[Moon RiverParticipant]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140210/sports/140219868/

The Daily Herald is a Chicago suburb newspaper with, generally, good info on the Bulls.  Here is some recent info on Mirotic.

Mirotic to Chicago this summer is not a certainty, but I feel a little bit better about it after reading this article.  With Mirotic researching Chicago and apparently comfortable with the amount of Serbians in the area, and Paxson’s relationship with Mirotic’s current team is helpful. 

I was not all that pleased with the Deng trade, but have warmed up to it and hope they have one or two other moves to make before the trade deadline to give them flexability this summer.

[Scott42444Participant]

…as a matter of fact, I think that this off-season will be a very good one for the Bulls either way.  Mirotic needs to be brought over within the next 2 years, or I believe he needs to be shipped off.  I know that his Spanish league team is ready to offer him an extension, which would be disastrous for Chicago.  If they bring him over at 23, for $6 – $7 million a year for 3 years, he gets to his 2nd contract at the age of 26.  This is the best case scenario for him, since in the NBA most players are working towards their 2nd and 3rd contracts in order to really hit paydirt.  I have heard rumors that his asking price will be higher than the originally thought MLE (which I have factored in here, but not by much) but the Bulls would be making a mistake signing him for much more.  He has a $2.5 million buyout, which the Bulls can offer $600,000 towards.  This would make his $6 million (for season 1) closer to $4 million, but also there is a very high 50% tax on his salary in Spain (or so I read recently).  If the Bulls go higher, and start inching towards the $8 – $10 million range, they need to trade him immediately.  He will probably stay in Europe for the next half of a decade and if he comes over as a "finished product" at 27 it just isn’t worth it for Chicago.  The $8 – $10 million range is where Lance Stephenson is reportedly going to fall in.  I for one think that taking a 23 year old with NBA Playoff experience, who has shown an ability to play 2-way, multi-positional basketball while leading the NBA in Triple Doubles is a smarter play.  Compare that to a offensive minded stretch 4 without NBA experience.  The $10 million price is apparently just enough to possibly price Lance out of the Pacers plans, as they will be only around $7.7 under the tax next offseason due to Paul George’s salary increasing via the "Rose Rule".  If Mirotic is brought in around the MLE, and the Bulls are able to pry Lance away from Indiana, along with 2 picks in 2014 and possibly 2 picks in 2015 (or 2016, depending on Sacramento, who apparently is trying to win games under new ownership), the Bulls are talented.  The Bulls are young.  The roster is flexible.  There is depth, if the front office makes the correct choices in the 2014 and 2015 draft, and the team remains defensively stout while increasing it’s offensive production.  

This is a great path to take, although I guess I wouldn’t hate seeing Carmelo Anthony on the roster, either.  If he really cares about winning more than being a "max contract" player (and the status that apparently brings), the Bulls might be able to sign him in the $18 million/yr range.  The problem becomes Mirotic and Jimmy Butler wouldn’t be in the immediate plans for the Bulls, because the Bulls would not have the cap space to sign/keep them.  Taj and Boozer are gone, so there is probably a 2014 rookie OR a player signed via the MLE playing PF, and the Bulls are always one more Derrick Rose injury away from being as good as they are now (a possible #3 – #4 seed, with a 2nd round exit likely).

 

[Scott42444Participant]

…as a matter of fact, I think that this off-season will be a very good one for the Bulls either way.  Mirotic needs to be brought over within the next 2 years, or I believe he needs to be shipped off.  I know that his Spanish league team is ready to offer him an extension, which would be disastrous for Chicago.  If they bring him over at 23, for $6 – $7 million a year for 3 years, he gets to his 2nd contract at the age of 26.  This is the best case scenario for him, since in the NBA most players are working towards their 2nd and 3rd contracts in order to really hit paydirt.  I have heard rumors that his asking price will be higher than the originally thought MLE (which I have factored in here, but not by much) but the Bulls would be making a mistake signing him for much more.  He has a $2.5 million buyout, which the Bulls can offer $600,000 towards.  This would make his $6 million (for season 1) closer to $4 million, but also there is a very high 50% tax on his salary in Spain (or so I read recently).  If the Bulls go higher, and start inching towards the $8 – $10 million range, they need to trade him immediately.  He will probably stay in Europe for the next half of a decade and if he comes over as a "finished product" at 27 it just isn’t worth it for Chicago.  The $8 – $10 million range is where Lance Stephenson is reportedly going to fall in.  I for one think that taking a 23 year old with NBA Playoff experience, who has shown an ability to play 2-way, multi-positional basketball while leading the NBA in Triple Doubles is a smarter play.  Compare that to a offensive minded stretch 4 without NBA experience.  The $10 million price is apparently just enough to possibly price Lance out of the Pacers plans, as they will be only around $7.7 under the tax next offseason due to Paul George’s salary increasing via the "Rose Rule".  If Mirotic is brought in around the MLE, and the Bulls are able to pry Lance away from Indiana, along with 2 picks in 2014 and possibly 2 picks in 2015 (or 2016, depending on Sacramento, who apparently is trying to win games under new ownership), the Bulls are talented.  The Bulls are young.  The roster is flexible.  There is depth, if the front office makes the correct choices in the 2014 and 2015 draft, and the team remains defensively stout while increasing it’s offensive production.  

