1. First off: welcome to my blog first time readers- it's been up for a while but this a brand new, reenergized look.
2: Recap: Yesterday I made my remarks about LBJ and the aftermath of free agency, just wanted to add a few things. I don't need to be another rag artist of "The Decision" but I will say the title plays off the narcissism nicely, and as a narcissist I have to appreciate. Another thing is that if you haven't gotten the chance watch Joakim Noah's reaction to LBJ signing with the Heat do so (upper left corner on video bar). This rephrased quote sums its up 'It's going to be very Hollywood down there.' Was he being jealous/presumptuous? No need to debate because the party in South Beach the next day with LBJ, Wade, and Bosh being lifted up in a forklift and dancing to hip hop music with fog machines answered that question. Is anyone else enraged with how much status Bosh is getting by riding LBJ/Wade's coattails? But...enough about that time to get to the Bulls:
The signing of Carlos Boozer. Great? Mediocre? Damage Control? Overrated? Not Sure? What we do know is that Carlos Boozer fills a hole at the 4 spot the Bulls have desperately needed in terms of post scoring and rebounding. Honestly I think he was the best free agent available. Yes, you heard me. Wade, Bosh, and LeBron were not really available as they had already plotted to go to Miami. Thus, Boozer and Amare, and Boozer is cheaper and statistically better if you looks at a wide range of stats, were the next best available. Does this make the Bulls contenders? Probably not alone; however, it takes us from an 8 seed to the 3-6 range, and helps in the process of building a complete team from top to bottom.
Kyle Korver:
Relax ladies- that's not Ashton Kutcher- but I did put Korver's picture on top for you all. Korver provides the Bulls a much needed three point specialist, shooting north of 50% from beyond the arc. He will go great with ex-Utah teammate Boozer as a kick out option, and will fit nicely with Rose. Problem: He's not a starter as he is one dimensional, streaky, and not a great defender. Thus, he must come off the bench. Unfortunately, the Bulls solution for a starting two guard seems to be in a bit of a rut. The Bulls put out an offer sheet to name Redick the starter, but Orlando still has till the end of the week to match the offer sheet. If we don't get Redick than Matt Barnes, Ronnie Brewer, Raja Bell, Morrow, and a few other decent/solid/servicable guys become possibilities.
My thoughts: The Bulls are set at the 1,4,5 positions with Rose, Boozer, and Noah. Moreover, Gibson, James Johnson, Korver, Turkish center Omer Asik and potentially Brad Miller provide a nice bench. However, I am worried about the 2/3 positions. Deng and any above mentioned 2 guard are servicable but are not reliable scorers. Will Rose/Boozer provide enough offense prowess to contend with Miami, Orl, and Boston? I am worried the Bulls are a 5/6 seed due to lack of scoring and star power on the wing. Last season people were talking 4 seed and we ended up at an 8. I know with Boozer we are much better but don't forget we lost Kirk Hinrich who although was inconsistent gave us 10-15 points on the regular with some huge games (not to forget his defense). In order to really be a threat this year I think the Bulls need to consider moving some bench pieces to get a player like Jason Richardson from Phoenix (Kendall Gill sparked this idea on the radio).
PG-Rose
SG- Richardson
SF- Deng
PF- Boozer
C- Noah
That is a well rounded lineup with no holes- and though Richardson and Deng can both be unpredictable, I'd rather have two athletic wing players who can defend and both score in the twenties rather than start a guy like JJ Redick who is just a shooter. Shooters are important, but a starting shooting guard needs to be able to drive and defend to compete with the likes of Pierce, Kobe, Wade, etc. Additionally, Richardson can hit the three, and that kind of lineup would either be successful or at least provide some more enticing trading pieces for say....maybe... "Melo"... at the trade deadline... but lets not get carried away.
Overall, the Bulls are building a team the right way. Through the draft, through trades, and through free agency, they are piecing together a team that will be good for a long time. What's especially attractive is the balance and depth. However, what remains to be seen is if they have enough star power and wing scoring to be great.
Richardson idea is intriguing, but I actually think he's a pretty similar player to Redick. Obviously he's more athletic and explosive, but his stats are inflated from PHX's system. I think you're selling JJ short on his defense - it's much improved.
ReplyDeleteI would sign Bell or Brewer for perimeter defense, especially if Magic match the offer.
Richardson can defend, shoot, and score. He's way more athletic and I just don't see Redick starting on a contender, especially if your 3 is Deng.
ReplyDeleteGreat Site... and all I have to say is that i hope we make a run for carmello anthony to make us a real contender next season!
ReplyDeletethe problem with redick is that he cant make his own shot, but is brewer any better in that aspect (since bell is gone)?
ReplyDeleteBrewer is not significantly better in that regard. He's very athletic so he can get into the paint better than Redick, but he's always been a defensive specialist type. I'm not too keen on Brewer especially because he shoots less than 25% from beyond the arc. I think we ought to make a trade for a Jason Richardson type, or make the best out of Redick and see where we are at the trade deadline.
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