Bulls 09-10

[pdga#7648]

Thanks for the link Taylor.  Thats some good stuff.  LeBron's mom did have him when she was a teen, so she's probably perfect for the cougar hunting West....unreal.

I can't believe you guys are dragging me into this Kobe or LeBron argument.

As far as Payne's argument that Kobe is the best at the end of games.  Click on this link for production in clutch time and show me where Kobe was better than LeBron.  http://www.82games.com/0910/CSORT11.HTM 





Dan, your gonna throw a link out that has 1 years stats? Cmon dude.
And it wasn't Payne's argument, it was 3 of us that said you were wrong. I said all around player, yea LeBron is that, but NOT the BEST in the NBA. The BEST knows how to win rings. How many does LeBron have after 7 years? In those 7 years, how many does Kobe have? Again, like the best in football argument.... Championships speak louder than individual stats!!

[pdga#7648]

man, I screwed that post all up. Guess I shouldn't have drank that last beer at bowling tonight.

[pdga#7648]

but actually, we shouldn't even be arguing. we both would love LeBron to be a Bull, best in the NBA or not, he would help the team we both cheer for. So for once dude, buddy up! Quit hating on me all the time.   

[Dan Michler]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebroninfluence060510

[Mike Clark]

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5249031

This is awesome.

The full court press on LeBron is awesome.

[Dan Michler]

Bulls coming away with Boozer which became pretty obvious as soon as Bosh committed to the Heat, which in hindsight was clearly going to happen all along.  This whole 2010 free agent class hasn't been nearly as dramatic as the media wanted it to be.  I believe LeBron is staying put in Cleveland and I'm about 90% sure on that.  I can't imagine him planning this ESPN special and then breaking the hearts of the Cleveland faithful on national TV.  It just wouldn't make sense.  So, Bosh and Boozer and Amare were really the only 2 big movers in this year's free agent class.  Those 3 aren't exactly bigtime newsmakers.  This whole LeBron thing has been ridiculous.  Nobody's need for attention will ever surpass King James.  Can you imagine Michael Jordan or Larry Bird contacting a TV network so they can announce their free agency decision to the world?  Unreal!  This guy is a joke.  I don't think winning is even a significant factor to him personally if it weren't for the fact that winning a title would bring him more attention.

So, looking at the East after the completion of free agency (David Lee is still out there, but I think he'll probably end up on a noncontender like the Nets), I rank them as follows:

Orlando/Cleveland - They were pretty close most of last season and both failed to show up in the playoffs against the Celts.  Its hard to choose between them.  I think they'll both make some more minor improvements to fill in around their superstars.  They will still be the top 2 teams in the East in 2010/2011.

Miami - I think they'll go from a 40 win team to a 50 win team with the addition of Bosh.  They still have holes and they still have to worry about Wade staying healthy.  Bosh can't carry a team as he proved with the 35 win Raptors.  Not sure how Beasley even fits on this team now, I think they have to trade him.  I don't see them becoming the top team in the East.

Chicago - Hopefully Boozer and Noah and Deng will be healthy all year next year.  Boozer/Noah is a superb rebounding front line and Boozer will give them the low post scorer and pick and roll tandem that they've been craving since Elton Brand was shipped to LA.  Rose keeps getting better and can carry this team deep into the playoffs.  Staying healthy is going to be the key as Deng, Boozer, and Noah have all had multiple injury problems.  The possiblity of acquiring Carmelo next year is very intriguing.  He is the perimeter scorer and guy who know's how to get to the free throw line and put points on the board that would transform the team into the best in the East.  Possibly a better fit than LeBron offensively as Rose plays the same style game that LeBron plays, although I don't think you can replace LeBron's defense.  We'll miss Hinrich's leadership/3 pt shooting/defensive ability next year.  We won't miss Ty Thomas.  I think Taj Gibson played near his ceiling last season, so I'm not hoping for much more than what we got, which was serviceable.

Boston - It was a miracle run last year in the playoffs after tanking the 2nd half in the regular season.  KG is done.  Pierce and Allen have old legs. Rondo will keep them a contender, but its not enough.

