[JoeWolf1]

There are very few moments, especially the later you go in the draft, where your team, does indeed, draft the player you have pegged and wanted them to draft. That happened to my Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler. In the absense of Luol Deng, he’s really upped his game, especially defensively and is even further in his development than I had expected a year and a half into his career.

In the last four games, in addition to his terriffic defense, Butler is averaging.

14.7 ppg 7.25 rpg 2.7 apg 1 spg

I realize this is a 4 game span, but he’s had big moments earlier in the year and even a big game against Miami last season. Butler is the real deal, and it makes me wonder if Deng is a more realistic trade chip going forward. There is no question in my mind that Butler could be a 4th option “glue guy” starter in the league, right now, and once he adds range to his jumper, a 3rd option on offense/great defender.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

IF he improves on his offensive game, I could see him being a starter and solid two way player, but as of right now… I think he’s a role guy off of the bench providing defense, hustle plays and scoring in transition, etc.

I think it’s way too soon to suggest he can make Luol Deng expendable.

[JoeWolf1]

Maybe so, but he does have a good mid-range game. He’s a knockdown 15 foot shooter, but he needs a improve his range.

[joecheck88Participant]

I think Deng becomes expendable the minute Jimmy Butler gets 3 point range on his jumper. If Butler was on a number of different teams, he may be starting but since he is on the Bulls he can’t. Their offense even with Rose is mediocre at best and they need the floor spacing.

[Moon RiverParticipant]

I would love to see a legit SG for the Bulls but not sure what Deng will bring you. Monte Ellis, maybe? If they depart with Deng now, they need a top 10 SG because Butler is not read to contribute on the offensive end to replace Deng. I love his defense though and love how Thibs is bringing him along. Hate to see Deng go because he is a very solid and underrated player IMO, but it may be time to move on but most likely next season as it is his last on the contract at $14.3MM.

[SiggyParticipant]

Deng’s contract is up after the 13-14 season. So maybe Lu gets dealt during next year. I’m pretty sure that the FO and Thibs would like to have Lu back, but at what cost?
If Jimmy could expand his range by then he could be the Bulls’ answer at the 2 since he can guard either position well.
That would be a sick combo of wing defenders.
Jimmy’s fitting right in. He’s tough, contests everything, helps on the glass, gets those 50/50 balls and is absolutely unflappable. At this point I’d still call him a bench player, but once he finds some consistency in his jumper he’ll be a legit starter. He’s not there yet, but he’s showing more confidence in it. Just wish he’d put a little more air under the ball.

[joecheck88Participant]

I agree Butler could play the 2 but I think it is just asking way too much from Derrick Rose offensively with Butler and Deng starting together. We’ve seen Derrick make it happen but he needs help from either position offensively.

I think Deng will command a similar contract to what he has now. This will probably be his last big contract so I don’t see him giving too much of a discount.

I pretty much think Deng has to be gone for Butler to start. Chicago needs to bring someone in at the 2 or 3 that can create their own shot and for others. They don’t have to he spectacular but they have to be good. I don’t know of he is the answer but if they could get Tyreke Evans for cheap, he may be worth taking a chance on.

[SiggyParticipant]

I’d be fine with the Bulls flipping Deng for a legit #2 scorer SG, but I don’t think it’s possible, mainly because there aren’t many available. Mayo? Not sure if he’s a #2 option, plus he hasn’t looked as impressive playing off of Dirk, like he wasn’t impressive playing off of Z-Bo/Gasol. If it came down to a decision b/t Mayo and Deng, I’d rather keep Deng. We’ll see about Deng’s price tag. I’m sure there’ll be extension discussions this summer.

The thought of Tyreke in a Bulls jersey makes me cringe. That guy’s not a winner.

If Jimmy can become a consistent low teens scorer, then I don’t think they’ll need another scorer. They need more guys who can hit open shots, hopefully Jimmy can become that, but I don’t think they’d need more scoring. The Bulls under Thibs actually run really good offense. Their offense generates good shots, it’s a matter of if they’re falling or not. And if they’re not falling, they’re an excellent offensive rebounding team.

