Chicago Bulls Thread

[air gordon]

the Sam Smith of espn, chad ford, mentions the hot rumor going around is:
Chandler +16th for Murphy, Pietrus, and 9th

this is a no brainer deal Paxson should jump on. Murphy's crapiness is worth trading for if they can get BOTH Pietrus and move up 7 spots.

ironically enough, Fenix, this is the type of deal you dreamed up earlier. and as i said earlier- I think this is too good to be true.

i think Mullin is pushing for some deal invovling Chandler & Murphy but Paxson is in full lowball move and insisting the draft picks be swapped plus Pietrus be included

a little more then 24hrs left until the draft

Why would Golden State trade Murphy and Pietrus and the 9th pick for Chandler and the 16th pick? it doesnt make sense to me at all coz Murphy and Pietrus are both better than Chandler.

i have no clue why GSW would do it too- that is why i said this rumored deal is too good to be true for da Bulls


With Portland acquiring the #7, i would not rule a trade between Chicago and the Blazers. Something involving #2 for #4 and #7. this, of course, is assuming Portland had identified Morrison as their guy and Toronto doesn't pick him as the 1st pick

as for Chicago- the draft could go as follows:
1 toronto- bargani
2 portland- morrison
3 Jordan- thomas

that would leave Chicago with the choice of Gay, Aldridge, Roy
4 my guess is that Paxson goes with Aldridge and will land Roy at 7 since..

5 atlanta will pick sheldon williams, even if Roy is still on the board
6 minnesota will be happy to see Gay fall to them

leaving the Bulls selecting Roy at 7

that still leaves the 16th pick, which i think Paxson will try to trade unless it's Sene (don't want another 3yr contract taking away from their cap & too many young players to develop).

maybe an unlikely deal but figured i'd just throw it out there

[Voxel]

weird choice in the draft by the bulls.

what do they do now? bench nocioni, one of their best players in the last 20 games (playoffs included) or start tyrus thomas thomas? bench deng who seems to have a great future? i also don't understand why they got khyrapa in the trade... who basically is another forward to add along sweetney, songalia, etc....

[Andrew]

I'm not a huge fan of that deal, I don't see how Thomas fits in without getting minutes at the expense of Nocioni and Deng's playing time. The Bulls need to get bigger and they acquire Thomas and Khryapa? I know Pax has drafted well since taking the job but I am second guessing that one.

[KDWilliams85]

I am extremely pissed about the TT trade but I do like the nab for Sefolosha.

[Andrew]

Well, the Aldridge trade was just made official. I really don't understand that one. If they wanted Thomas, they should have just selected him. Now they've got Khryapa's contract as well. I still don't see how Thomas fits in and if they're planning on trading Nocioni or Deng to make room for him, I think that would be a huge step backwards, almost a Krause-like move.

Sefolosha looks decent enough for the 14th pick.

[J@3]

I remember reading an interview with Martell Webster, and they asked him who the most surprisingly good player on the Blazers roster is. He said Viktor Khyraparahararaarpar or whatever, so it might be a good thing in the end.

[Fenix]

I just died inside. Getting two SFs for Aldridge is something Billy King would do. Still, I just became a TT fan. You always, always trust Pax.

Sefolosha is a great pick.

Edit: just noticed that Pax passed on Brewer. Again, I TRUST PAX, but that doesn't mean I'm not fucking pissed.

Edit 2: OK, I calmed down.

a.) Sefolosha IS a great pick, even if you pick him over Brewer. They have both a very similar skillset and while Brewer is a bit more athletic, Thabo is a better man defender, has more length, will keep a low profile, has a professional attitude and will probably adapt sooner. Also, he'll be easier to attain and more willing to come off the bench for years to come.