Atlanta - Same team coming back.  I'm not sure how anybody can believe in them after the way they quit in the playoffs last year.

[Stan the Blue Man]

Bulls coming away with Boozer which became pretty obvious as soon as Bosh committed to the Heat, which in hindsight was clearly going to happen all along.  This whole 2010 free agent class hasn't been nearly as dramatic as the media wanted it to be.  I believe LeBron is staying put in Cleveland and I'm about 90% sure on that.  I can't imagine him planning this ESPN special and then breaking the hearts of the Cleveland faithful on national TV.  It just wouldn't make sense.  So, Bosh and Boozer and Amare were really the only 2 big movers in this year's free agent class.  Those 3 aren't exactly bigtime newsmakers.  This whole LeBron thing has been ridiculous.  Nobody's need for attention will ever surpass King James.  Can you imagine Michael Jordan or Larry Bird contacting a TV network so they can announce their free agency decision to the world?  Unreal!  This guy is a joke.  I don't think winning is even a significant factor to him personally if it weren't for the fact that winning a title would bring him more attention.

So, looking at the East after the completion of free agency (David Lee is still out there, but I think he'll probably end up on a noncontender like the Nets), I rank them as follows:

Orlando/Cleveland - They were pretty close most of last season and both failed to show up in the playoffs against the Celts.  Its hard to choose between them.  I think they'll both make some more minor improvements to fill in around their superstars.  They will still be the top 2 teams in the East in 2010/2011.

Miami - I think they'll go from a 40 win team to a 50 win team with the addition of Bosh.  They still have holes and they still have to worry about Wade staying healthy.  Bosh can't carry a team as he proved with the 35 win Raptors.  Not sure how Beasley even fits on this team now, I think they have to trade him.  I don't see them becoming the top team in the East.

Chicago - Hopefully Boozer and Noah and Deng will be healthy all year next year.  Boozer/Noah is a superb rebounding front line and Boozer will give them the low post scorer and pick and roll tandem that they've been craving since Elton Brand was shipped to LA.  Rose keeps getting better and can carry this team deep into the playoffs.  Staying healthy is going to be the key as Deng, Boozer, and Noah have all had multiple injury problems.  The possiblity of acquiring Carmelo next year is very intriguing.  He is the perimeter scorer and guy who know's how to get to the free throw line and put points on the board that would transform the team into the best in the East.  Possibly a better fit than LeBron offensively as Rose plays the same style game that LeBron plays, although I don't think you can replace LeBron's defense.  We'll miss Hinrich's leadership/3 pt shooting/defensive ability next year.  We won't miss Ty Thomas.  I think Taj Gibson played near his ceiling last season, so I'm not hoping for much more than what we got, which was serviceable.

Boston - It was a miracle run last year in the playoffs after tanking the 2nd half in the regular season.  KG is done.  Pierce and Allen have old legs. Rondo will keep them a contender, but its not enough.

Atlanta - Same team coming back.  I'm not sure how anybody can believe in them after the way they quit in the playoffs last year.

Well Dan yesterday sources say that the indications are that James is gonna sign with the Heat but I believe that he is gonna stay in Cleveland.  Wade and Bosh said yesterday on ESPN that they are willing to take less money instead the of the max amount of 16.6 millions a year they will take most likely 11.5 million with give em enough flexibility to bump up there roster.  I also believe that Beasley will get traded to maybe in a Sign and Trade to the Raptors for Bosh.  If James does Sign the Heat will be the definite contenders for the title this coming up year but they need to fill the bench right now only Clamers and Beasley are under contract.  Fisher is available still in the market but I am pretty sure he is gonna go back to LA. Well this is gonna be an exciting day today when we hear where James is gonna sign.

[Dan Michler]

Ok Stank, I'll bet you 5 bucks James is staying in Cleveland.

