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Ask Sam | 02.13.09
Sam Smith opens his mailbag to respond to the latest round of questions from his readers.
The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Chicago Bulls. All opinions expressed by Sam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Chicago Bulls or its Basketball Operations staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Bulls and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.
I assume you have attended (at least) the last 20 All-Star weekends. As it approaches, I wondered if you could give us your top 10 favorite All-Star weekend moments?
Jim
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Sam: Before I get to Amare fest, this is All-Star weekend in the NBA, something of the traditional season break, the halfway point that is three fifths of the way through the season. It's the closing kick after Thursday's trade deadline the early March final day to be on a roster to be eligible for the playoffs. This would be my 22nd or 23rd straight All-Star game, the current record for consecutive games covered by a media member, I believe. I'm not great on Top 10 moments, which is probably why I never got hired by ESPN or David Letterman. What I recall most is the beginning of the modern All-Star game, started by Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas in Dallas when they began throwing full court bounce passes and lobs off the backboard for dunks, effectively opening up the game for the highlights plays and entertainment over the years. There's no one ever who captured the spirit and fun of this game like Johnson and Thomas as it went from a relatively competitive game in the 60's since players needed the winner's share to perhaps too much of an exhibition now, though it does become competitive at the end of games. I recall watching some terrific All-Star games, like the first ones for Wilt and Oscar, my two favorites of that era. I think Wilt had 23 points and 25 rebounds in his debut and Oscar 23 points and 14 assist. I remember Adrian Smith's MVP game in 1966 since he was so unheralded and I was a big Royals fan because of Oscar and Dr. J's first NBA season when he had 30 points in the All-Star game. How about six? from the games and weekends I attended:
- 1992: Magic Johnson's return after retiring because of HIV and scoring 25 points with no gimmes and a long three pointer to close the game. Johnson was greeted by hugs from the players, especially Thomas, at a time there was widespread irrational fear of catching the disease.
- 1988: Michael Jordan's 40 points in Chicago after winning the dunk contest with his dunk from (almost) the free throw line.
- 1994: Scottie Pippen's bravura performance in the Season without Michael, proving he was just not a sidekick with 29 points, 11 rebounds and four steals in leading the East to the win.
- 1997: That was the 50th anniversary Top 50 weekend with only Shaq and Jerry West not there in the greatest array of basketball talent ever assembled in one place. Glen Rice had a 20-point quarter and Michael Jordan got the first All-Star game triple double.
- 2001: The dunk contest has been revived the last few years with Dwight Howard. But Vince Carter saved it in 2001 with a display of phenomenal dunks no one had imagined before. Then in the game, the East came back from 21 down in the fourth quarter in a great shootout as Allen Iverson had 15 points in the last nine minutes and Stephon Marbury had a pair of threes in the last minute battling Kobe Bryant.
- 2003: Jordan should have been the MVP in his final All-Star game as he had 20 points and a sweet baseline jumper that should have won the game. But Kevin Garnett tied it and got the MVP with 37 points in the double overtime.
There are reports that the Bulls are now reluctant to pull the trigger for any of their younger players because they have played well with Rose and Thomas as of late. Are you kidding me?! The team wins a couple of road games against what is considered to be soft teams in the west and Paxson now decides that they are not going to go after an all-star forward. Please let me know if this is true. Has he not learned from the past how his reluctance to make any moves has cost him dearly. Mark my words, you are not going to attract an all-star 2010 free agent to come to the Bulls with this current roster (net of Rose). You need to have something to attract the likes of Wade or Joe Johnson. I like Bosh a little better but if we actually have a chance at Amare we have to do it!!! If Amare ends up somewhere else, you know what the fan base reaction is going to be?
