I know the Bulls are bargain shopping but why can't they land a reasonable backup big man? It seems like Dejuan Blair would've been a nice addition but he's going to the Mavs, Camby passed on us because he wants to coach, it seems like quality big men are just about gone. Al Harrington is soon to be released, do you think the Bulls would consider him? At least he can stretch the floor. Or do you think we might resign Malcolm Thomas?
Darryl Rogers
Al Harrington says he lost 30 lbs and feels good. He said he wants to join a contender. Let's roll?
Mike Sutera
The Pacers just added Scola to their bench along with CJ Watson and Chris Copeland. And with either Granger or Lance Stephenson coming off the bench they will be potent offensively as well as defensively. The Nets (AK47, Blatche, Terry, Livingston and Evans) and the Heat (Cole, Allen, Battier, Lewis and Anderson) have excellent benches too. (The only one we can make fun of are the Knicks). You need to add at least one more quality bench contributor. How hard can it be to convince Jamison to play meaningful minutes chasing a ring with the Bulls? I can see one of our three young players (Teague, Snell and Murphy) being able to contribute. Counting on two or all three to come up big is too risky.
Leon Chicondo
The big men are going fast, but I really like many things about Cole Aldrich. Seems like a good young energy prospect that can score and play defense.
Louie Buczynski
I'm impressed with what the Bulls have done this off-season (not that my being impressed makes any difference to anyone who actually knows the game), and it sounds as if the last item on the to-do list is a third center. I've heard a lot of possibilities, but no one seems to have mentioned Jason Collins who, as a veteran defensive big, sounds like he'd fit the bill. Do you think Collins is on that long list of possibilities? Either way, how do you think his big announcement at the start of the summer is affecting the free agent offers he is or is not getting?
Joe Kraus
I have been reading much lately on the recent free agent class, specifically how close the Clippers came to losing Chris Paul. I believe that Paul may have left without the addition of Rivers but I am not sure it was wise to pander so much to Paul. We are increasingly seeing teams in the league do all they can to keep their players short of offering ownership stake. My reservations about pandering to Paul include his very poor post season record. I understand the need lock up a proven talent such as Kobe or LeBron. But players like Paul (2 post season series wins in 8 years) or Wall (no post season appearences) Irving (no above .500 season finishes) do not seem to be worth leveraging the farm for. I will not deny the obvious talent that is there but how does one justify such gymnastics to keep players that have accomplished so little? What are your thoughts on this level of pandering just so that your star does not dump you for a hot new team/owner?
Michael Aumiller
Are the Bulls interested in Chris Wilcox? Athletic big man who played with Thibs in Boston. Wilcox have that affinity with the ball. Seems always in the right place at the right time to grab rebounds and score (mostly in the dead spot below the rim).
Peter Jimenez
I was just reading an article about various players from the 2010 draft class and whether to extend or wait. When discussing Cousins, the consensus seemed to be that the Kings should extend his contract. I initially thought that that seemed insane considering who we're talking about, but then one of the writers mentioned a front office passing on a potential star is more likely to ruin a franchise than extending a bust. I was wondering what you thought of that line of thought.
Jatin Patel
The Bulls and Pacers have changed a lot since that 4-1 opening series win for the Bulls in 2010, particularly the Pacers. Could you please provide some analysis of a Bulls/Pacers playoff match up should they meet again this upcoming season? Do you believe the Bulls even with Rose 100% can win the Central?
Matt George
I do not use Twitter and I can not find Jimmy's offical facebook page, but when you get a chance to see him, can you shake that mans hand for me. Since Marquette days I have watched Jimmy develop. I can't believe how far he has come, since I saw him step onto the court in the United Center I told everyone Jimmy will surely be the face of our franchise soon enough.
Gerald Gitzke
I am very pleased with the Bulls draft picks and Dunleavy, Jr. should be a great pick up as well. I, like many others was intrigued by Louisville's Dieng, but after seeing and reading some more on Snell, I am quite taken with him and think he could end up being a great two-way guard. With Camby opting to become the what, 4th center for the Rockets, that leaves the Bulls with some slim pickings to find a viable backup for Noah. I like that they brought Nazr back, but he is more insurance than a solid option to play big minutes. So my main target would be Houston's Greg Smith. I don't know if that is even possible as he currently has an unguaranteed deal with the Rockets. Could the Bulls then offer him a fully guaranteed deal and possible even use that same loop hole they used against us to steal away Asik? Greg Smith would be a great back up as he is young enough, but also active and actually has some offensive game with probably the biggest hands in the game. I am actually somewhat relieved Camby opted against joining the Bulls as he is now 39 and it is unknown if he has anything left.
Ben Woodhouse
Don’t you worry that Rose is going to try too hard to show the world that he is still the best and end up messing things up? Even without this chip on his shoulder he constantly tried to take things in his hands and shoulder. I think that the players play better without Rose. However, the team is better off with Rose. Rose undercuts the other guys potential performance. I’m really curious to find out what his game attitude and approach will be now, since he is really really hungry to make a point. Actually, I’m afraid.
Silas Andrews
Nikola Mirotic, a new Dirk or a new Radmanovic? What do you see in your crystal ball?
Kim Halvorsen
Do you think there is any chance that coach Thib's participation with Team USA will help in bringing in free agents in the future?
Steve Schnakenberg
Do you think Rose will play for the US?
Nino Olimpo
Who specifically can the Bulls bring from free agency to help what Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli left?
Amari Kendall
What ever happened to Andres Nocioni? He use to bring so much passion and fire to the game for the Bulls! Is there any way the Bulls can reach out to him to fill that "energy guy" off the bench to replace Nate Robinson for 2013-2014? The Bulls always had that energy crowd pleaser that gets the whole United Center involved like Nate, JL3, and Scal but I'm just not seeing it this year with this roster.
Rob Camp
What is the scenario with that Charlotte pick? Is there a chance the Bulls get that pick before 2016? I thought I read it was top 10 protected in 2015.
Stephen Fulton
How do you think the Bulls-Heat opener will go down?
Tanner Dorow
I'm writing to you for the first time. Even though I live in Montenegro I stay up for Bulls games and your columns and mailbags are my intro into the NBA. I only have one message for all the Bulls fans no matter what stay by the team. We have had some rough years and we should be grateful for the oportunuty this Bulls team is giving us, and there is hope for a championship. So instead of complaining and overanalyzing what has been a great Summer we should only be focused on cheering this team to the finals and proving that we are the best fans out there. Best regards from a loyal Bull fanatic from Montenegro.
Leo Tuzovic