Obviously a brutal game 6 to watch. However, I was immensely proud of the way the Bulls competed tonight. Deng, a perennial unsung hero, just continues to gut it out no matter the situation — injury risk, stitches and iron man minutes never phased him. Moreover, very rarely are you able to watch a game on T.V. and truly tell that a guy is trying harder than everyone else on the floor. It came through with Asik, though. It was unfortunate that he was put in a free throw situation with the game on the line but he single handedly kept the Bulls in the game on the defensive end and played without any fear down the stretch. With Rip showing that he can be a true contributor, my question is how much can we learn from this playoffs? If we were healthy and faced Miami in the Conference Finals I feel that either a win or a loss in that series would've taught us a lot about this team and what needs to be done going forward. At this point, is there any option besides giving the core of this team the opportunity to rebound with a healthy D-Rose?
Andrew Beatus
This was a bit easier than last year. Still two years in a row losing at last second shots is tough. It was still a great year. We beat some of the top teams in the league including Miami, Lakers in L.A., Spurs in San Antonio, and Boston in Boston. I don't think many teams can say that. Who are you rooting for the rest of the way?
Gorav Raheja
Looks like Taj Gibson has made a case for himself to move into the starting power foward position. So, is Carlos Boozer at all "tradeable"? He has had an injury free year for the first time in a long time, increasing his trade value some what, in my opinion. So, can he be traded with that terrible contract if the Bulls can package him with another player (ie: Asik, Watson, a turkey sandwich, whatever)?
Fritz Aupont
[I] felt really bad for Omer. Maybe his best game and just a boneheaded play by CJ, which put Omer in a position that was not his strength. So, heartbreaking on so many aspects.(Rose, CJ, Thibs, Boozer Game 5, Omer ending of game 5, loss of game, Q’s for next year) How do you go about this offseason with so many question marks on Rose? Do you decline options on players like CJ for cap savings and see if you can move Boozer since keeping Taj/Omer is clearly more important. Last, any way to move a number of players (not named Rose) for a star player?
Jeff Lichtenstein
I hope the Bulls management takes something positive from this season, namely clarity as to what Rose has to work with offensively. The offense couldn't score 80 points a game against Philly. Lots of teams in the NBA don't have a Derrick Rose and can score more than 80 points. In fact, only two teams in the NBA averaged less than 90. Philly did a great job and it was the playoffs, but the offense was basically playing with a 10 second shot clock, as that is when they seemed to start their plays. Some of the blame still has to be put on the offensive system which is on Thibs. However, if they don't make a real personnel move, will they realistically ever be able to move forward? If Howard is not going to happen, what about Aldridge, David Lee, or Millsap? Isn't it clear that Boozer just doesn't work? He was chained to the bench in the 4th quarter of the last game. By the way, Thibs is only 11-11 in the playoffs. He is going to get a bad rap if next year is not better.
Brad Erens
Is it still worth for the Bulls to keep John Lucas III?
Jake Regencia
I am really sad to see the Bulls bid goodbye. But win or lose, they really made their fans proud. What the Bulls have shown to people, the commitment to hardwork, giving your all every day, being prepared and attention to detail, this are attitudes that you can emulate even if you are not a basketball player. This is why I am so sold to this Thibodeau thinking, because his message is not just for his players but for all of us who want to be successful. He is right, success is when you give your all every single day. I actually quoted him in my class to motivate my students.
Melbert Tizon
What concerns me moving forward is that the organization will continue to swim against the current by over valuing the defense/energy guys like Asik, Gibson, Brewer, Butler, and even Noah and Deng to a degree. The rules in the league have evolved so that the game is tilted in favor of offense and having multiple guys who can make plays with the ball from the perimeter. At full strength Rose is the only one capable of this. Hamilton and Deng are able to do it on occasion but it's generally the result of being good at moving without the ball. Neither can break anybody down off the dribble so their value in crunch time is often limited. As is always the case, teams dial up the defensive effort in the playoffs and it's clear this team is going to need another perimeter playmakers to advance. Depending on Rose to bail them out late in the shot clock of key playoff possessions was a shaky plan even before his injury. Sadly, these next two years have the potential to be sort of lost seasons as Rose rehabs and begins what will likely be a 12-18 month journey back to hopefully being an elite player. Management needs to retool by adding more playmaking from the perimeter so that they have a better chance to make a deep run two years from now. Also, curious if you are seeing the potential for Thibs having a similar arc as Skiles? I wonder if that style has a limited window of opportunity to work before he starts having conflicts with guys who grow tired of listening to it when they haven't played for a championship. It will be really interesting to see how his extension is handled.
Tim Payne
As of now, it looks as though the Bulls will be without their two All-Stars for the majority of next year. In that case do the Bulls need to pursue a big name free agent this off season or a potential sign and trade? Say maybe a trade for Dwight Howard, Al Horford, Amar'e Stoudemire. I think the Bulls without a doubt should sign Steve Nash for the MLE this offseason. But a possible trade of Boozer, Watson, and Brewer for Horford Kirk Hinrich and possibly Marvin Williams a realistic idea.