Elizabeth
Sam: Not good? That's not exactly true from what I can tell. Yes, the Bulls have liked the play of Thomas of late (will Stoudemire give you that much more that is worth also giving up perhaps Sefolosha and their draft pick and Gooden?). But I believe they remain in serious discussions with the Suns, as do perhaps a dozen other teams. That may be the issue. The Suns for now seem to want more in expiring contracts than the Bulls have, though the Suns do like Thomas a lot and if the Bulls deal for Stoudemire, Thomas will have to be a part of the deal. Which should also answer a lot of other questions as I've gotten a bunch saying the Bulls should trade for Stoudemire and keep Thomas. Yup, maybe they'll take Hughes, Hunter and Michaal Ruffin.
Now people are reporting what you have been speculating about. The Suns are willing—in fact wanting—to trade Stoudemire. The Bulls appear to be one of the likely destinations. The deals I read about suggest Thomas, Sefolosha, Simmons and Gooden with picks would get him. Even if you added Noah or moved around some of the names, how can Paxson turn that down. I'd be willing to throw in Nocioni or Hinrich and work around the names if necessary. It doesn't make much sense for the Suns beyond cap relief, but that's what's being reported. I understand that Stoudemire is a weak defender (like 3/4 of the league) and a prima donna (like 9/10 of the league) and he costs a lot. But he is the holy grail for the Bulls, a legit interior scorer. None of the players mentioned will ever reach the level that he is at. And if he opts out of the contract next year, then all that money is off the books to make a run at the 2010 free agent class. I love Pax, but if this is available and he turns it down, he should be gone. What do you believe the chances are?
John
Sam: I'd say the chances are 50-50. As I said, in part because the Bulls may not have enough of a package to offer and the Suns have been saying to teams that they have a better offer than anything that has come out, which includes the Bulls offer. Could be a bluff. There's also the question of Stoudemire's microfracture surgery a few years ago and as many have pointed out, if the Suns with the bulk of their team aged and close to retiring, why is it they want to trade the only young star they have?
Instead of Amare who everyone wants... We get Shaq... We give them Gooden, Gray, and Hughes... Phoenix saves $8MM and gets expiring contracts. Plus they keep Amare who is a good draw at the gate and more of a western conference type player... We get a veteran, low post player, and keep Tyrus who seems to be coming into his own... Plus Joakim gets better with Shaq... Gordon gets better... We have a team then... Even if we give up draft picks too it makes sense to me.
Chris
Sam: I've gotten a bunch of these emails as well and you all are being fooled by a nice Shaq run. He's totally messed up the Suns game and would do the same with Rose and Tyrus with him lumbering around in there. Plus, Shaq never has lived as a player in a cold climate and has said he doesn't want to and wouldn't be a guy to have on a fringe playoff team. He's hardly above saying he's hurt and checking out, like he did in Miami.
I'm sure I'm in the minority when I say that I would not trade for Amar'e. I think his price tag is too steep for the return and the risk. He is not a good defender, he seems to be a team disruptor and it is clear he is forcing the trade. In addition, he's only got one year left on his contract which makes me think GM Kerr probably thinks he won't resign with the Suns. Imagine we trade Tyrus, Hinrich, Thabo and two first round picks in '09 and '11 for Amare. He gets here, plays for a year then leaves for NY to play with his former coach D'antoni. That leaves the Bulls high and dry. That's a risk I would not take. I like the way Tyrus and our young guys have played. Why trade Tyrus just when he's starting to develop and produce? I'll take my chances with the guys we have and the draft picks we'll get. I think the return in terms of value and talent will be higher if we stay with the guys we have.
Ken
Sam: As I said, it's not as unusual of an opinion as you'd think. There's a lot of concern with Stoudemire given if you do resign him, that's your team for the next decade. And as critics say, playing with Nash and Marion, All-Stars and a two time MVP, what did he win. But I think he'll be better in a new environment. I think he really wants to be in a big city as he fancies himself an endorser and personality, though he's not a very good interview. And with an opt out, which I think he'll exercise in 2010 unless he has another knee injury (uh oh), the Bulls can let him go if they aren't satisfied and then have plenty of money for the 2010 free agent class and perhaps a run at Dwyane Wade.