This is a great path to take, although I guess I wouldn’t hate seeing Carmelo Anthony on the roster, either.  If he really cares about winning more than being a "max contract" player (and the status that apparently brings), the Bulls might be able to sign him in the $18 million/yr range.  The problem becomes Mirotic and Jimmy Butler wouldn’t be in the immediate plans for the Bulls, because the Bulls would not have the cap space to sign/keep them.  Taj and Boozer are gone, so there is probably a 2014 rookie OR a player signed via the MLE playing PF, and the Bulls are always one more Derrick Rose injury away from being as good as they are now (a possible #3 – #4 seed, with a 2nd round exit likely).

 

[Scott42444Participant]

…I was a bit long winded there, but I wanted to say I agree with your assessment of the Deng trade.  It seemed to be a move that brought very little, basically a VERY good chance to stay under the luxury tax (and avoid the repeater tax in the future, especially for a team with 2nd round aspirations).  That being said, no matter how I look at the future of the Bulls, I don’t see Luol Deng as part of the plan unless he is willing to play for…at the most…$10 million a season.  That’s what they offered him and he turned it down.  Basically, Mirotic is more important to the Bulls in 2014 and moving forward than Luol Deng so getting a future 1st round pick (Sacramento seems to be trying to win, so possibly the 2015 draft or 2016 draft) AND the ability to swap picks in the 2015 draft was a pretty decent haul (consider if the Cavs are the 8 seed and the Bulls are the 3rd seed next year, that is a difference of about 10 draft spots).  Also, an extra 2nd round pick in 2015 and 2016 from Portland will be helpful to a team flirting with the luxury tax since 2nd rounders are the only contracts that count for less than around $600,000 towards the salary cap.  It sucks, because I really liked Luol Deng, but he just isn’t appropriate for a team without scorers.  If they had 2 stud scorers, where they now have more like 3/4 (until Rose proves he can play a full season), Deng would be perfect.  The basically need to put the money he would be taking up towards someone who can create his own shot in order for the team to move forward. 

[Scott42444Participant]

…I was a bit long winded there, but I wanted to say I agree with your assessment of the Deng trade.  It seemed to be a move that brought very little, basically a VERY good chance to stay under the luxury tax (and avoid the repeater tax in the future, especially for a team with 2nd round aspirations).  That being said, no matter how I look at the future of the Bulls, I don’t see Luol Deng as part of the plan unless he is willing to play for…at the most…$10 million a season.  That’s what they offered him and he turned it down.  Basically, Mirotic is more important to the Bulls in 2014 and moving forward than Luol Deng so getting a future 1st round pick (Sacramento seems to be trying to win, so possibly the 2015 draft or 2016 draft) AND the ability to swap picks in the 2015 draft was a pretty decent haul (consider if the Cavs are the 8 seed and the Bulls are the 3rd seed next year, that is a difference of about 10 draft spots).  Also, an extra 2nd round pick in 2015 and 2016 from Portland will be helpful to a team flirting with the luxury tax since 2nd rounders are the only contracts that count for less than around $600,000 towards the salary cap.  It sucks, because I really liked Luol Deng, but he just isn’t appropriate for a team without scorers.  If they had 2 stud scorers, where they now have more like 3/4 (until Rose proves he can play a full season), Deng would be perfect.  The basically need to put the money he would be taking up towards someone who can create his own shot in order for the team to move forward. 