b.) If Paxson says Tyrus has a better ceiling than Aldridge and has everything that he needs to achieve it, who are we to doubt him? He is 6'8 (or 6'9, which is the height most of the 6'7 players with that length are listed at - Outlaw, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith,...) with nice length and considering his body is still maturing, he has all the potential to bulk up to 230 or so pounds. Paxson has indicated many times that Bulls are building an fast team and a three forward rotation of Nocioni, Deng and Thomas - each of them brings something different to the table - is exactly what you need to succeed at that kind of ball. I have seen TT play in two or three games and he definitely showed superb shotblocking instincts and signs of a effective midrange jumper and ballhandling skills. In combination with his vertical, speed and quickness, he could very well become a slightly taller version of Shawn Marion (he could end up being better at creating his own shot and definitely at shotblocking and perhaps even rebounding). I mean, look at his stats - 14 rpg per 40 minutes, 4.8 bpg per 40 minutes. Compare that to Aldridge's stats - 11 rpg and 2.4 bpg per 40 minutes. And Thomas had Glen Davis playing with him. We only need an athletic inside presence at C (Greg Oden ) and we're set. Yes, I'm such a homer.

c.) Khryapa case. Is a trade involving Deng and a superstar in works?

[Its_asdf]

I had almost no clue as to who Sefolosha is, but he seems to be what the Bulls were looking for. He is a legnthy guard and the Bulls need some height in their backcourt.

c.) Khryapa case. Is a trade involving Deng and a superstar in works?

Ugh, Deng is heaps better than Khryapa. I don't know why you'd want a player that plays so similar to a more proven and up-and-developing one.

[Fenix]

Because someone from the core would have to be included into the trade for a star and considering there are 4 promising SFs on the roster, Deng seems like an obvious choice (not as valuable as Nocioni, lots of potential,...). I don't want him to get traded, but if Lebron doesn't sign that extension this summer ...

BTW, Chris Kaman is due his contract extension this summer. Considering this is Clippers we're talking about - do you guys think there's a chance of him getting traded to the Bulls? Obviously, Clippers wouldn't want Chandler in return, but what else would we be willing to part with? I love his game and he would fit in nicely with this team. He can run, rebound, score in the paint, everything Bulls need and is more than deserving of 10 million per year, which is the selling price of every decent big man these days.

[air gordon]

I'm not a huge fan of that deal, I don't see how Thomas fits in without getting minutes at the expense of Nocioni and Deng's playing time. The Bulls need to get bigger and they acquire Thomas and Khryapa? I know Pax has drafted well since taking the job but I am second guessing that one....

Well, the Aldridge trade was just made official. I really don't understand that one. If they wanted Thomas, they should have just selected him. Now they've got Khryapa's contract as well. I still don't see how Thomas fits in and if they're planning on trading Nocioni or Deng to make room for him, I think that would be a huge step backwards, almost a Krause-like move.

i believe they are grooming Thomas to play PF, not SF so I don't think he'll be taking minutes away from Deng. Also I don't think he'll be taking time from Nocioni from the start. i don't think any of the core guys are going anywhere unless a blockbuster deal comes along. after reading the local papers, tyson chandler is the one whose name is being mentioned in regards to being traded

you ask why they made the trade? Paxson was able to get a little something while still getting the guy he wanted all along. Plus 4th overall picks make ~$1mil less then 2nd overall picks

as for Khryapa? who knows what happens with him. his contract is a little over $1mil/1yr so it's not like he's putting a dent in the team's payroll and the team isn't committed long term. acquiring him is a low risk/possibly decent reward move.

Fenix- funny how opinions change on certain players when they become Chicago Bulls Kaman seems like wishful thinking at this point IMO

I'm not sure what to think of Thabo. hard to get a read on a player when all you have is some paragraphs and a few highlights to go off on. i'm a little surprised that Paxson went with an international player. first one drafted in his regime


as for my opinion on the Thomas pick- I'm with Fenix here- in Paxson I trust. Maybe because Paxson put out so many smokescreens it didn't seem like this was the guy he wanted. But i believe Thomas was the guy he targeted early on

this is probably the biggest gamble Paxson has made as Bulls GM (without having his hand forced i.e- Curry heart/Williams motorcyle debacle). In a draft where there didn't seem to be a consensus #1 pick/franchise player, i believe it was a wise choice to roll the dice and pick the player with perceived best upside

and even though Thomas is regarded as possibly becoming the best player of this draft, he does fit the Paxson/Skiles criteria of having a good work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to succeed.