Thomas Toler
I've been a life-long Bulls fan. I actually began watching the Bulls as a 9 year old during the Orlando Woolridge and Enis Whatley years back in the 83-84 pre-Jordan years. As a kid, I didn't realize how bad they were until I stayed up past bed time only to watch the Bulls trail the Lakers by 30 at the half during those circus tips. And I also endured the Dalibor Bagaric, Corey Benjamin and Kornel David years. Even in those dark days, I always had the dream of a #1 pick, a Tracy McGrady caliber free-agent signing or the hope that Kobe would demand a trade to the Bulls. I'm out of fantasies Sam. Now that I look back, I think that this current playoff run has been the biggest kick in the family jewels since I found out there wasn't a Santa Claus. My question is, how do you put a positive spin on this mess and how do you get yourself motivated to cover a 2012-2013 season, knowing that it's probably going to be a 30 to 35 win team?
Tony Marro
Sam: As I wrote the other day, a sports season isn’t only about winning a title or not watching. There’s so much to enjoy in seeing guys develop or not so and perform above or below what you expect. It seems you did OK with some unsuccessful basketball and stuck with it. It’s more a setback to me about next season. Derrick should be coming back at some point and should be a high level player. And that gives you a running start in any race. If it’s just a race to get into the playoffs next season, that would be intriguing to see who is up to it, and then there’s always the possibility Derrick returns to the rescue late. I’m excited already.
This Rose thing is awful and this playoff breakdown is depressing, but, isn't this similar to what the Spurs went through when they lost Robinson for a season and got Tim Duncan as a result? Do you think Tom would even consider throwin' away a season like that?
Sergio Gonzalez
With Rose being out a good portion of next season, who do you see as being potential targets for a starting PG until he comes back? (I don't think CJ is our starter next year). Chauncey's name gets thrown around but I'm not crazy about him coming off of major injuries at his age. I've also heard Andre Miller's name thrown around and he's a crafty guard who could be useful even after Derrick returns. I'm not sure if the Bulls have the money to entice him though. Hinrich is mentioned but I'm starting to wonder if he's declined too much to be useful to the Bulls.
Austin Smith
I think the big off season surprise (win or lose in the playoffs) will be the trading of Chris Bosh to New Jersey, ahem, Brooklyn as a sign and trade for Deron Williams and Miami signing Kevin Garnett to take Bosh’s place. It just seems like something Riley would go all out for. Eye popping on paper. Simply makes you shudder until you realize that the Karl Malone/Gary Peyton Lakers and those All-Star loaded Phoenix Suns teams of the 90’s — how those kind of teams usually turned out with infighting, egos, and selfishness being their undoing. We even have several Olympic embarrassments to emphasize that point as well. Weirder still is that I think it might be a good fit for both teams. It’s easier to build around a big man, and Bosh makes the most money on Miami while being soft and getting blamed for most losses. Brooklyn will have a new, positive fan base and low expectations. The perfect environment for a selfish, self-aggrandizing player like Bosh to make his stats go through the roof in meaningless games where the Nets are down by forty and Bosh’s name will probably put more butts in the seats than Deron Williams would. Plus, Bosh’s contract is locked in for a few more years so Prokorov wouldn’t have to go through the Deron Williams/Dwight Howard soap opera any more. The whole idea does make me nauseous though. Let’s hope Riley doesn’t think of it.
Kenny Gale
Any particular reason why team captain D-Rose was watching the game from a luxury suite instead of on the bench with his team?
C. Guerrero
I wanted to stomp on all these Boozer haters. The 2012 Playoffs Statistics for Chris Bosh are (PPG 14.0, RPG 7.30, APG 1.5) and for Carlos Boozer they are (PPG 15.6, RPG 9.20, APG 3.2). That was before Game 6. He’s statistically better that Bosh in every category. So I don’t know who we all thought Boozer was, but of the power forwards available he was clearly a very good choice. Boozers numbers are better than Stoudemire’s as well. I think maybe fans were thinking we were getting Karl Malone at his prime, but who knows. I guess you could argue that Bosh would have higher numbers if he wasn’t playing with LeBron and Wade that that’s probably true, but in my opinion the numbers show that Boozer is among the top power forwards in the league.
David Naber
[I am] currently watching Celts vs. Lakers and see that the Lakers are currently restricted in what they can do offensively. Kobe left, Kobe right, dump it down is all they got. I was thinking Ben Gordon is rotting away in Detroit, he could help them do some damage in the Western Conference, can they get this done with a pick and the rights to Troy Murphy and his expiring deal?
Craig Chandler
I have both read and heard on sports talk radio recent criticism of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching in this year’s playoffs. The consensus seems to be that he has been out coached badly and this is partly to blame for the Bulls struggles. While [I] don’t feel he has necessarily outcoached Collins, I really don’t feel he has been outcoached either. You have said yourself if you go position by position the 76ers have the advantage at the majority of positions particularly with Noah out, and Deng unable to dribble left. Boozer over Brand, and bench depth after you get beyond Lou Williams are the only advantages the Bulls have. Yet the Bulls have been in position to win, that should be a credit to Thibs not an indictment. If anything Thibs may be unable to raise his level preparation for the playoffs because he maxes out all year long, while other coaches might put in more hours come playoff time. I hear Thibs has been working on a way to fit more than 24 hours into his day, but has been unsuccessful to this point. What is your take on Thibs, and do you think the most recent criticisms from a portions of Chicago’s media is justified?