[Moon RiverParticipant]

In your first comment you mentioned Taj and Boozer are gone.  Boozer is either getting traded or amnestied, and have heard rumors about Taj being available but not necessarily gone.  Do you have more info on Taj?

[Moon RiverParticipant]

In your first comment you mentioned Taj and Boozer are gone.  Boozer is either getting traded or amnestied, and have heard rumors about Taj being available but not necessarily gone.  Do you have more info on Taj?

[Scott42444Participant]

way of thinking (actually has spoken to decision makers) and they are ALL IN on Carmelo.  That really is plan A at this point.  Heck, Nick Fridell (ESPN1000 Bulls beat reporter) said as much yesterday on the radio.  Part of the problem is that these rumors have bit the Bulls in the butt in the past, whether they are true or not.  GarPax get a bad rap because they have APPARENTLY not traded for Garnett/Kobe/Gasol, etc. over the years (although those deals weren’t all as REAL or as realistic as was rumored) and this thing has now taken on a life of it’s own.  If the Bulls sign Carmelo (which is the most likely route, opposed to trading for him since NY will stupidly NOT trade for him) in the offseason, Taj will HAVE to be moved.  I personally think the Bulls will attempt to move Boozer, which didn’t used to be realistic, to Phoenix before the deadline.  They might not get much for him, maybe the Pacers pick (last in the 1st round) plus the expiring contract of Okafor (no chance that Phoenix brings 5 rookies to their already young team next year but they have 5 picks), but they will give Taj a chance to show his stuff.  I know Boozer has had an immovable contract, but the newest line of thinking is that the 2014 free agent class won’t be THAT deep and Phoenix won’t be in the running for the elite guys anyway.  The 2015 free agent class will be better, and having nearly $18 million of Boozer’s expiring contract will be an asset.  Anyway, I digress.  Back to Taj.  I think he has developed into a 15ppg 10rpg 1.5bpg player at this point, will probably be honored with an Defensive 2nd Team spot at PF this season, and especially with the Bulls lack of offense his scoring will be featured the rest of the season.  From the Bulls point of view though,  he is already 29 though, which is actually in the heart of his prime, with 3 years remaining on his contract.  They will need to move Taj and amnesty Boozer in order to free up more than $15 – $17 million in the offseason (getting rid of both would be clearing $24 million with the increases expected for Rose, Noah, etc.).  I think that Melo would HAVE to take a bit less than the max, which is a sticking point with a guy like him.  But, as the Big 3 in Miami has shown, sometimes that makes the difference in winning.  He has gotten his 2 max contracts and says (he "says") that winning a title is now his main focus.  Giving a 30 year old without a history of winning (except at Syracuse) a 4 year max contract is a bad contract unless the team is filled with young talent with team controlled, affordable contracts.  Signing for $4 – $5 million less than a max can allow a team to resign Jimmy Butler after next season.  It can allow a team to bring in a Mike Dunleavy.  It might allow for a Mirotic signing in 2015.  

Of course, if Carmelo chooses to assure the Bulls that he won’t opt out, the recently rumored trade of Boozer, Hinrich, Butler, Snell, and a 1st might be worth it (getting Felton and Shumpert in return as well) since Butler might not be extended due to salary concerns. That means the Bulls are giving up Snell and a 1st, but are able to keep Taj at PF.  They get 1 full season with Carmelo to see if he will "fit" with the Bulls (and if Rose comes back to elite status) and don’t leave much to chance.  The Bulls haven’t gotten "their guy" in free agency (unless you count Ben Wallace) since, well, forever.  I don’t think New York will do it, but they should.  They are in salary cap HELL anyway next season without much chance of a title.  They will have a bunch of expiring contracts in Boozer, Amare, and Chandler that will be valuable before the 2015 free agent class, 2 young players in Butler and Snell that have a chance at becoming solid NBA players (under rookie contracts), a draft pick in a deep draft.  They won’t do that, but they should.

