[shady00Participant]

Blair would give us a bruiser and would create second chances with his rebounding. He would provide the toughness down low we lacked in the Celtics series. You know you’re getting a hard worker with Blair, but at the same time you know you’re not getting much of an offensive threat.

Johnson would provide an athletic forward who is great in transition, can hit a jumper, and develop into a solid defender. He is versatile and Rose could get the most out of him.

I am torn if they are both on the board.

[Scott42444Participant]

If we stick with this pick, we should take DeJuan Blair. He does something on the court better than anyone else in the draft, and he could be among the league leaders in his rookie year in offensive rebounding. If you watched the Boston series, you will remember how often the Bulls didn’t even have 1 guy in the paint. Also, he could render Tyrus Thomas completely expendable, which would be great since I feel that the combo of his contract and potential is at an all-time high. Plus, after his inability to stay on the court during the playoffs infuriated me. I think that we could have used some more quality time during the 3OT game.

I don’t know much about James Johnson, but I get this feeling that he would be a bit redundant with us already having Salmons, Deng, and Tyrus Thomas (and Tim Thomas for that matter). But, like I said before, I think that Tyrus should be moved before the season starts so maybe we could use some of his skills in the post.

I don’t think that Blair will be there though. I don’t see him going past Milwaukee. Johnson might make it into the 20’s. Or, vice versa, who knows with this draft.

[GreenLanternParticipant]

Not a chance the Bulls land Blair in this draft. He’s going higher than people think. GMs aren’t THAT stupid are they? Are they?

[deuce4off]

Obviously James Johnson, Deng is garbage and Blair won’t amount to anything. period end of discussion

[shady00Participant]

Blair could definitely fall to 16, nothing is certain in this draft. If the Bucks and Nets don’t take him, he could free fall. It’s hard to imagine a losing team using a lottery pick on an undersized rebounder who doesn’t bring much offense.

I’m expecting Johnson’s stock to increase; athletic guys always fly up draft boards after workouts. I really hope he’s there at 16 though. He can do it all, hit a 3, take it to the hoop, defend, get out on the fast break. Like Rose’s Pippen for the next decade.

[Scott42444Participant]

I didn’t really think that much of him, but after watching some clips and reading up on him I think that I like what he brings to the table. Of course, like it or not, we are probably stuck with Deng until either his contract runs out or he can contribute (and stay healthy) enough for someone to risk taking on his contract. I hope that he comes back healthy and can be the 18 – 8 – 5 the Bulls expect him to be, with the added size to go post up if needed. If he can’t, Johnson would be a great guy to take his place. Would Johnson be similar to a Tim Thomas, if Tim Thomas actually gave a crap about earning his paycheck? I mean, we’ve had this guy twice now and he never wants to get on the court. What a bum. Maybe the Clippers or Suns would want him back for their draft pick (I wish).

I think that Blair could fall as well, although in my Mock I have him going to Milwaukee. There is something about it that makes sense to me, maybe it’s because of Tractor Traylor and Anthony Mason being former Bucks. I don’t know. But, if some things happen or if Charlie V. plans on resigning with the Bucks, I could see Blair sitting there.

But, Jesus, did you see the video of Blair doing drills in the gym? God, if that guy stays in shape he could be like Charles Barkley. I mean, I know that sounds ridiculous, but if Barkley were a prospect today he would be picked in the teens as well because he would be considered short for a SG, let alone a PF.

[shady00Participant]

Agreed, Blair looks great in that workout, especially after shedding 15 lbs. Teams will be especially intrigued after Big Baby’s success. A good work ethic is so underrated in this league because when a player is determined to add to add to his game, like a jump shot, he makes it happen. Here’s to hoping he falls, or we trade up which I’m not opposed to if the right deal comes along.

[ctw724Participant]

I would not be shocked to see the Bulls make a trade with Golden State on draft day. Golden State is in need of a PG, which can be had at #16 where the Bulls pick. The Bulls on the otherhand are in need of a BIG-MAN in the Paint, which can be had at #7 where the Warriors pick. With Toronto, Milwaukee, Indiana, New Jersey and Phoenix all eyeing DeJuan Blair, it might be in the Bulls best interest to try and swing a deal for that 7th pick.