If he goes to Miami and they all take 15 mil/year as the theory goes, they will have to fill out the rest of the roster with league minimum players to join Beasley and Chalmers and stay within the salary cap rules.  That sounds like potential for disaster. First of all you have to play Bosh at center which is not a natural position for him.  He'll be matching up against bigger guys every night like Dwight Howard which would really be a mismatch.  Beasley will have to play significant minutes which is a problem if you plan on contending for a title, mainly because Beasley sucks.  Chalmers is your starting point guard?  Thats not good.  Wade and LeBron do the same thing offensively.  Drive to the lane relentlessly.  Its a wierd mesh.  I do think this would be a scary defensive team, but they would lack consistent rhythm on the offensive end.  And Wade and Bosh would be taking hits to their stat lines. Sure they say its fine with them now, but that never lasts.  I'm saying right now, if these 3 hook up, they are not winning the title this year which will lead to inevitable bickering.  These guys are all in their mid 20's and still have alot to learn.  It would be interesting to watch.  The attention they would get is undoubtedly the driving force behind James perhaps wanting to go there.  However, that attention could turn very negative if they don't win.  Not to mention, what happens when Wade goes down with injury as he so often does?  James would be left with less of a team than he had in Cleveland in my opinion.

Why they would decide to hook up in a town like Miami which is just not a great sports town is beyond me.  The Heat had half empty stadiums all last year.  Alot of the residents down there are transplants and are more interested in the nice weather and beaches than they are the local sports teams.  Its nothing like Chicago or New York.  Nothing about this theory makes sense.

[Sr.]

Ok Stank, I'll bet you 5 bucks James is staying in Cleveland.

He's going to Miami!

[Chainmeister]

Ok Stank, I'll bet you 5 bucks James is staying in Cleveland.

He's going to Miami!

It makes me think of the 70's when the so-called supergroups weren't always that super.  I hope James goes to Miami. I will be the first to bet that they do not win the title.  I would still bet on a complete team that has 1-2 stars.  Riley cannot build the Bronx Zoo in Miami as the cap will make the team really weak other than the big three.  You cannot simply outspend the league as George Steinbrenner did.  For all of Paxon's failures, he has a more measured and credible team right now than just about anybody else.  That said, I still don't believe Lebron would be fool enough to go to Miami where I predict they would be a stunning failure. I am pretty sure the Bulls will not get James but New York (teaming with Stoudmire and the promise of reinventing that team) or Cleveland (can't leave the nest) seem more likely

[Dan Michler]

Actually Barish, you are the 2nd to bet they wouldn't win a title as I just stated that very thing above.  Not until they add some depth around those 3 guys.  You need a perimeter shooter and an unselfish rebounder/defensive big man at the minimum.  Also you can't expect these 3 guys to play 40+ minutes per night for 82 games and then make a run through the playoffs.  Basketball just doesn't work that way.  I'd like to see them prove to everybody by trying though.

And I still am betting James is staying in Cleveland.  This Miami rumor was needed to build drama going into the 1 hour special tonight on ESPN.  I think the Bulls and Knicks still have a better chance than the Heat.

[pdga#7648]

if he leaves at all, it will be to Chicago. But will he let the entire State of Ohio down?? I doubt it!

[Mike Clark]

If Lebron goes to Miami how do the build a team around those 3? They still need players to fill out the roster. They have to dress a minimum amount of players. Are they all going to be 2nd round picks. Just seems silly to me.

Cleveland or Chicago have the best chances to land LeBron

Boozer was a really good pickup. Probably the 2nd power forward available. If he is healthy and keeps a good attitude I think he is a better then Bosh overall and much tougher. Which is something the Bulls lack. Bosh is a better scorer without a doubt. Plus Boozer has been playing the pick and roll game in Utah for past 6 years. I wanted him when he went to Utah. Boozer played with LeBron for 1 year in Cleveland. That could be good or bad.

I think the Bulls are going to have a damn good team next year and for a few years to follow. A lot of it depends on the health of Deng, Boozer, Noah. They were a pretty good team last year when Noah was healthy. Deng stepped up his game in the playoffs. Rose should just continue improve. I do not see any reason they should not be a top 4/5 in the east next. If TT can teach these guys to play some defense all should be good. They do need a quality shooting guard. One that can hit n outside jump shot consistently.

