a significant piece of the puzzle.

[SouthSideRyan]

Can the Bulls really bring in anyone on an MLE that would be more than a 4th option? And the only young tradable talent the Bulls have are Asik and Gibson, both of which are limited in their own ways.

[DivineBovine]

The Bulls aren't that far off. I think the impending Heat dynasty is overblown. You know, they might not even win this year.

 

The Bulls offensive over-reliance on Rose was really exposed. If they had a SG who could take a dribble and hit a mid range jumper, they might have won the series. It's not too much to ask and easily doable.

 

As for the Heat. They have the big 3, plus Haslem, Miller and Anthony signed for escalating salaries for the following few years. They will soon be getting raped with the luxury tax. The Bulls actually have $5 million less committed for the following year with more players signed. And who knows how many players will still be willing to take minimum salaries to play in Miami, and how the CBA changes their ability to actually improve with a MLE.

[SpongeWorthy]

They need an SG that can slot in as a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th option depending on match ups.

[Guest]

Absolutely dreaming. Bulls aren't too far from the Heat's level. Beat them by 20 one game. Lost in OT one game. Blew a flukey 12-point lead in the last 2 minutes in another. All with a star player who's just 22 years old. The Bulls probably would have won games 4 and 5 of the Heat series if there was someone else the Heat had to guard. LeBron and Wade can only guard 2 players (Rose and Deng, and Rose schooled Wade when given the chance in the series). Get another perimeter guy in there that can make plays and Miami has a decision to make.

 

Miami is bound to get better, though. I think they need more than another perimeter player.

 

Miami can't get significantly better though because they don't have the money to throw around. After the Big 3, the only players making more than 1.3Mil are Mike Miller ($5Mil), Haslem ($3.5Mil) and Joel Anthony at $3Mil. Any talent they get is going to be at a similar level of talent. Even if they get their old guys to retire/leave (Dampier, Howard, House, Magloire, Z) that's still only frees up 5MIl. Haslem isn't going anywhere. And sure they could dump Miller and Anthony and those 5 old guys and bring in another high priced player with the rest being roster filler, but that's not realistic. They are going to do the same as they did this year and try to piece together a couple shooters and some veteran bigs to field the rest of the team and hope the Big 3 carry them.

 

The Bulls and Heat are basically in the same cap situation. Both are over the cap and will have to use their exceptions to add talent. The Bulls have more draft picks but that's the only significant difference. Miami will slowly get better though because they'll use their MLE to add talent if the new CBA stays the same. Their cap number will continue to go up but that won't matter to them as long as they're winning.

 

Those picks are a huge difference though. As is the presence of young tradeable talent. Plus, it remains to be seen (IMO) who the Heat are able to get on the MLE. Does someone want to play 4th fiddle? And if they do, does that person have anything left in the tank? The best they could hope for is bringing in a guy like Mike Miller, around 30. I think the Bulls have enough room and tradeable parts to manuever a significant piece of the puzzle.

 

I bet a bunch of guys would love to come for a championship.

[UMFan83]

I am seriously getting so sick of every thread on RealGM being about Dwight Howard.

 

"Howard not working on extension with Miami"

"(some obscure article) says Bulls pursuing Howard"

"Does getting Howard put us over the Heat?"

 

I am sick of it because even if Howard leaves Orlando I don't think there's more than a 5% chance we get him.

 

Second of all, while Howard would clearly improve this team, I don't think it will improve the team as much as getting a top SG like SJax or Richardson would, when you factor in what we'd give up to get him.

 

Anyways, I am bitching about Howard posts and inadvertantly attempting to initiate another Howard discussion on NSBB. Oh well. It's not that I don't want people thinking big, it's that its such a pipe dream. We should be focusing on the more realistic scenario of getting over the top with a high quality 2 guard.

[SouthSideRyan]

What do you think the Bulls would be giving up for Howard that would make his acquisition less valuable than Stephen JacksoN?

[WrigleyField 22]

If the Bulls have to move all three of Noah, Boozer, and Deng for Howard, its likely to put us at the same talent level, at least as concerned with getting past Miami.

 

However, even if it is "lateral" in that sense, you still make the move because it will be easier to find a fringe All Star player as your # 3 than it would be to find a top 5 two way player. Not sure the Bulls could find the #3 guy this offseason, but with enough time, they could.

 

I'm not sure what Orlando would want, but here's probably the best Howard deal Chicago can offer:

 

Deng, Noah, Brewer, Asik, Lucas (needed as filler), #28, Char pick for

Howard and Hedo

 

Bulls try to sign Tayshaun Prince, resign Thomas and Bogans, try to trade Hedo for something else, draft Charles Jenkins # 30 and hopefully Jujuan Johnson falls to #43

 

Rose-Watson

Korver-Jenkins-Bogans-Hedo(?)

Prince-Hedo(?)

Boozer-Taj-Johnson

Howard-Thomas

plus Hedo or whatever we can get for him.

 

SG is weak defensively, but oh well.

 

Magic:

Nelson

Arenas-Brewer

Deng-Brewer

Bass-Anderson

Noah-Asik

 

All that being said, I don't see it happening.

[Magnetic Curses]

I am seriously getting so sick of every thread on RealGM being about Dwight Howard.

 

"Howard not working on extension with Miami"

"(some obscure article) says Bulls pursuing Howard"

"Does getting Howard put us over the Heat?"

 

I am sick of it because even if Howard leaves Orlando I don't think there's more than a 5% chance we get him.

 

Second of all, while Howard would clearly improve this team, I don't think it will improve the team as much as getting a top SG like SJax or Richardson would, when you factor in what we'd give up to get him.

 

Anyways, I am bitching about Howard posts and inadvertantly attempting to initiate another Howard discussion on NSBB. Oh well. It's not that I don't want people thinking big, it's that its such a pipe dream. We should be focusing on the more realistic scenario of getting over the top with a high quality 2 guard.

 

you're kidding, right?

 

you honestly think getting stephen jackson or jason richardson would be better than getting howard? you're overvaluing the ability of a complimentary guard to rose being able to get his own shot some of the time. with howard, we won't even need to think about having a capable scoring 2. the world would open up for rose and he would be able to do whatever he wants on the court.

[SouthSideRyan]

I am seriously getting so sick of every thread on RealGM being about Dwight Howard.

 

"Howard not working on extension with Miami"

"(some obscure article) says Bulls pursuing Howard"

"Does getting Howard put us over the Heat?"

 

I am sick of it because even if Howard leaves Orlando I don't think there's more than a 5% chance we get him.

 

Second of all, while Howard would clearly improve this team, I don't think it will improve the team as much as getting a top SG like SJax or Richardson would, when you factor in what we'd give up to get him.

 

Anyways, I am bitching about Howard posts and inadvertantly attempting to initiate another Howard discussion on NSBB. Oh well. It's not that I don't want people thinking big, it's that its such a pipe dream. We should be focusing on the more realistic scenario of getting over the top with a high quality 2 guard.

 

you're kidding, right?

 

the world would open up for rose and he would be able to do whatever he wants on the court.

 

Except make a 3.