I acknowledge that I am in the minority with this opinion, but I have considerable reservations about the price that the Bulls may potentially pay towards acquiring Amare Stoudemire. Granted, he is an amazing talent. However, he, also, is frequently lost and disinterested on the defensive end, immature and unfocused overall, a risk towards a future microfracture, and desirous of a maximum, long term contract with no guarantee that he would remain with the Bulls beyond 2010. The centerpiece of a potential deal, Tyrus Thomas, is obviously not as talented as Stoudemire and shares similar warts. However, he is a cheaper option, and, considering that the Bulls may lose draft picks, Thomas, and additional players for someone who may prove an unfocused, injury risk, and short term contributor seems too problematic.
I understand some of the criticism levied towards John Paxson, although some is unfair, disingenuous, and overdone. However, I strongly disagree with fans or media members who would argue that Paxson should relinquish anything and everything, short of Derrick Rose, if the offer secures Stoudemire.
Tom
Sam: I'm mostly concerned about forgetting the apostrophe in spelling his name and what name he'll use next as he likes to change it every few years. I guess one big question is Tyrus. Is this for real? If these last few weeks are an indication, perhaps you would have to do some reconsidering. But how do you know? That's the problem with running a team. They have to know the future while the fans and media have the benefit of judging in hindsight, the attitude being, "You should know because you are in charge and the expert and I'm only the fan or reporter, so I don't have to know." Walk a mile in their shoes.
It is nice to see the Bulls playing better these past few weeks. I'm still convinced that they need to make some roster changes in the long run; I'm just not all that convinced as to who they should keep and who they should trade. Rose stays, we can agree on that. Hughes goes; that's a safe bet too. Other than that it seems like everyone is a possibility to go or to stay; the rotation players at least. I'm going on record opposing an Amare trade. I might risk the attitude or the knee but not both. It's a little too 'Chris Webber to the 76ers' for me. He might get you decent numbers for a while but he won't bring a championship. Otherwise, let the kids play. I could use a bit more time to figure out who I want to keep and maybe in the meantime the trade values of these guys will improve.
Matthew
Sam: I've been somewhat surprised, but I've gotten almost as many emails saying not to trade for Stoudemire, especially for Thomas the way he has played the last few weeks. It suggests just the reasons the Bulls seem to have some pause, that it's not as a big a slam dunk as it would seem, especially since Stoudemire is a woeful defender and rebounder and, at least of late, Thomas has been a better rebounder than Stoudemire really ever has been. And Stoudemire is eligible for such a big contract in 2010 it likely would keep the Bulls from adding any other free agent. Though if you were to ask me, I'd take the shot and try to get Stoudemire. I just don't think highly talented All-Star players come along very often and Rose is so good I don't think he needs a lot of years to develop. Of course, as many have since pointed out to me, I was a big advocate of trading for Jalen Rose.
I just watched the Bulls lose to Miami. How could Derrick Rose not be in the game for the Bulls last offensive possesion? Win or lose he should be in there. These are the situations that players learn how to win games. This is not the first time Vinny has taken Rose out for an offensive possesion late in the game. This is very short sighted, and it may sound harsh but I believe to be grounds for dismissal.
James
Sam: Well, that may be a bit harsh. But it was pretty remarkable given Vinny kept giving the ball to Rose in game ending situations and when I asked him about it after the Detroit game after Rose missed and Gordon made the winner, Vinny said he wanted to keep going to Rose to prepare him better for those moments. My guess is he just forgot. Not a great excuse, especially with the veteran assistants there. I refuse to believe his explanation that Kirk was playing well.