 

[Scott42444Participant]

way of thinking (actually has spoken to decision makers) and they are ALL IN on Carmelo.  That really is plan A at this point.  Heck, Nick Fridell (ESPN1000 Bulls beat reporter) said as much yesterday on the radio.  Part of the problem is that these rumors have bit the Bulls in the butt in the past, whether they are true or not.  GarPax get a bad rap because they have APPARENTLY not traded for Garnett/Kobe/Gasol, etc. over the years (although those deals weren’t all as REAL or as realistic as was rumored) and this thing has now taken on a life of it’s own.  If the Bulls sign Carmelo (which is the most likely route, opposed to trading for him since NY will stupidly NOT trade for him) in the offseason, Taj will HAVE to be moved.  I personally think the Bulls will attempt to move Boozer, which didn’t used to be realistic, to Phoenix before the deadline.  They might not get much for him, maybe the Pacers pick (last in the 1st round) plus the expiring contract of Okafor (no chance that Phoenix brings 5 rookies to their already young team next year but they have 5 picks), but they will give Taj a chance to show his stuff.  I know Boozer has had an immovable contract, but the newest line of thinking is that the 2014 free agent class won’t be THAT deep and Phoenix won’t be in the running for the elite guys anyway.  The 2015 free agent class will be better, and having nearly $18 million of Boozer’s expiring contract will be an asset.  Anyway, I digress.  Back to Taj.  I think he has developed into a 15ppg 10rpg 1.5bpg player at this point, will probably be honored with an Defensive 2nd Team spot at PF this season, and especially with the Bulls lack of offense his scoring will be featured the rest of the season.  From the Bulls point of view though,  he is already 29 though, which is actually in the heart of his prime, with 3 years remaining on his contract.  They will need to move Taj and amnesty Boozer in order to free up more than $15 – $17 million in the offseason (getting rid of both would be clearing $24 million with the increases expected for Rose, Noah, etc.).  I think that Melo would HAVE to take a bit less than the max, which is a sticking point with a guy like him.  But, as the Big 3 in Miami has shown, sometimes that makes the difference in winning.  He has gotten his 2 max contracts and says (he "says") that winning a title is now his main focus.  Giving a 30 year old without a history of winning (except at Syracuse) a 4 year max contract is a bad contract unless the team is filled with young talent with team controlled, affordable contracts.  Signing for $4 – $5 million less than a max can allow a team to resign Jimmy Butler after next season.  It can allow a team to bring in a Mike Dunleavy.  It might allow for a Mirotic signing in 2015.  

Of course, if Carmelo chooses to assure the Bulls that he won’t opt out, the recently rumored trade of Boozer, Hinrich, Butler, Snell, and a 1st might be worth it (getting Felton and Shumpert in return as well) since Butler might not be extended due to salary concerns. That means the Bulls are giving up Snell and a 1st, but are able to keep Taj at PF.  They get 1 full season with Carmelo to see if he will "fit" with the Bulls (and if Rose comes back to elite status) and don’t leave much to chance.  The Bulls haven’t gotten "their guy" in free agency (unless you count Ben Wallace) since, well, forever.  I don’t think New York will do it, but they should.  They are in salary cap HELL anyway next season without much chance of a title.  They will have a bunch of expiring contracts in Boozer, Amare, and Chandler that will be valuable before the 2015 free agent class, 2 young players in Butler and Snell that have a chance at becoming solid NBA players (under rookie contracts), a draft pick in a deep draft.  They won’t do that, but they should.

 

[marquee_markParticipant]

  Is Lance Stephenson really only going to command 8-10 million? Not saying you’re wrong, it just seems to me that he’ll get some offers worth more than that annually. I mean Tyreke got 11 per.

[Scott42444Participant]

…saying that the price will most likely be in the $10 million range.  Who knows?  I wouldn’t have predicted anyone would have given Atlanta anything for Joe Johnson and it happened.  I wouldn’t have predicted the Knicks would have given Amare $100 million with all of his injuries, but I was wrong.  Hell, I don’t think Tyreke was worth $11 million per.  I think they regret that contract now.  But, basically $10 million prices him out of Indiana’s plans because they actually get screwed (kind of) by the "Rose Rule" and adds a couple million to Paul George’s extension next season (since he will surely be 1st or 2nd Team All-NBA this year).  But, maybe Indiana gets creative and ships off Scola and George Hill and clear enough room to retain him.  He is restricted, so they only have to match an offer sheet.  He might love Indiana and want to stay for a little less.  Maybe someone offers him the Poison Pill crap like Houston offered Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin where he makes $5 mil, $5 mil, $25 mil over 3 years.  The Bulls got screwed by that.