Proposed Trade:

To Bulls: #7 Pick (take DeJuan Blair)

To Warriors: #16 and #26 (take a PG)

* Of Course they could offer Kirk Hinrich to Golden State, but I don’t see that happening. Although, Minnesota is rumored to want him, so maybe the Bulls can pick up that extra pick they would be losing in the Blair trade proposal, possibly #18 from Minnesota.

[shady00Participant]

I like the trade-up idea. We have a deep roster as it is so #26 is expendable if it means we can get a top 10 talent.

Blair would be nice, obviously providing some much needed toughness down low.

I wouldn’t mind going with a flashier pick like DeRozan which would undoubtedly make us the most athletic back-court in the league. If he develops his game, improving his shot and becoming a lock-down defender, we would be a scary team.

[ctw724Participant]

I don’t see DeRozan slipping past #6 and Minnesota. Unless the T-Wolves really want Kirk Hinrich, I can’t see the Bulls moving up that far. However, like I said a trade with Golden State at #7 could make perfect sense. They are definitely looking for a PG and as we all know this is a PG’s DRAFT. They should have no problem finding a decent PG at #16 (Teague, Lawson, Maynor, etc.). The Bulls on the otherhand desperately NEED a BIG-MAN who can battle in the paint and set strong screens at the arc. I have my doubts whether one will be available at #16. If I were the Bulls brass, I would do everything I could do to move up ahead of Toronto, Milwaukee, N.J., Indiana and Phoenix and grab DeJuan Blair.

[nickstingerParticipant]

I like Blair, but they guy cannot hit a jumper or a free throw to save his life, he will be a rebounding beast, I doubt he’ll be an effective low post “presence” because he is too short and won’t be going against college scrubs anymore. I would be okay with Bulls taking Blair, but Johnson is just as tough, and he has an advanced all around offensive game, that Deng has yet to develop. Johnson can handle, shoot, and finish very well, he reminds me of a poor mans Paul Pierce, but probably not as whiny. haha. And if Rando tried that slap in the mouth crap with Johnson…little man would be broke in two!

[Scott42444Participant]

First off, I have a thread about trading picks.

Please check it out. Some dude ticked me off and I went off on a rant so I REALLY want some people to help get it on track. It is in the main NBA folder. I wanted to get other, non-fans (of the Bulls) to say what they think about the value of picks in this draft. I think that Kirk Hinrich is worth A LOT more than a lot of people want to give him credit for. First off, if it weren’t for the fact that the Bulls selected the first PURE PG #1 in the draft in the past 30 years, Kirk Hinrich would be going on his 7th straight year of starting in the NBA. He could play for every team in the league, adding a “skill” of defense that is missing in most back courts. Well, everyone seems to have defenders but Kirk can also light it up on occasion and ALWAYS seems to contribute in a multitude of ways. I would be ecstatic to see us get a #7 pick for him since that’s what he was originally, and that was in the best draft of this century (2003). I DO NOT think that #16 and #26 are enough to get a #7 though, but who knows with Don Nelson? If we do get to #7, we might be able to swap with Minnesota. Remember in 2007, the Trailblazers swapped with the Bulls to move from #4 to #2 and all it cost them was Viktor Kryahpa (blech) so I don’t see #6 and #7 costing more than a role player at best. Maybe an Aaron Gray and #16 and #26, with future considerations could do it for a team like Milwaukee for #10 where we could probably snag Blair. Blair for Gray. I like it. Skiles actually liked Aaron Gray when he was here and felt he could develop into a reliable big man in the NBA. I’m not convinced but everyone in the world except my 3 year-old daughter thinks Scott Skiles’s basketball IQ and talent evaluation skills are better than mine.