As much as I like the idea of having an All-Star that averages 20 plus points for game for the Bulls, trading Ty Thomas now that he appears to have found his NBA game seems like too much of a gamble when you consider Amare's lack of defense, knee problems and mainly how much he will cost to keep. Last nights rousing victory over the punk Pistons showed why Kaman is better for the Bulls than Amare. The Bulls are scoring but all night they lacked a big strong body to protect the paint. Kaman would give them the size strength and power they need down low minus at half of Stoudemaires long term price and with defense.
If the Clips are so anxious to dump his salary and dont need him to start perhaps they would take Gooden, Thabo, Simmons and a first pick for Kaman of course depending what other teams would offer. If I were Pax I would try to keep Noah out of this deal if at all possible.
Tom
Sam: We've almost forgotten about Kaman with all the Amare excitement. But that's a player the Bulls pursued earlier this season. I doubt anything happens now with Kaman out so long hurt. But if the Bulls do not deal for Stoudemire, I can see something developing as I've heard Kaman is likely top be offered at some point and I think the Clippers would love to have Hinrich. They'd just need to dump Baron Davis first, which I think will occur after the season.
How do other GM's and or scouts view Tyrus and Noah? I think trading either with Thabo, Gooden and Simmons for Amare is very scary. It could come and back and bite us, especially if Amare is not interested in playing defense. Tyrus is starting to get it and his athletic ability cannot be taught. Noah looks better also.
Norm
Sam: It's what risk is all about. You take chances, sometimes you lose. This is a big one and perhaps a big time for the Bulls. I'm as interested as anyone to see what they do, and as far as I can tell now, there is no true organization consensus as some within the organization who've long supported Tyrus are saying they are vindicated while others say it's a chance to get a star at 50 cents on a dollar.
I was intrigued by your mention of the possibilities for a potential Chicago-Portland deal, including the Bulls trading for LaFrentz's expiring contract. Any chance of a three-team Chicago-Portland-Phoenix deal materializing? I know it's not easy to facilitate, though the Chicago-Cleveland-Seattle deal happened at the deadline last year. I see a myriad of options the three teams have with expiring contracts and players the other teams in the deal would like. Something like Chicago getting Amar'e Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa (to match money), Travis Outlaw (who has been on the trade block), and maybe a filler contract; Portland getting Hinrich and Nocioni (both would fit in nicely on a playoff team and have declining contracts); and Phoenix getting Tyrus Thomas, Jerryd Bayless, the expiring contracts of Drew Gooden and Raef LaFrentz, and two Chicago first-round picks. Any chance the three GMs would get together on some thing like this?
Jay
Sam: I've gotten a number of variations of this with the Trailblazers, Bulls and Suns. I think there could be something there, though this particular one doesn't work for Portland and they are always the toughest to deal with and tend to overvalue their players. But there could be something there among those teams and give the Suns that larger expiring contract.
Being a Chicago fan myself, I generally have a very high opinion of us. But I was crestfallen at the classless choice of some fans to boo Jerry Reinsdorf and John Paxson during introductions at Red Kerr's halftime ceremony on Tuesday. People are entitled to their opinion, but this absolutely was not the venue to express it, especially since Kerr himself holds both men in such high regard.
And what are these people so angry about, anyway? As far as I can tell, Reinsdorf is the among the best kind of owners. He generally doesn't meddle in basketball decisions, and when he does they typically are good moves (giving Michael Jordan a pile of money, firing Jerry Krause). He's loyal to those who have contributed to the team and clearly has a sense of history (see the Bill Cartwright and Paxson hires, both popular at the time.) More important, he's not shy about spending. And wasn't he speaking for the fans recently when he labeled this season "a disaster?" Yes, he's not perfect; the coaching search last summer was embarrassing, for example, although Mike D'Antoni took responsibility for his decision and Doug Collins (who lauded Reinsdorf afterwards) didn't really want the job in the end. In a world of Jim Dolans, Maloof brothers, and Mark Cuban, Bulls fans certainly could do far worse than Jerry Reinsdorf.