[Scott42444Participant]

…saying that the price will most likely be in the $10 million range.  Who knows?  I wouldn’t have predicted anyone would have given Atlanta anything for Joe Johnson and it happened.  I wouldn’t have predicted the Knicks would have given Amare $100 million with all of his injuries, but I was wrong.  Hell, I don’t think Tyreke was worth $11 million per.  I think they regret that contract now.  But, basically $10 million prices him out of Indiana’s plans because they actually get screwed (kind of) by the "Rose Rule" and adds a couple million to Paul George’s extension next season (since he will surely be 1st or 2nd Team All-NBA this year).  But, maybe Indiana gets creative and ships off Scola and George Hill and clear enough room to retain him.  He is restricted, so they only have to match an offer sheet.  He might love Indiana and want to stay for a little less.  Maybe someone offers him the Poison Pill crap like Houston offered Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin where he makes $5 mil, $5 mil, $25 mil over 3 years.  The Bulls got screwed by that.

[marquee_markParticipant]

  Is Lance Stephenson really only going to command 8-10 million? Not saying you’re wrong, it just seems to me that he’ll get some offers worth more than that annually. I mean Tyreke got 11 per.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I really hope he comes over next year.  Add Mirotic, amnesty Boozer, (fingers crossed) healthy Derrick Rose.  That’s all I want for Christmas

[Scott42444Participant]

…Fran Frischilla (spelling? The old Saint John’s coach) give a pretty good assessment of Mirotic.  Basically, he said that he will be a possible All-Star.  He is saying that he is starting to dominate the 2nd best league in the world after the NBA but he doesn’t see him being the 2nd best option on a Championship team.  He sees him as the 3rd best.  He is a Hell of a shooter with a developing post game who is going to be a "rookie" who has started dominating competition better than what ANYONE coming out of college has experienced.  But, as I said before, would you give a 23 year old Mirotic $10 million or would it be better to give a 23 year old Lance Stephenson $10 million (give or take $2 mil)?  I know that scouting has improved immensely, but you actually get a guy who can play 3 positions with Lance versus 1 position with Nikola.  You get a guy who might be playing and starting in the NBA Finals this year, at the very least probably the ECF against the 2-time defending Champs.  You get a guy who is a little more well rounded AND you make the Pacers worse by signing him away.  

I like Mirotic a lot but I am getting annoyed that he would be demanding $8 – $10 million.  If he just doesn’t translate to the NBA the Bulls are SCREWED for 3 – 4 seasons.  That basically wastes Taj, it wastes Noah, it might waste the "athletic" version of Rose (if he still exsists anymore).  I just don’t like the unknown.  I like him, but I don’t like him at $10 million.

  

[Scott42444Participant]

…Fran Frischilla (spelling? The old Saint John’s coach) give a pretty good assessment of Mirotic.  Basically, he said that he will be a possible All-Star.  He is saying that he is starting to dominate the 2nd best league in the world after the NBA but he doesn’t see him being the 2nd best option on a Championship team.  He sees him as the 3rd best.  He is a Hell of a shooter with a developing post game who is going to be a "rookie" who has started dominating competition better than what ANYONE coming out of college has experienced.  But, as I said before, would you give a 23 year old Mirotic $10 million or would it be better to give a 23 year old Lance Stephenson $10 million (give or take $2 mil)?  I know that scouting has improved immensely, but you actually get a guy who can play 3 positions with Lance versus 1 position with Nikola.  You get a guy who might be playing and starting in the NBA Finals this year, at the very least probably the ECF against the 2-time defending Champs.  You get a guy who is a little more well rounded AND you make the Pacers worse by signing him away.  

I like Mirotic a lot but I am getting annoyed that he would be demanding $8 – $10 million.  If he just doesn’t translate to the NBA the Bulls are SCREWED for 3 – 4 seasons.  That basically wastes Taj, it wastes Noah, it might waste the "athletic" version of Rose (if he still exsists anymore).  I just don’t like the unknown.  I like him, but I don’t like him at $10 million.

  

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 I thought they had to pay Mirotic according to the rookie scale (since they still own his rights). If the rights had expired, then he would be a regular free agent.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 I thought they had to pay Mirotic according to the rookie scale (since they still own his rights). If the rights had expired, then he would be a regular free agent.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 Btw, the other day Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey (King’s cup) finals, which is some sort of half season playoffs. Mirotic was named the MVP and he scored 17 points and 11 rebounds. He looks really dominant lately as he has hit some important clutch shots.

I really really hope the Bulls sign him this summer. He could be a solid 3rd option.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

 Btw, the other day Real Madrid beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey (King’s cup) finals, which is some sort of half season playoffs. Mirotic was named the MVP and he scored 17 points and 11 rebounds. He looks really dominant lately as he has hit some important clutch shots.

