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Posted by Drew H. at 6:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

Where do I start? What a busy and exciting off-season it has been for the Bulls so far. First, we drafted Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha with our two 1st round picks. Secondly, we signed Ben Wallace to a 4 year/$60 million contract. Then we trade Tyson Chandler and his God awful contract to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith. We then trade J.R. Smith to the Denver Nuggets for two 2nd round picks and Howard Eisley. We then waive Howard Eisley so we can sign Adrian Griffin to a 3 year contract. And finally, Kirk Hinrich is playing on the Olympic team. Okay were you able to digest all of that? So this is where we are now. We have a very deep, defensive-minded, and perimeter shooting squad. And we are still lacking a true low-post scorer. Last year we had the same problem. So where is this low-post scoring going to come from?

Ben Wallace-Will be a major upgrade over Chandler. Can finish around the basket and actually catch ball which Chandler had trouble doing. I think Skiles will make an effort to draw up plays specifically for Wallace down-low.

Michael Sweetney-On paper, this guy has the potential to be our best low-post scorer. The problem is that he is out of shape, inconsistent, and not aggressive enough. Sweetney last year showed signs of being great down low. But then he would go into stretches, where he would vanish as if he did not exist. Then Skiles would sit him on the bench and Sweetney would lose all of his confidence. The key for Sweetney is to come into camp in shape. If he can do that he will be on the right track. He will have every opportunity to compete for the #4 starting position.

P.J. Brown-Great pick-up by the Bulls. This is guy is one of the better veterans and team leaders in the game. And will bring a lot of experience and respect to this young Bulls team. P.J. has a very solid 15-18 ft. jumper. He's not known for a post-game, but he'll get you a few baskets down low. I think he will start the season as the starting 4. But Sweetney and Tyrus Thomas will get every opportunity to take away minutes from him.

Tyrus Thomas-I'll be honest, I don't know much about the kid. I saw a little of him in the NCCA tournament and some video in the Summer League. I wasn't that big with Bulls drafting him, but with Paxson's amazing track record I'll keep an open mind. From what I understand Tyrus Thomas is an athletic freak, but he is very raw and has tons to learn. Three or Four years down the road he very well could be the low-post scorer we need. But chances are, he won't be that dependable for scoring next year. From what I saw in the Summer League videos, Thomas had a tendency to settle for jump shots and 3-pointers way too much. He needs to utilize his athleticism more and drive to the basket. That's how he can contribute to the team the most offensively. I'll be curious to see how many minutes Thomas plays next season. With Skiles though, he has shown every indication he is not afraid to play young players.

In other news:

-Paxson flew to Vegas to take Hinrich out to dinner. Hinrich was in Vegas training for the Olympic team. Paxson's gesture to come to Vegas, meant a lot to Hinrich. And looks like the Bulls are ready to wrap up him up with a sweet long-term contract. Noccioni's contract will follow.

-There are some rumors about a 3 team trade involving the Bulls, Cavs, and Hawks. The Bulls would obtain Drew Gooden. The Cavs would get Al Harrington. And the Cavs would get Sweetney, Duhon, and draft picks. Who knows how reliable this rumor is. I think it would really help the Bulls to get a player like Gooden. Yes Duhon does play hard and runs our offense well. But he is replaceable and a bit injury prone. At the same time, Paxson is hesitant to trade within the division. So I'll keep you guys posted on this one.

-Ben Gordon recently wrote a blog on NBA.com. He is extremely excited about the Bulls move this Summer. And definitely thinks the Bulls can be contenders in the East next season. He said this off-season he is working on his offense to improve his 45 percent field goal percentage from last season. I'm surprised Gordon did not mention anything about defense. Because that is why Skiles sits him on the bench so often. It is very apparent that Gordon is not Skiles type of player. Personally, I think we're a little to harsh on Ben. Because he is by far our best scorer and clutch player. In a recent interview Paxson mentioned how he wants to build around the Bulls core players. (Hinrich, Noccioni, Deng, and Duhon) And failed to mention Gordon's name. I don't know what to tell ya? But I would be surprised if Gordon stays in a Bulls uniform for the rest of his career.

-Jannero Pargo signed with the New Orleans Hornets. (Does anybody care?)

-The Bulls will open the season on national TV at the Miami Heat on Halloween. (Man, I can't wait!)

-Eddy Curry just ate 30 Doughnuts in one minute. (Sorry for the Curry jab, I had to.)

Posted by Jonno at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

The following was originally posted on my other site, Sports Sphere.

Former Detroit Pistons center and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace is signing with the Chicago Bulls. The deal is reportedly worth $52 million over the course of four years.

At this moment, I can picture Bull diehards dancing in the streets while basking in their glory.

This signing will go a long way towards making the Bulls a true title contender. Yes, you read that correctly, they will be in contention for a NBA Championship. I dare to say the Bulls could have beat the Heat had Ben Wallace been on the roster. They had nobody able to defender strong players like Shaq; Tyson "Twig" Chandler got eaten alive.

Ben Wallace will help improving Chicago’s respectability. More so than anything, respect from the refs will be huge. With a star player like Big Ben, Shaq won’t be able to throw so many elbows.

The fact that this deal is worth only $4 million more than the Pistons’ 4 year, $48 million offer shows me he had a real problem with Flip Saunders’ coaching style. Ben Wallace knows that Scott Skiles is going to be stressing defense while still running on offense.

Of course, with all great moves, there are still some down sides. Critics, and I am included in this group, say his game rapidly declining. I feel he will only be a shadow of himself by the time his deal is complete; Wallace will be 36 years old.

In addition, Chicago needs a post scorer. They do still have around $6 million in cap space, but most quality big men are overpriced (the oft injured Nene just signed a 6 year, $60 million contract). There have been rumors that Chicago already has a deal involving Tyson Chandler allowing for the acquisition of a more offensive oriented post player. Depending on who you believe, Tyson might be on the move in trades to get PJ Brown and JR Smith from the Hornets or Troy Murphy of the Warriors.

To me, what can’t be overlooked in this trade is the example Ben Wallace will be setting for Tyrus Thomas and, if Chicago keeps him, Tyson Chandler. They both will be able to learn how to be a defensive stopper from a multiple time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award. By the time this contract is up, I could see Tyrus Thomas being Ben Wallace Version 2.0.

For now, Chicago will have to feel very good about their roster. The depth is truly incredible; and young. I frequent RealGM message boards, and trust me, teams are worried about the Chicago Bulls of the future (there is quite a bit of talk about how "scary" they will be). They have four young players on the verge of stardom (Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, and, to a lesser extent, Luol Deng) to go with Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, Chris Duhon, Tyson Chandler, Michael Sweetney, and now Ben Wallace.

Sorry for going in a tangent there at the end, but I have to go dance in the street!

Posted by Drew H. at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments