Chicago Bulls Thread

[air gordon]

Yeah, I see the current unit (give or take a player here and there) having a run for another year or two. It could be worse; pick any squad between 1999 and 2004, for example.

Do you think they are a top 3 team in the East??

[Andrew]

When healthy? Sure. Through a few rough patches this past season, that's where they managed to end up, and I believe that they can do at least a little better next year...again, if they're healthy. How about you?

[air gordon]

Nope. ATL, washington, cavs ahead of them.

Too much uncertainty- new system, injuries, team chemistry

[mp3]

I never make predictions on teams till I see them play a few games in the regular season, say 10-15 max to gel.

I would however say it's a safe bet that the Bulls are still a playoff though

[air gordon]

It is hard to get a good picture on last years team since they only had a quick stretch of games being fully healthy at the end of the year

I never make predictions on teams till I see them play a few games in the regular season, say 10-15 max to gel.

I would however say it's a safe bet that the Bulls are still a playoff though

That's not saying much considering they play in the east

Maybe they are legit contenders. I just didn't see it last year. Rehab Rose, inconsistent play on both sides of Rose, Noah injured. Team never got in a rhythm

[mp3]

Hey never underestimate the power of coaching change with a new system and possibly new players even in the east thing can fall apart quickly if the injury bug comes knocking!

Id like to use the knicks as an example but we needed to first be good to be able to fall apart but hey we were still a playoff team that went to the 2nd round the year before.

[Andrew]

A coaching change worked out alright for the Warriors...though they do have considerably more talent and offensive firepower than the Bulls, not to mention less injuries. With the right hire, it doesn't need to be a step back, or a steep learning curve. Time will tell if Hoiberg is such a hire.

[mp3]

Yeah I think if Steph Curry had missed a lot of games and say Dray Green had being banged up all year and hurting the team being on the floor like Noah was at times then it would be a different story for GS

[Andrew]

On that note...the funny thing is, I'm not actually all that worried about Rose's health. He missed a lot of games, but he had an unlucky ankle injury in the second game of the season, then required follow-up surgery which was successful and didn't seem to slow him down after he returned...and he did in fact return, despite speculation that he might not. He probably has lost a step, but he's hardly Oliver Miller running up and down the court. He finished the season, and while it wasn't his best, he doesn't appear to be in too rough a shape.

What concerns me is his offensive game, the settling for threes and lack of improvement in shooting them. I'd like to see him diversify his repertoire, take more mid-range shots, utilise that floater that he can make. I'd also like to see him get better from three-point range so that he can keep defenders honest, but still not settle for them too much.

He also doesn't really draw enough fouls, but that's a problem that pre-dates his injuries, so it's not for fear, tentativeness, or a lack of athleticism. Indeed, he's still able to finish with acrobatic layups at the rim, but the downside of that is he's too adept at avoiding contact. That's alright if he can get the shot to drop, but whereas other slashers will at least get the foul call, his valiant attempt to elude the defender and make the shot ends up hurting him in situations where he should be able to get the contact and a couple of freebies, if not the and one.

[mp3]

From what I have read the Bulls offence will shoot a lot of 3's next season and I hunk Rose will be happy with that. He did shy away from driving but it's understandable after the injuries but driving is his game so he either needs to become a really good shooter or work on the mid range which is more limit than the 3 ball.

[air gordon]

On that note...the funny thing is, I'm not actually all that worried about Rose's health. He missed a lot of games, but he had an unlucky ankle injury in the second game of the season, then required follow-up surgery which was successful and didn't seem to slow him down after he returned...and he did in fact return, despite speculation that he might not. He probably has lost a step, but he's hardly Oliver Miller running up and down the court. He finished the season, and while it wasn't his best, he doesn't appear to be in too rough a shape.

I hope he's not like Oliver miller. He's getting paid like a franchise player

I suppose it is somewhat a success he hade it through the playoffs but as you eluded to, there are concerns. His comeback this year was strange to say the least. It looked like he was up for certain games and was passive others. He had a strong game heading into the all star break then got hurt the following week

I think contributing to his lack of driving was getting in nba shape and also the lineup's lack of spacing. The Bulls ran into some defensive juggernauts in the playoff as well.

In the end he needs to produce and provide a better return on investment. As long as he's under contract for max money, The Bulls success is tied to him to returning to an elite level.