I really really hope the Bulls sign him this summer. He could be a solid 3rd option.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 I really hope he comes over next year.  Add Mirotic, amnesty Boozer, (fingers crossed) healthy Derrick Rose.  That’s all I want for Christmas

[Moon RiverParticipant]

And, I am a Syracuse fan (and alum) but I just cannot buy the Melo to Chicago buzz.  He just is not the type of guy Gar/Pax like to bring in and I have serious reservations Melo will buy into Thibs very unselfish system.  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see how the experiment pans out I just have a hard time believing that is plan A for the Bulls. 

[Moon RiverParticipant]

And, I am a Syracuse fan (and alum) but I just cannot buy the Melo to Chicago buzz.  He just is not the type of guy Gar/Pax like to bring in and I have serious reservations Melo will buy into Thibs very unselfish system.  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see how the experiment pans out I just have a hard time believing that is plan A for the Bulls. 

[Scott42444Participant]

…but I guess they are viewing him as Plan A.  The more I think about it, the more I like it.  The Bulls have a STRONG locker room.  I don’t him coming in and being a diva, it just won’t work like that.  Think about the contrast between what Luol Deng came from and what he went to.  The Cavs have guys threatening to quit at half time, Bynum is shooting half court shots at practice, etc.  The Bulls got mad at Boozer because after YEARS of amnesty talk and being sat down for half a game he was ASKED if he wanted to play in the 4th quarter.  Of course, he said, "yes, I want to play in the 4th quarter ,which NBA player doesn’t?"  The Bulls organization sat him down to discuss it, Gar Forman went to the media saying he was disappointed, etc.  All because he said, in response to a pointed question, that he wished he were on the court to close out games.  I think the Bulls have a system in place which is VERY well known throughout the league.  I have no doubts that anyone joining the Bulls would be prepared for that coming in AND the entire team buys into that philosophy.  I wouldn’t have thought that Nate Robinson would have fit, either.  He was a gunslinger who couldn’t play much defense (he wasn’t big enough to guard many guys) but Thibs played to his strengths and tried to use his schemes and more versatile players (Noah, Taj, Hinrich) to cover his back.  Melo is actually very much the type of guy GarPax brings in.  Besides Snell last season, just about every other pick since Paxson took over in 2003 has been in the Sweet 16, and many were Final 4 participants.  Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Noah, Rose, Tyrus Thomas, James Johnson, Jimmy Butler, Marquis Teague, Jimmy Butler, even Chris Duhon and Aaron Gray.  They take guys who starred at winning programs and well known, system coaches.   

[Scott42444Participant]

…but I guess they are viewing him as Plan A.  The more I think about it, the more I like it.  The Bulls have a STRONG locker room.  I don’t him coming in and being a diva, it just won’t work like that.  Think about the contrast between what Luol Deng came from and what he went to.  The Cavs have guys threatening to quit at half time, Bynum is shooting half court shots at practice, etc.  The Bulls got mad at Boozer because after YEARS of amnesty talk and being sat down for half a game he was ASKED if he wanted to play in the 4th quarter.  Of course, he said, "yes, I want to play in the 4th quarter ,which NBA player doesn’t?"  The Bulls organization sat him down to discuss it, Gar Forman went to the media saying he was disappointed, etc.  All because he said, in response to a pointed question, that he wished he were on the court to close out games.  I think the Bulls have a system in place which is VERY well known throughout the league.  I have no doubts that anyone joining the Bulls would be prepared for that coming in AND the entire team buys into that philosophy.  I wouldn’t have thought that Nate Robinson would have fit, either.  He was a gunslinger who couldn’t play much defense (he wasn’t big enough to guard many guys) but Thibs played to his strengths and tried to use his schemes and more versatile players (Noah, Taj, Hinrich) to cover his back.  Melo is actually very much the type of guy GarPax brings in.  Besides Snell last season, just about every other pick since Paxson took over in 2003 has been in the Sweet 16, and many were Final 4 participants.  Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Noah, Rose, Tyrus Thomas, James Johnson, Jimmy Butler, Marquis Teague, Jimmy Butler, even Chris Duhon and Aaron Gray.  They take guys who starred at winning programs and well known, system coaches.   

