http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N6aqPyXdmc&feature=related
My last post expressed some doubt over the recent draft selections of James Johnson and Taj Gibson. While I'm still unsure about a fairly unathletic Taj Gibson, this video above made me rethink my thoughts concerning Johnson. What made me worried was how poorly Wake Forest played in the tournament; however, I forgot to consider that they also had Teague and Aminu, who really let them down. Johnson is more athletic than those other guys, and the Bulls hope he can be at least a solid role player at the NBA level who contributes immediately. Remember sometimes athletic role players are more valuable than college stars because they can contribute consistently for teams (Horry, Fox, Fisher, Ariza, Anderson, etc.), whereas stars like JJ Redick cannot be the kind of player they want in the NBA. Either way, he can't be much worse than Tyrus was his rookie year. Check out this nasty dunk (link above) he throws down on UNC and if you like it check out this series of dunks against Indiana in 2008 (the last one is an utterly ferocious dunk).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2O_d4E2RfE
In recent news, the Bulls signed Jannero Pargo to a one year deal worth $2 million. While other teams are busy signing players like Artest (LA), Turkoglu (TOR), Marion & Gortat (DAL), Jefferson & McDyess (SA), Ariza (HOU), Gordon and Villanueva (DET), and Rasheed (BOS), the Bulls have settled for the not so stellar sounding Pargo. Although I am a hungry Bulls fan like the next guy and would love to see the name Amare, Bosh, or Turkoglu on the back of a Bulls jersey, I don't think the Bulls made as bad a move as some might think. With the loss of Gordon the Bulls need a star, preferably a big man. But with Paul Millsap and Carlos Boozer being the best available bigs this summer, and with the likes of Bosh, Amare, Wade, James, Nowitzki, Boozer (again), becoming free agents next summer, the Bulls felt waiting was their best move. As much as it'd be nice to add a borderline-all star caliber player now, how much better would it be to add Wade or Bosh next year, coupled with an additional year of development for Derrick Rose (honestly even a Boozer wouldn't make this Bulls team an immediate contender). With a backcourt of Rose, Salmons, and Hinrich, and a defensive-oriented small forward Luol Deng, the Bulls not only still have a chance to make the playoffs, but also have a lot of trading pieces for the future. Throw in Tyrus Thomas and the Bulls could receive a lot of interest next season from both free agency and sign and trade deals. In the mean time, the Bulls add a fourth guard to the mix in Jannero Pargo. If Hinrich plays more of a shooting guard role Pargo can back up Rose, and if Hinrich plays more of a backup point guard role Pargo can play along Salmons at the 2 spot. For his career (the bulk being in Chi- 03/06 and Oklahoma City/New Orleans 07/08) Pargo has averaged 6.9 ppg and 2.1 assists. Not dazzling numbers; however, Bulls fans can remember that Pargo can light it up in moments. He also played a key role on the 08 Hornets playoff team, providing scoring off the bench. Thus, although I'm not partying in the streets over the signing, I think the Bulls are in great position to make a huge splash in free agency next year and for the time being have at least mitigated some damage caused by the Ben Gordon loss (and hey, better than Iverson, right?). So criticize now, but if the name Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh is on the Bulls roster next year, don't say you weren't warned. Thus, as you hear about all the signings and wonder why the Bulls are not getting involved, do not think of it as the Bulls giving up-trust me, this current team can make the playoffs if they work hard. Think of it as the Bulls remaining in the 5th-10th place vicinity in the east with the hope of propelling themselves to a 1-3 seed caliber team by 2010.
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