As for John Paxson, as you have pointed out, it was little more than a season ago that he was regarded as a shrewd GM -- by the fans. Many of the deals he is derided for "missing" likely weren't there to be made. And while some of the choices he has made haven't worked out, almost all of those were errors only in hindsight -- and maybe not even then (anybody seen Tyson Chandler play lately?). It may be that the two signature decisions of his GM career are hiring Vinny del Negro and drafting Derrick Rose, and while the jury is out on the first, he nailed the second. Paxson may be a bit stolid, but he's committed and obviously cares. You'd rather have Mike Dunleavy? Billy King? Chris Wallace? Isiah Thomas? (Michael Jordan?)
I'm as disappointed in the Bulls right now as the next fan. It's OK to demand more, and voice displeasure if we don't get it. But the fans that booed might consider being thankful for what they've got in management, because they could have a lot worse. I think Reinsdorf and Paxson deserve that, and Red Kerr certainly did on his night.
Mark
Sam: Good points. It was a great night for Johnny and the Bulls and the majority of fans. I've heard this explanation generally on sports radio that since Reinsdorf and Paxson aren't available a lot it was OK to boo. I suppose it is. But it is beneath the general high level of sophistication of Chicago fans. We're not Philadelphia. We're not New York. Sadly, for some, we were on Tuesday night.
Whatever happened to MJ's locker? Last I heard was it was given to Jay Williams as sort of a symbolic gesture, a sort of passing of a torch thing. Is it vacant again?
Mike
Sam: It was too much for Jay, and that was before the motorcycle accident. It remains empty. The senior Bull, of sorts, Kirk Hinrich, has his locker next to Michael's old one by the training room door. Right now it's Hinrich, Gordon, Gooden and then Rose. We'll see if Rose ever moves that way.
Bulls Get:
Chris Bosh, Anthony Parker
Raptors Get:
Derrick Rose, Larry Hughes
Bulls Lineup:
PG Kirk Hinrich SG Ben Gordon SF Luol Deng PF Tyrus Thomas C Chris Bosh
Bulls Bench:
PG Thabo SG Anthony Parker SF Noce PF Drew Gooden C Joakim Noah
Paxson has talked about using his high picks to package and trade and consolidate. The problem with his picks before Rose is they didn't have much trade value, but enough value where he was not willing to get hosed in a deal. He finally got what he wanted in Rose, but now is too afraid to follow through with his original plan—package some picks to get an inside star to team with his core.
Don't think the Raptors would do it? They are going to lose Bosh in 2010, they have Bargnani who is developing nicely and sure could use a top 3 point guard to pair with the big guy. Just like the Lakers chose Kobe over Shaq because of age and marketability, the Raptors would jump on this deal instantly. It would hurt to lose Rose, but these Bulls would be a top 3 eastern team for the next 5 years... and I don't see Wade not wanting to come here as a free agent to join that team in 2010. You can't tell me this is a stretch!
Kenny
Sam: This is such a stretch it's elastic. Zero to minus 45 (with a wind chill of 156 below) that the Bulls will trade Rose. Even for Kobe or LeBron. The Raptors may be forced to deal Bosh in the summer, but they are working on every possibility now of keeping Bosh and getting something at the deadline to work with him and try to persuade him to stay. No one thinks they'll succeed, but I don't hear them listening to any offers for Bosh. One issue in Toronto unlike so many other franchises is they are doing well financially and in no hurry to make that kind of deal.
All of the Amar'e talk has highlighted a fundamental question: does Tyrus have the goods to be a quality 4? Can he take a decent stroke and convert it into a reliable elbow/midrange jumper? Can he progress beyond team-help into solid on-ball defender? Can he stop turning the ball over? Of course, the answer is "who knows?" but what do your sources tell you that the Bulls/Paxson think? And what did Vinny think of Amar'e in Phoenix?