My original question on that trade thread, which I would like to keep alive (please), was how much is #16 and #26 worth in order for the Bulls to “leap frog” their way into the Top 10. Would the Bulls be able to package #16, #26, and Kirk Hinrich to get #6 from Minnesota? What if Jordan Hill slips to #6 (I don’t think that’s the biggest stretch in the world, but probably won’t happen)? I don’t think that Minnesota or Golden State would take Hill, which puts him now to #8. I actually have him going #9 to Toronto because I don’t think there’s a snowball’s chance in hell of Chris Bosh resigning with Toronto, so they would draft Hill to replace Bosh, giving them the opportunity to trade Bosh for the BEST AVAILABLE DEAL. Not just someone to take Bosh’s place in the paint. But, if Jordan Hill starts slipping into the late lottery like that, someone will make a trade to dart in and nab him.

[ctw724Participant]

Scott,

It looks to me like the Top 6 Players in the draft are set.

Griffin
Thabeet
Rubio
Hill
Harden
DeRozan

* In some kind of order

Could Stephen Curry or Tyreke Evans sneek up there? I guess, but I only see that if a trade happens.

When you get to Pick #7, it’s hard to say who is going where. That is why I think the Bulls can jump up and trade for that particular pick. Golden State doesn’t really need a SG, a SF, a PF or a Center. They need a PG. Like I said, there should be some good ones still available at #16. If I were JP or GF, I would try very hard to trade up and snatch a BIG-MAN, in particular DeJuan Blair!!!

[Scott42444Participant]

I don’t know. Kirk for Dejuan Blair? I know that we need some rebounding and Blair is probably the only great option the Bulls have the ability to acquire. Whether it be from the Draft or in free agency. I just don’t want to trade away someone who could get sixth man of the year votes for us to get a possible bust. Unless of course you see the Bulls getting Blair at #16 or getting Blair in a trade for #16 and #26. Adding just Dejuan Blair this draft? I guess that I would be okay with that. If I look at what the Bulls were missing last year, especially in the playoffs, he would address some of that. We had little toughness and practically no offensive rebounding.

Golden State might be a good spot for the Bulls, but like you said, after #6 there is a lot of parity. Moving from #16 to #12 might not be an impossible feat. You might be able to do that for future considerations. I don’t think that the Bulls will move into the #7 spot unless Hill, Harden, DeRozan, or Evans (whomever the Bulls fall in love with) falls into that spot. I don’t think that the Bulls are that high on any of them and none of them have the college pedigree that the Bulls cherish in their draft picks.

Although it seems like common sense, I think that really the Bulls could go 3 ways:

#1 – Use #16 and #26 to draft guys like Ellington and Hansbrough who could both contribute. As a matter of fact, after seeing the results of the Pre-Draft Camp measurements, I am higher on Tyler Hansbrough than I have ever been. He really seems like the kind of guy who will fill a role that a coach asks of him. Plus, it appears that he has the size to do it. He could very well turn into a tenacious defensive pest who attacks the offensive and defensive glass in spurts for you. Plus, he has shown pretty decent touch around the basket. I wouldn’t be disgusted hearing his name called anymore. Plus, if the Bulls are going to lose Ben Gordon to free agency, I could definitely see Ellington filling a need for us as well. He is one hell of a shooter. James Johnson, Gerald Henderson, and others wouldn’t be terrible choices for us either since many guys at #16 could contribute for the Bulls right away. Plus, with a lot of expiring contracts after this coming season it might be best to have as many talented, potential laden bodies on the roster as we can get.

#2 – Using a combination of #16,#26, expiring contracts such as Jerome James, Tim Thomas, and to a lesser extent Brad Miller (I see him retiring as a Chicago Bull after seeing how well he meshed with the current roster), and possibly either Aaron Gray or to a lesser extent Kirk Hinrich to move into that top 6 to nab a guy who they fell in love with. If we assume that #1 (Blake Griffin) is untouchable, that leaves Thabeet, Rubio, and Jennings (I think he goes higher than you think he will) that don’t fit into the Bulls plans. Harden, Hill, or DeRozan could just WOW JP and GH in private workouts or in the camp and make the Bulls very aggressive on draft day. I don’t think that Stephen Curry is in the Bulls plans, but possibly Tyreke Evans. I do not think that DeJuan Blair is the guy the Bulls will be aggressive in getting. Maybe if they could move up from #16 to #13 or something by giving up a future first rounder or something. Maybe a couple of second rounders.