[tbest23Participant]

I’m with you. He is what he is at this point in his career. A volume shooter and a great scorer. That’s about it.Trading away most of your assets and players who are still developing (quite well) for Melo isn’t something I like unless the cost to get him is lowered substantially. Will they win a title with Melo having shipped away all those pieces? Nope. I say look for another option as they’re a playoff team with or without Melo. Would he advance the Bulls farther? Tough question but their season would end with an L either way. Develop the talent and make a deal when it’s more enticing…

[tbest23Participant]

I’m with you. He is what he is at this point in his career. A volume shooter and a great scorer. That’s about it.Trading away most of your assets and players who are still developing (quite well) for Melo isn’t something I like unless the cost to get him is lowered substantially. Will they win a title with Melo having shipped away all those pieces? Nope. I say look for another option as they’re a playoff team with or without Melo. Would he advance the Bulls farther? Tough question but their season would end with an L either way. Develop the talent and make a deal when it’s more enticing…

[tbest23Participant]

Pax just said he didn’t think anything would go down by the trade deadline, which I take with a grain of salt. I also noticed Charlotte just slipped to the 11th spot. Thus the Bulls would receive the 11th pick in this year’s draft. After hearing how this draft would be so very great, I’ve gotta admit, I’m not that impressed. I realize it’s still early on some of these kids but take the Harrison twins just for example, I figured these two would go anywhere from 5-15 depending on the brother and the team’s need. I think they need to stay in school another year. Lots of those guys do but won’t. Perhaps it would be better off having Charlotte finish in the bottom 10 and see what transpires next year?

[tbest23Participant]

Pax just said he didn’t think anything would go down by the trade deadline, which I take with a grain of salt. I also noticed Charlotte just slipped to the 11th spot. Thus the Bulls would receive the 11th pick in this year’s draft. After hearing how this draft would be so very great, I’ve gotta admit, I’m not that impressed. I realize it’s still early on some of these kids but take the Harrison twins just for example, I figured these two would go anywhere from 5-15 depending on the brother and the team’s need. I think they need to stay in school another year. Lots of those guys do but won’t. Perhaps it would be better off having Charlotte finish in the bottom 10 and see what transpires next year?

[Scott42444Participant]

…especially if Jabari Parker stays at Duke another season, which I think he will.  Okafor can play the C for Duke and Jabari can be the 4/3 spot, and Duke might actually compete next season.  That takes a superstar away from the top of the draft.  Now, you are looking at (most likely) starters and role players (down the road, possibly after the rookie deal expires) for late lotto, early 20’s instead of what I USED to think, which was potential All-Stars littered throughout all the way to 20.  2015 might be the draft that is LOADED, especially with all the big men that might be a part of it.  Hell, the two kids from Chicago ALONE have crazy NBA potential (Okafor, Alexander) and both will be a part of major programs Duke/Kansas.  I never thought the 2014 pick would be from Charlotte.  I was expecting a Top 5 pick in 2016, that’s how little I thought of the organization.  They are doing well for themselves, I’m impressed.  But, they could also just suck in the 2nd half and miss the playoffs and the Bulls could end up with the 20th pick (again).  That’s where you are hoping a McDermott or Aaron Gordon falls and the Bulls take him, although they would probably (in this scenario) be looking at PF (which is something I am not 100% sure either of those 2 guys can play in the NBA).   

[Scott42444Participant]

…especially if Jabari Parker stays at Duke another season, which I think he will.  Okafor can play the C for Duke and Jabari can be the 4/3 spot, and Duke might actually compete next season.  That takes a superstar away from the top of the draft.  Now, you are looking at (most likely) starters and role players (down the road, possibly after the rookie deal expires) for late lotto, early 20’s instead of what I USED to think, which was potential All-Stars littered throughout all the way to 20.  2015 might be the draft that is LOADED, especially with all the big men that might be a part of it.  Hell, the two kids from Chicago ALONE have crazy NBA potential (Okafor, Alexander) and both will be a part of major programs Duke/Kansas.  I never thought the 2014 pick would be from Charlotte.  I was expecting a Top 5 pick in 2016, that’s how little I thought of the organization.  They are doing well for themselves, I’m impressed.  But, they could also just suck in the 2nd half and miss the playoffs and the Bulls could end up with the 20th pick (again).  That’s where you are hoping a McDermott or Aaron Gordon falls and the Bulls take him, although they would probably (in this scenario) be looking at PF (which is something I am not 100% sure either of those 2 guys can play in the NBA).   

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