John Swank
Deng and maybe this year's 29th pick for Rudy Gay? I think Deng would be $2-3 million cheaper a year and for less years for Memphis who has to decide whether to let Mayo walk or not. Bulls get a player with a little more offense and probably a little less defense. The potential Deng surgery doesn't help, but what do you think?
Kevin Carroll
I’m sure you’ve had plenty of questions arise already regarding Lamar Odom, but would he perhaps be a potential match here in Chicago? I understand he’s got a little bit of a cap hit, but he’s a proven winner and will provide the necessary leadership to take this team to the destined level. He is capable of playing the 3 or the 4, and I’m sure there’s certainly room for him in the rotation.
Steve Volchek
I've been studying the draft and a lot of guys see the Bulls picking John Jenkins of Vanderbilt. He is compared to JJ Redick, meaning that he can flat out shoot the ball and do no more. Do you see a shooter like this being a liability, or a good addition to this Bulls team? What do you think the Bulls will do in the draft?
Vince Kabat
Just watched the Thunder destroy the Mavs and still can't explain myself why I smell that the league is letting them do what San Antonio did with Parker and Ginobili. Why not throw all your free agent max money (hello Mark Cuban?) at Harden this summer and see if they match? or at least $50 million at Ibaka?? Why do I feel that both are resigning in Oklahoma for 5 years $40 million way above their true value like Manu and Tony did? Who could steal Harden from them: Dallas, NJ, Boston, New Orleans, Portland, Washington, Cleveland, Indiana?
Giorgio Calendi
Looking back at the 2007 NBA Draft, did the Bulls really make the right pick with Joakim at number 9? Spencer Hawes went right after him, and seems to be burning the Bulls right now. Yes, Noah was injured, but in a twist of fate, the Sixers look to be the one's smiling... Thad Young was also on board when the Bulls selected Noah. I'm as big a Noah fan as the next guy, just wondering is all.
Dieter Ronak
I believe all great players have one significant injury in their career. In a cynical way, I am glad Derrick has gotten his out of the way. MJ year 2, Magic (knee) year 2, Bird had chronic back issues but I don't remember him missing an entire season. I think for Derrick's long term health, the injury will prove to be a blessing.
Mendel Monarchs
The question is hypothetically, would you swap an injured Rose for a healthy Westbrook if presented to you. In other words, sell for $0.80 on the dollar. I don't think I would, personally. I don't ever see a championship-winning team whose best player is Westbrook. Even if Rose never fully recovers (heaven forbid), I'd still roll the dice on #1.
Mike Burgher
Do you think that Toni Kukoc is going to be elected into the Hall of Fame eventually for his contributions to the game as an international player? He won three Euroleague championships, a FIBA world Championship, two silver medals in the Olympics, and of course the six NBA titles as well. It's hard to imagine a better international resume than that. Doesn't he have to get in?
Colin Williamson
I know you explained the buyout of Mirotic’s contract in a previous article but I have bad short term memory. Is it that the Bulls can't buy it out yet or because they won't have to pay as much in a couple years? If the latter is true do you think the Bulls might reconsider buying it out sooner given all the injuries this year and the obvious need for another scorer?
Brandon Revering
Both Asik and Gibson are restricted free agents this offseason and may receive offers from other teams that the Bulls may find hard to match. I don’t see how the Bulls can keep them both. Which of the two do the Bulls value more and/or which one will they keep? What is the trade value of the one that has to go?
William Pennix
Do people tend to over blow the seriousness of an ACL tear? I don't feel it is the career killer it is perceived to be. Jamal Crawford and Baron Davis didn't lose any explosiveness and they tore their knees 10 years ago. Although it is different sport Wes Welker (a small receiver who depends on sharp cuts and lateral quickness) tore his ACL and then had a career year the following season. Robert Griffin III ran a 4.38 40 yard dash (and had a vertical leap of 39 inches) after he tore his ACL. It'd be hard to prove those four lost anything. ACL reconstruction has come a long way even in the past 5 years or so, but the perception of ACL reconstruction is still stuck in 70's. All this talk of Rose having to change his game ignores recent evidence that suggests he'll come back strong as ever.
Ian Dannehy
Send Rip to a contender for a pick (what's the point really in having him for one more year?) Let Brewer/CJ/Lucas and sadly Kyle all walk in free agency. Try and move up in the draft for a solid wing. Try and shop Deng hard. Keep Omer and Taj unless the bidding gets nuts. Let's put us in a better younger more talented position for 13-14.
Mike Sutera
My friend suggested that Noah would come back as a latter day Willis Reed for game 7. My question is who's going to play Clyde Frazier for us?
David Berg