They need to use the rest of the money very wisely if they do not sign LeBron. But they will have about 16-18mil to spend. That is more than enough to bring in a really good shooting guard and some other key positions. They have the mid level exception plus both veterans exceptions. Hopefully they will use the top level veterans exemption to bring back Brad Miller. They should bring him back. Then they just need 2 shooting guards and a back up point guard. Another small forward would help, I am not excited about James Johnson. They can also bring back some other guys from last year to take up minutes and be back ups. If they find a quality shooting guard this can be a really good team for a long time. Maybe even contend for the title. With Lebron that would be a no brainier. Ronnie Brewer, Mike Miller, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Quentin Richardson all these guys could fill the shooting guard roll for this team. Anthony Morrow might be a favorite choice. He is 6'5" and a really good outside shooter. He is only 24yo atm.

[Dan Michler]

After reading that LeBron apparently has rented out some houses for a party in Miami this weekend, I'm starting to believe he is actually going to break the hearts of every Cleveland fan on national televison tonight.  That is cold!  King James better be ready for a bigtime backlash.  Especially in New York and Cleveland.

That city has had a rough go with its sports teams without a championship since the 60's, Ernest Byner's fumble in the AFC championship in '87, Jordan's shot to eliminate the Cavs in '89, the Game 7 loss to the Marlins in '97, the Browns leaving town, and on and on....now LeBron fails to show up the last 2 postseasons after having the #1 seed in the East and then decides to make a big production out of his decision to leave for Miami and leave Cleveland in TOTAL shambles.  How is this not a cop out?  Joining D.Wade in Miami where Wade is already The Man and will take the pressure off of LeBron, which was apparently too much for him to handle.  LeBron just keeps proving he lacks the competitive instinct of the Jordan's, Bird's, and even Kobe Bryant's of the world.

Mike, the league minimum is 500,000.  If all 3 agree to take just 15 mill/year, that leaves 13 mill under the cap.  Beasley makes 5 mill, maybe they'll trade him.  Certainly they'll be getting  below average NBA players to fill those other 9 roster spots. 

Supposedly Bosh, James, Wade, and Chris Paul became best buds and made a pact at the Olympics in 2008 to play together.  Chris Paul is a free agent in 2012.  How they can work their deals to also acquire him in 2 years is beyond me.  This is why players shouldn't be GM's.

I wouldn't throw long-term deals at any of those players you listed Mike.  We still need to lock up Noah long-term.  This team will significantly improve this year (although we'll miss Hinrich) and could be a top 4 seed in the East.  Carmelo is a free agent next summer.  He fits perfectly with this team.  Get him to team with Rose for 5 years and we could have another dynasty in the making as we'd have a real basketball team 8 deep instead of a 3-man Dream Team that is headed for a giant flame-out in Miami.

[pdga#7648]

yea, with the 6 beach houses already rented for the weekend in Miami, sounds like he will be leaving.


on a good note. If the Bulls don't get him, needing a pure shooter,, I would listen to Boozer when he talked about signing Kyle Korver. Watched him in college since I follow Bradley, a MVC team. And having a dish and getting the NFL and NBA package every year, I watched alot of Utah games following Deron Williams. Korver can score a big number on any night.

Boozer was HUGE, now maybe he can teach Noah a thing or 3??

[Sr.]

Money wins again. 14 million saved by not paying state taxes seals the deal.

[Dan Michler]

I agree with your thoughts on Boozer Doug.  We were the #1 rebounding team last season and we just added another double digit rebound guy in Boozer.  And he can score 20 ppg.  That is a monster addition.  I'm hoping we'll fill out the roster for next season with a solid defensive guard.  Inconsistent defense is what led to our struggles last season.