#3 – Using #16, #26, 2010 1st rounder, Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas, Luol Deng and/or Joakim Noah plus one or all of the expiring contracts of Jerome James, Tim Thomas, and Brad Miller to get either Bosh or Amare. I think that the Bulls could give Phoenix Hinrich and Thomas, along with both #16 and #26 to move Amare to Toronto with Bosh being moved to Chicago. Bryan Colangelo and Toronto has made no secret of the fact they are trying to recreate the style of basketball that was run in Phoenix the last 5 or so years, and adding Amare to a team with Marion, with the hopes that Nash ventures north after 2009 would give them a great starting point. Of course, from Toronto’s point of view, that would be a little bit silly considering that Amare would be just as much of a risk as Bosh is since his contract will also be up after the 2009-2010 season. But, since the salary cap rules are pretty straight forward, offering a max contract to a player who is already on your roster consists of A LOT more money than any other team can offer. That same idea applies to the Bulls getting either Amare or Bosh, and I think that the constant sell outs at the United Center coupled with the young nucleus that Rose, Deng, and Noah (or Rose, Noah, Deng or Hinrich, Rose, Gordon, Thomas etc) would provide should entice a big like Amare or Bosh to stay and sign a long term contract. Chris Bosh, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Tim Salmons, and Derrick Rose (or Bosh,Noah,Salmons,Gordon,Rose) would be a Top 5 team in the East next season with a chance to be even better in the future.

That being said, I think that the Bulls could trade Tyrus Thomas, #16 plus 2010 #1 for Amare and #14 right now. I don’t think that anyone will offer Phoenix a better package. I think that the Bulls could offer #14 and #26 plus Kirk Hinrich to Minnesota for #6 as well. That gives the Timberwolves the ability to get a point guard that is proven instead of being tempted with Jennings at #6 while having enough picks to trade up at any point after by packaging a couple of picks.

Of course, that seems just too good to be true for the Bulls though. Fielding a lineup of Noah, Amare, Deng, Harden, and Rose would put them in contention for years and it wouldn’t have really cost them that much. Plus, they would still have the ability to sign multiple free agents in the 2010 offseason since Rose ‘s contract won’t be extended until after 2011. That would be sweet.

What do you think?

[ctw724Participant]

scott,

DeJuan Blair:

Like I said in an earlier post, I would use the #16 and #26 to move up to #7 (Golden State’s Pick) and grab DeJuan Blair. They are looking for a PG, which can be had #16, while the Bulls need to add TOUGHNESS in the paint, which Blair provides. Unless the Bulls get ahead of N.J., Milwaukee, Indiana, Toronto and Phoenix I don’t think he will be there.

Chris Bosh:

Here’s a trade that I think works.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=d9vj3k
* The Bulls could swap out Kirk Hinrich for Ben Gordon and the Raptors Banks for Kapono. Raptors also a 1st Round Pick in the deal (from Hornets, if they get Ben Gordon)

3 Team Trade:

To Bulls: Chris Bosh, Marcus Banks, and Julian Wright
To Raptors: Luol Deng and David West
To Hornets: Ty Thomas and Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon

Why this works?

The Bulls obviously are rumored to like Chris Bosh and are in desperate need of an ELITE Power Forward and some solid back-ups. The Raptors would be getting an All-Star Power Forward and a nice-looking Small Forward to replace Chris Bosh and Shawn Marion, plus they are both under long-term contracts. It’s been reported that the Hornets need to cut salary, so trading West and bringing Ty Thomas back to his home state along with a shooter like Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich to play along-side Chris Paul wouldn’t be all that bad.

Amare Stoudemire:

Here’s another trade I think works.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=knrm7h

3-Team Trade:

To Bulls: Amare Stoudemire, Alando Tucker, Mike Miller and a late 1st Round Pick
To Phoenix: Luol Deng, Ty Thomas and Tim Thomas
To Minnesota: Kirk Hinrich

Why does this work?