We'll probably have to wait a few years to see how Thomas turns out, maybe even more so that still leaves the frontcourt thin. This is where ~$16 million in cap space comes in handy

Nazr Mohammed, Drew Gooden, Przybilla, Nene Hilario are the names already being mentioned as possible FA's to sign. let the speculation begin

SKiles was recently interviewedd and mentioned how Hinrich & Deng have been working out at the Berto Center... sometimes doing double sessions. Same with Gordon but in NY. and drum roll please... Tyson Chandler is working out in Cali(!)

[Fenix]

What surprises you - that he's working out in California (he lives there in offseason, if I'm correct) or that he works out at all ? I don't believe until I see the results.

And the problem is, none of those FA doesn't fill a bill of a potential Bulls' centre. They're either injury prone, too old, soft or not athletic enough. A healthy Nene could be fine, but not for 10+ million per. That's why I'm rooting for a move to be made in the whole Kaman situation. Or that we simply wait until next year and then sign Darko .

[Andrew]

I had actually forgotten about the 4th pick being cheaper until Matthew pointed it out to me yesterday. Knowing that, the trade does make more sense and if Thomas is being groomed to play power forward then it does sound like a better pick. I'm still not completely sure about it but the way Paxson has drafted in the past I probably should have more faith.

Nazr's still the player that stands out to me, though the Bulls would probably have to overpay a bit to get him. So long as we're not talking about overpaying him to Adonal Foyle proportions, I think he'd be a good option.

[air gordon]

What surprises you.... or that he works out at all ? I don't believe until I see the results.

Tyson has the perceived rep for being a hard worker. Yet Tyson has never come into camp with a post move, better FT shooting, or look noticeable stronger/bulkier. so forgive my pessimism lol

And the problem is, none of those FA doesn't fill a bill of a potential Bulls' centre. They're either injury prone, too old, soft or not athletic enough. A healthy Nene could be fine, but not for 10+ million per. That's why I'm rooting for a move to be made in the whole Kaman situation. Or that we simply wait until next year and then sign Darko .

well what exaclty are you looking for? i'd love to have a superstar stud in the middle but with the current core of players- i believe the bulls need a "big" center to complement whichever smallish PF Skiles plans to start. the guy should be competent on both sides of the ball and understand what his role is on the team. Someone like Nazr Mohammed or Nene make sense IMO

but yeh.. big men do come at a premium and Paxson mentioned in his radio interview last nite that you are almost forced to pay at or a little bit over the market value to land a big man. teams aren't allowed yet to talk specifically who they are after/interested so Paxson couldn't elaborate at all who's at the top of his FA priority list

[Fenix]

What surprises you.... or that he works out at all ? I don't believe until I see the results.

Tyson has the perceived rep for being a hard worker. Yet Tyson has never come into camp with a post move, better FT shooting, or look noticeable stronger/bulkier. so forgive my pessimism lol

I agree. That's why I was a bit scared about TT. Chest pumping and screaming does not necessarily transled into work ethic. Quite frankly, I believe Tyson is full of shit and a lazy bastard. That's why I was surprised to Pax give him all that money. I hope it wasn't Reinsdorf's call. It could hurt the Bulls in the future, though, just look how many players are going to get a long extension in the next three or so years - Gordon, Hinrich, Nocioni, Deng, Duhon and now TT and Shefolosha. And the Bulls still don't have a big. If Chandler isn't traded, he better come to the training camp well conditioned, with 10 extra pounds of mucle and a jumpshot. Anything less than a 10/10/2 season with 70+ games played isn't acceptable.

I don't think we disagree on what Bulls need in the middle - a tall, strong guy with decent athleticism and post skills. That's why Nene would probably be a good fit, and yes, Nazr also. I just hope Pax isn't going with Wallace. He's 6'8 and can't score at all. I know defense is fine and everything, but this is too much of a jumpshooting team. At least Shefolosha is a slasher and TT will bring some toughness.