Len
Sam: I really don't know what Vinny thinks and he hasn't told me, but management in Phoenix generally was complaining about Amare before Kerr took over. Is two weeks a trend? Tyrus does seem to have a decent stroke and generally has. He's not perfect and sometimes takes shots he shouldn't but Kobe does more often. That's somewhat overrated as most players do. He had been the type of player falling away from contact previously, but seems to be playing much more physically. At least, as you say, as a weak side helper. We've wondered about consistency and he's certainly shown it for the last few weeks. Eight games isn't enough to judge, but it's more than a fluke. There's a serious debate inside the organization and no consensus as yet as far as I've heard.
Any chance the Bulls try to get Chandler if the reports are true that he is available? I realize he doesn't fit our low post scoring need, but I believe he would improve our defense.
Victor
Sam: There's zero chance. Have you seen Chandler's numbers before he got hurt? They were about what they were in Chicago when everyone wanted him out. Plus, Noah plays somewhat like him, so there's be little point to take on so much more money. And you heard in New Orleans while money is the main issue, they seem to feel Chandler has only developed thanks to playing with Chris Paul and not much else and without Paul would revert.
If the bulls were to trade Larry Hughes, should they try to get a center, forward or guard?
Michael
Sam: Who? He's still on the team? I'm pretty sure the Bulls would take a Sacramento Kings season ticket. Actually, I don't think of Larry even on the team anymore and personally don't see the urgency to trade him. I'd just send him home after the trading deadline and then see if I could use his expiring contract as a chip next season since I think it could be with so many owners losing money and cost cutting, like with the Suns and Hornets, seeming to transcend basketball decisions.
Am I the only fan who might prefer to see Deng shipped to Phoenix intead of Tyrus? I believe a frontcourt of Amare and Tyrus would be awesome. I believe Amare is better at the center position, and Tyrus would compliment him well. Now I know this leaves a glaring hole at SF so I thought about your article involving the Warriors. How About Hinrich and Nocioni to Golden State for Maggette, Anthony Randolph and Jamal Crawford sound? It works under the cap, The Warriors get there PG in Hinrich, dump Maggetts's deal and also moves crawford who is expendable with Ellis and Hinrich there. The bulls get a starting SF in Maggette and maybe there future starting SF with Randoplh. This deal would actually also open up some minutes for Larry Hughes who performed well in spots earlier this season.
Drew
Sam: It would be tough to open minutes for Hughes, who'll be in another city after the trading deadline, I believe. You are hardly alone on Deng, whom the Bulls, I do not believe, have any intention of trading, and whom the Suns have no interest in acquiring. Other than that and the Golden State part, it all looks good.
-25 times Aldridge played at least 20 minutes with ZERO free throw attempts
-3 times in double digits attempts (Tyrus had 5 his rookie season)
-1 time with at least 13 (Tyrus has twice as many including the big win verse Detroit)
-Tyrus played 2296 minutes his first two seasons
-Aldridge has played 2367 minutes more than Tyrus over their careers.
Just a couple of numbers. In the 4th quarter with two minutes left, do you want your stud shooting fade away jumpers?
Joe
Sam: Were the Bulls right? Other than some questions about health with Aldridge, which I heard the Bulls had at the time, there was the thought he was a soft player (he still fights and resents that label) and would spend more time fading from the basket. I do like him and think he's better than that, as Mark Jackson would say in his analysis of most everything. But I suppose you can begin making something of a case if Tyrus keeps this up with regular playing time for the first time.
Thank you - great story! I only know Red Kerr from watching the broadcasts, and you could always pick up on the fact that there were quite a few layers to the man. Your story really helps me appreciate how strong of a person he is, to go along with the witty, intelligent friend at courtside that all of us watching on TV love.
Peter
Sam: That was one that was easy and enjoyable to write. If you missed it, check it out on Bulls.com. I'm proud of it and was pleased when one of John's sons thanked me after the ceremony and said he thought it was a labor of love. It's exactly the way I described it when I said I was doing a piece on the Johnny I've known for three decades.
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