I don’t think they’re destined to be constructed like the typical team with #1,#2, #3 scorers even with Derrick. I think their model will more closely resemble the Sheed/Billups Pistons, but with a legit superstar at the helm.

[joecheck88Participant]

I know what you mean. I just think they rely on Rose way too much. I think they just need someone to lighten the load off Rose a bit. Even if that guy comes off the bench. Someone that can handle the ball while Rose is on the bench and a few minutes with him. Tyreke doesn’t seem like a winner and it would be risky but I would bet that Thibs, Rose, and Noah would keep him in line. I’m not saying trade Deng for Evans or anybody like that. I’m saying I they could pry a guy like Evans away for maybe a late first rounder, it may be worth a shot.

I guess if Butler can score around 10-12 they would be better. I just remember them succeeding with Bogans starting and how much better they could be with a guy that could shoot and handle the ball a bit. I just don’t think it should all fall on Rose on offense. Maybe his injury is a blessing and the guys step it up when he gets back.

[SiggyParticipant]

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Derrick’s injury was a blessing in disguise, I think it has helped the Bulls develop even more of an offensive identity and for certain guys to develop (or regain) confidence in their offense. Like I said, the offense isn’t set up to have a #2, #3 option. They run their continuity, they run their sets and if those break down then it goes to Derrick for a high ball screen or flat 1-4. Outside of maybe the Spurs, the Bulls are the best executing, best passing team in the league and you can see it in their AST% where they rank #1 in the league.
Although it sounds strange to say in a superstar dominated league, their offense is the first option, just like it was for those Pistons. There isn’t a single offensive template that gives one team a better chance at winning the chip. The Heat, Mavs, Spurs, Pistons all had different setups in terms of offensive options.

Not only do I not believe in Tyreke’s ability, but he’s also up for a contract extension, where IMO, he almost certainly will command more than the Bulls are willing to pay. In order to retain him they would have to give up more than just a pick. They’d probably have to give up a player who likely would have more value to the team than Tyreke.

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

Sad thing is they had a true SG in JR Smith but wanted nothing to do with him and sent him directly to Denver. But I really like Jimmy Butler. It made so much sense when the Bulls drafted him. Athletic, hard working character guy. The game against the Lakers was the best I’ve seen from him so far and I was impressed on both sides of the floor. I’ve been telling all my friends to look out for this kid and am very excited for his future.

[druneave3Participant]

Totally agree. I wanted Butler bad and got excited when I started hearing rumors before the draft that the Bulls liked him and he killed Marshon Brooks in workouts. Loved him, and a lot of players from Marquette, love Buzz also, and was so happy when the Bulls selected him. Once he gains some confidence and gets a consistent jumper he will be a borderline all star. He is a really really good rebounder and defender. Good size,strength,athleticism. Even though he has put up some good numbers in the place of Deng but he is playing 40+ minutes. I want him to be more aggressive and selfish but he is playing well in Thibs system.

He is my 4th favorite player in the league behind Rose, Durant, and Paul George. Despite that I don’t want or envision the Bulls moving Deng so he can play more. I actually see Deng coming back for less money than his current deal after his contract is up. He can also play the 2.

[druneave3Participant]

Totally agree. I wanted Butler bad and got excited when I started hearing rumors before the draft that the Bulls liked him and he killed Marshon Brooks in workouts. Loved him, and a lot of players from Marquette, love Buzz also, and was so happy when the Bulls selected him. Once he gains some confidence and gets a consistent jumper he will be a borderline all star. He is a really really good rebounder and defender. Good size,strength,athleticism. Even though he has put up some good numbers in the place of Deng but he is playing 40+ minutes. I want him to be more aggressive and selfish but he is playing well in Thibs system.

He is my 4th favorite player in the league behind Rose, Durant, and Paul George. Despite that I don’t want or envision the Bulls moving Deng so he can play more. I actually see Deng coming back for less money than his current deal after his contract is up. He can also play the 2.

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