I'm actually pretty happy I don't have to pump myself up to root for LeBron.  Its much easier to ride him for being the giant D bag that he is.  Miami better win it all next season or there is going to be some major disappointment. I like all the guys that the Bulls have and am really looking forward to next season.  I really wish we still had Hinrich for next season, but what can you do.  Korver would be a nice addition.  I would not rule out the possibility of a trade deadline deal to bring in Carmelo next February and then signing him to a long-term deal.  Who knows what will happen.  Bottom line is we have a solid group of guys who will compete next season and we have no dispute about whose team this is, D.Rose.  

It'll be interesting to see how Miami fills out their roster, but temporarily I'll predict the following seeds in the East:  You could easily reverse 3-5 and Miami will struggle mightily if Wade or Bosh suffer any type of injury.

1.Orlando
2. Miami
3. Chicago
4. Boston
5. Atlanta

So long Cleveland.  You just went from 1st to worst.  Tough time to be a Cleveland fan once again!

This has been an entertaining distraction from the misery of the Cubs this year.

[pdga#7648]

I say the Heat wont beat the Lakers if they even make the finals. If either of the 3 get hurt, they are in trouble. 7 roster spots to fill with 2nd and 3rd rounders! Not a very good decision in my opinioin. If he wanted to win now, and in the years to come, Chicago would have been the best fit.

I'm over it as well Dan.
Rose and Boozer will master the pick and roll, almost as well as Stockton and Malone. If Noah can keep his 10ppg and 11rbds, they should  lead the league in rebounding. And Boozer has a good 16' jumper, so he is not just a low post scorer. I can't wait for the season to start. And how sweet it will be, advancing past the 1st round of the playoffs. But how sweet would it be to knock the HEAT out? 

[Sr.]

                 Bulls are not done! Stay tuned for a blockbuster deal. Cap room is there. Plan 2 is coming.
                              Who needs another cry baby who can't even shake the oppositions hand.
                                                          I agree with the addition of Boozer.
                                                               Bulls will contend next year.

[Mike Clark]

Now that LeBron has proven how much of a sell out he is I am glad he did not come here. It would have been nice cause I think he is the most talented player in the league but I want my star player to be the Alpha Dog. LeBron does not fit that bill. Wade is the Alpha Dog on that team. Lets see how well that works out. I do not see how they fill out that roster with 17mil and 4 players under contract. Good Luck. What team has won a title with a really good bench? They need at least 5 quality players to fill up the roster. With the average currently being $4-5mil per year for bench players I do not see it happening. Chris Duhon got $4mil per year.

Dan, 4-5 year deals are the current standard in the NBA. That is the price of doing business. The players I mentioned are probably about $6-8mil players with 4-5 year deals. That is not going to break the bank. If the Bulls do not over pay, the contracts for roll players should be easily traded if needed. The Bulls can renegotiate Noah's contract at anytime. If they do it at the proper time his salary eats up soft cap space. There is no rush. I do not think he is going anywhere. The Bulls need to get a competitive team together first. That includes a couple of guards and one of the needs to be a really good perimeter shooter. I would also like to see them pick up a good defender at the 2 guard spot. I like the Carmelo thing but who are they giving up to trade for him. No one is taking Deng's contract. Also the pick and roll is far less effective if you do not have a player with a perimeter shooter. I see shooting guard as their highest priority. My choices would be Ronnie Brewer and Anthony Morrow. They do not have to settle for 1 they can get both. And they need 2 guards. The Bulls have 1 guard under contract atm. I am not that worried about defense. That is what TT is for. He got Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to play team defense. I have no doubt he can make it work here.

Noah should be putting up more points via offensive rebounds with a legit power forward next to him. They is no way you can block him out with Boozer and Rose running a pick and roll. It should be nice to watch. Put a legit perimeter shooter on this team and this offense is close to unstoppable. And do not forget Deng as the 3rd offensive option on this team. He might be overpaid but he is not a bad player by any stretch.

The Bulls should be really exciting next year. I am excited about the season.


EDIT: Just found an article stating that Omer Asik, Bulls 2008 pick, is in camp and is expected to sign. More soft cap space in needed. Another big man he is 7'. That makes the front court even bigger. Sweet! Still would like to see Brad Miller come back for cheap. Can never have to many big men.