I thought Thibs was very good at supporting Rose and not calling him out publicly ever. If you read the tea leaves there were some subtle shots made by players about guys not practicing and/not stepping up


And now the Jimmy buckets max contract talk begins. His market value will be the max but not the new max in a few years from now. I think he wants to stay, it's the business side talking now. The latest report of him having "interest" in lakers will not be the first

At least it will give us something to talk about before the draft

[Andrew]

It seems like the Bulls are going to match any offers, so any offer sheets probably will be a business move like you said, a way of forcing the Bulls to pay him what he wants. It doesn't seem like he particularly wants out of Chicago (based on comments he's made here and there), and you can't blame a young player on the way up for trying to maximise his earnings, playing the game in negotiations. Like I said in the Lakers thread, it's kind of disheartening to see reports of "interest" in the Lakers but at the same time, with him being a restricted free agent, I'm not too worried. I believe they'll come to an agreement, one way or another.

Should they still let Brooks go in favour of giving Moore a chance?

[air gordon]

Just have to wait it out. At least no poison pill contract surprises this times

I hope Brooks is gone. He was terrible in the playoffs. It was a nice run of small guards that came through surprising when Thibs was here. They need a backup pg who can defend and hit the occasional shot... Not the other way around. Really they need a Hinrich from a few years ago. Problem being they have limited sources to get that player. Whoever they get if its via free agency, that player will flaws if he's signing for minimum level salary

I'm ok with Moore coming back

What player do you think the Bulls should pick in the first round?? Athletic big, 3pt shooting wing, backup pg?? Perhaps another type of player??

[Moz]

It seems that Jimmy's pursuing a short term deal perhaps to get a bigger one on the next since, as the analysts predicts, the cap will have a significant jump after next season... Perhaps he's just using that "Lakers thing" to rattle the management once he becomes a unrestricted FA or perhaps I'm wrong and he just wants to fuck off... There's no need to retain Brooks with Moore still on board and the abundance of quality PG in the draft... Regarding Hoiberg, they say Rose or Gasol or Noah or Gibson doesn't fit his system (as this video suggests) and they'll probably trade one or some of these players but I reckon the FO will not let that happen because they just fired a beloved coach and will not breakup the current core for a newbie headcoach... #winkwink

[air gordon]

Nice breakdown there. A lot of movement. Curious to see how everyone fits in

I sure hope a trade is made

It didn't take long for Hoiberg to say his name at his press conference- McDermott will get minutes. Anyone catch any clippings from him about Snell or thoughts on possible draft picks?

[Andrew]

I'd prefer a quality shooter/scorer, probably a swingman or backcourt player. Of course, I'm not sure if such a player will be available at #22.

[Moz]

Of course, I'm not sure if such a player will be available at #22.

Why not? They've pulled out a Jimmy Butler at # 30...

[Andrew]

Well for starters, I'm not overly familiar with all the players in this year's Draft class, so off the top of my head, I can't name anyone who fits the bill. If there is such a player, then it remains to be seen whether they'd fall to #22; I certainly didn't mean to imply that it wasn't at all feasible, as Butler is certainly an obvious example of a quality player they've been able to pick up outside the top fifteen. Do you think such a player will be available at #22, and if so, who is it?

[Kevin]

You can either have R.J. Hunter, Delon Wright or Rashad Vaugn. All are guards with the ability to score.

[Moz]

Some of the players I've listed a page back are in consideration for the Bulls pick... If you haven't checked it out yet, I probably say that Justin Anderson is the nearest one that fits to your criteria...

[air gordon]

Being reported taj Gibson having ankle surgery. Out 4months

Ouch. So much for the trade for a swing man.

I'm starting to lean on picking a pg. fill the void with someone to develop instead of using stopgap journeymen types

I like hollins nastiness but lacks the much needed perimeter shot.

[mp3]

Being reported taj Gibson having ankle surgery. Out 4months

Ouch. So much for the trade for a swing man.

I'm starting to lean on picking a pg. fill the void with someone to develop instead of using stopgap journeymen types

I like hollins nastiness but lacks the much needed perimeter shot.

Id agree with that motion, id like to see more of Dougie Fresh next season at small forward.

[Andrew]

It would be preferable, I agree. A shame Marquis Teague didn't turn out more like his brother.

[Kevin]

You can say the same with Mychel and Seth.

[Andrew]

You could, but they're not really relevant to the Bulls.