From a Bulls perspective, just like a trade for Chris Bosh they get an ELITE Power Forward, some nice bench players and a draft pick they can use to trade up (Blair). From the Suns perspective the get two nice young players to replace Amar’e and Hill, plus they stay up-tempo, but get more defensive. From Minnesota’s point of view, the get Kirk Hinrich, who they supposedly cover to play along-side Foye.

Side Note:

All the reports I have read say that the Bulls would have to give up Ty Thomas, Kirk Hinrich or Luol Deng in order to get Amar’e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh.

Feedback?

[marcusfizer21Participant]

I dont think Amar’e would come to the Bulls… Plus, giving up Kirk Hinrich would be dumb, they would be giving up an excellent defensive point guard who’s not only pesky but a shooter…

DeJuan Blair can help the Bulls and let’s hope and pray that he is available at 16… Should he not be, Im sensing a trade is about to happen but it’s unlikely for Stoudemire wearing a Bulls uniform…

[Mr.CreativeParticipant]

I believe that Blair’s stock has risen and I doubt that he will land to the 16th. He would help a lot with rebounding but this is sort of a gamble with some people because of the fact that he is an undersized PF. Don’t get me wrong, he is a superb player but this is the NBA. I believe he can fit great in the Bulls, maybe he can produce similar to Millsap in Utah. If Blair is not there, go with Johnson. Milwaukee might grab Blair because they might lose Villanueva to free agency.

[ctw724Participant]

To get Blair and TWill and/or Sam Young. They make the most sense for the Bulls.

[ctw724Participant]

He actually has a nice little mid-range jumper and I expect he can be at least a 70% FT shooter after working with Vinny or JP.

[nickstingerParticipant]

I seem to remember how Tyrus had a nice outside shot too, and he does, but it just doesn’t fall much during games, haha. I think Blair projects as a smaller, less grumpy version of Kendrick Perkins, now if you have 3 Hall of Famers surounding him, he’s gonna seem alot more effective. I think Perkins and Big Baby are pretty terrible all in all. But as for Johnson, I don’t know if you check out Sam Smith’s blogs and articles on Bulls.com, but he has a pretty keen eye for talent (said bulls should have picked Roy, and said that Amare was going to be better than Curry and Chandler when Amare was still a Jr in High school) the way he talks about Johnson’s skills, you can see how great a fit he’d be with Rose.

[ctw724Participant]

Blair is just as good as Johnson, if not better. He fits what they need. They can’t go wrong with Blair and that’s who the pick should be.

[ctw724Participant]

DeJuan Blair vs. James Johnson:

http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/compare?add=dejuan-blair&p1=23-james-johnson

He’s the MAN or should I say PITTBull in the paint the Bulls NEED and should draft.

Go Bulls!!!

[ctw724Participant]

On Tuesday, the Bulls are reported to be bringing in DeJuan Blair, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens. They wanted Hansbrough there as well, but he chose a workout in New Jersey.

Why should and will their choice be DeJuan Blair?

#1.) Hansbrough hasn’t had an individual workout for them. So, unless he comes in on Wednesday, he’s off the list.
#2.) Mullens is a project and given what happened with Eddy Curry I can’t see him going there. So, he looks to be off the list.
#3.) Johnson is projected to be a Small Forward in the NBA by their own scouts and the Bulls just invested $71million on Deng. So, he looks to be dropping on the list.
$4.) Blair is a true Power Forward, who knows how to do work in the paint and given what happend to them in the playoffs with Davis and Perkins, he is the right choice.

DeJuan Blair…should be and needs to be on the Chicago Bulls come Thursday. He will allow them to match up with any front-court style in the NBA.

[ctw724Participant]

Wake Forest has produced some nice NBA talent (Duncan, Paul, Howard and Rodgers).

James Johnson better live up to the hype…NO EXCUSES!!!

The Bulls passed on a great player, DeJuan Blair, who I hope comes back to stick it in the face of John Paxson and Gar Forman!!!

[xoboawaosaParticipant]

thanks men

[Author]

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