Edit: Lewin: True Height Index

This stat explains perfectly why Thomas is the Bulls' future PF for many years to come - his combination of athleticism and length allows him to play like a 7 footer can. At 6'9 he still lacks the strength to body up Amares and Duncans of the world, but it's not like Aldridge could do it either in the near future. His body is still maturing (that is what Pax said) and he clearly has the room to fill those bones with 15-20 more pounds, which will be perfectly fine. Strength isn't what made him so special at the college level - it's his quickness and weakside defense and he has all the tools to translate those things to the NBA. Just imagine once he learns a couple of post moves and refines his midrange game! If he's really as competive and hardworking as people says he is, he'll be a superstar sooner than later. A player who'll redefine how PF position is played.

(With the words of Mike James: Yes, I really believe the bullshit that comes out of my mouth.)

[Fenix]

Wallace to meet with Bulls on first day of NBA free agency. Yup, that's today. Rumour has it that Pax has been given a green light to offer him as much as he wants, but the contract would be only for 4 years. Considering Bulls have more than enough money to retain each and every one of their current and future FAs, that's not too much. He'd bring toughness, veteran leadership and attitude to the table and the Bulls would get a face of the franchise. BUT!
a.) He's undersized for any frontcourt position and needs to be paired with a tall big man who can defend Duncans of the League (see: Wallace, Rasheed) and Bulls certainly don't have anyone like that.
b.) In terms of skills, he brings only weakside defense and rebounding, the two things Bulls just got with TT.
c.) He can't do shit on offense.

Why I have a feeling that Pax won't listen and will sign this guy ASAP?

[kinokong]

probably because he wants a big man and i don't want to say this but walllace is probably the best big man out there right now although he can't shoot free throws for shit and has the least offensive arsenal ive ever seen

[Fenix]

NO Hornets fans are acting like a PJ Brown for Chandler (plus some fillers) deal is almost done. I'd be ecstatic if that happened. That's size and veteran presence! Bulls are getting soooo 90's.

[Andrew]

Why I have a feeling that Pax won't listen and will sign this guy ASAP?

Doesn't that go against the whole idea of "In Paxson We Trust"?

I agree with your assessment of Ben Wallace, though I'm still not convinced he desperately wants out of Detroit. At the moment I think it's more likely that he'll use Chicago and probably a couple of other teams with the room to sign him to get the money he wants from the Pistons.

As far as the PJ Brown rumours, I wouldn't say I'm ecstatic about them but depending on the filler that's definitely an interesting proposal. He's a free agent at the end of next season which would give them a bit more cap relief seeing as though they'll need to give Hinrich and Nocioni extensions.

[beau_boy04]

Bulls with get 50+ wins this season and ended up with Greg Oden next season thanks to the Knicks "SWEET"

[TheBigEasy]

NO Hornets fans are acting like a PJ Brown for Chandler (plus some fillers) deal is almost done. I'd be ecstatic if that happened. That's size and veteran presence! Bulls are getting soooo 90's.

According to what I've read in the past days from people supposedly "in the know" this deal really is pretty imminent. PJ is part of it ... what I've heard JR Smith might be one of the fillers, as he fell from grace with Byron Scott.

Lets see what happens the next few days ...

[Dean]

That would be a huge steal in my book. Chandler for PJ Brown and JR Smith.

[scrub]

Do you think that next year the draft could turn out with a number of future superstars like the class of 86 or 03. With guys like Oden, Young, Noah, Hansborough, Durant, Jianlian etc.

One more question - when is OJ Mayo eligible for the NBA?

[TheBigEasy]

That would be a huge steal in my book. Chandler for PJ Brown and JR Smith.

But only if JR Smith reaches his potential ... so far he was subpar in NO, has shown flashes of brilliance, but nothing more. And apparently Scott doesn't want to give him anymore chances ... maybe he can flourish elsewhere.

[Matt]

Pistons offer Ben 4yrs/48mill........looks like Bulls have a strong chance.

[Andrew]

I don't know if I like the Bulls offering Wallace a bigger deal than that. As far as the rumoured Chandler deal is concerned, as I said in the other thread it's not a bad gamble and while I'd be sorry in a way to see Chandler go, this deal might be for the best.