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.
Updated by Sam Smith | asksam@bulls.com | 07.30.10 | 9:15 a.m. CT
Regarding all the talk of potentially trading for Rudy Fernandez for Taj Gibson — knowing that Tom Thibodeau is really keen on Taj, how much say will he or any coach for that matter have in the process? Does it depend on the coaches status i.e. Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich would have a lot of control as opposed to a Tom Thibodeau or Vinnie Del negro?
Andrew Robson
Am I the only one who feels like the Bulls shouldn't be begging to give up Johnson and a draft pick for a player that his own coach can't stand? I know Johnson wasn't that great last year, but wasn't he supposed to go through some growing pains? He wasn't a very developed product out of Wake Forest, and the Bulls knew that when drafting him. When he did play, I thought he brought a lot of energy and could develop into a great defender if he would stop fouling every ten seconds. Has he done something that has made the Bulls so willing to shop him this off season?
Jack Wilson
If the Bulls are able to acquire Fernandez does he get the starting nod over Brewer or Deng? Or does he come in off the bench? I feel the Bulls should have went after Rudy before they traded for Watson (although I do like Watson).
John Noelke
I don't agree with a Rudy trade. If we sign him, we are not going to have more wins because of him. The Bulls have the line up all set, we should go on free agency to sign. Why lose a 1st round pick for him?
Alexandre Rayel
Rather than pay service to all these desperate pleas to make a move on Rudy Fernandez or another potential 'game-changer' before the season even starts, wouldn't it be wiser to wait until mid-season to make a move? We can see how the current (but very new) team gels, assess where we are in the standings, see who becomes available at a discount, consider injuries, etc.
Joe Panozzo
Are the Bulls looking into the possibility of Xavier Henry at all? Since they don't want to pay his full scale, could we offer a future first and whatever and net him (Charlotte's first)? I know that Henry probably will never be great, but he can shoot and he can play D. Also, I know it is not likely, but would a Taj/Deng/next year's pick land a Danny Granger? Pacers need frontcourt help bad and Taj would help. Granger would allow us to play Brewer without problems.
Kevin States
With our focus on another SG and a 12th man, what about giving Rashad McCants a workout? The guy is young, and was on the verge of breaking out before getting injured and being booted of the Timberwolves. Maybe being out of the league has taught him a few lessons and now he's hungry again. Plus, we can get him cheap (maybe even for multiple years) and not give up anything like we may have to do for Rudy (who I'd love to have on the team but not if it means giving up Gibson who will be invaluable off the bench and as a replacement for Boozer during his annual injury spell). If we can workout that loser McGrady, we should give Rashad a chance and do all of our due diligence. Other teams give players second chances all the time for various reasons and can get players who turn out to be very productive while on a low maintenance salary or for a cheap trade (i.e Josh Hamilton, Birdman Anderson, Ricky Williams, Randy Moss etc.).
Nitin Malhotra
You get any word on why Tom Thibodeau got rid of Pete Myers? I liked him. He always seemed like he was a player's coach and well respected by the guys. Also, I'm kind of disappointed that no one will be back from last year's staff. It would have been nice to have one familiar face on the bench for the players from last year. I'm just confused why all of a sudden he was let go.
Branden Sampson
I would like to ask you do you know if the Bulls are going to sign Matt Bouldin, a 6' 5" guard from Gonzaga? He was with the team in Vegas and the coaches liked what they saw from him. Has a great poise for the game, a very good defender, has a nice jump shot. He can play both, shooting and point guard. That's something that the Bulls would like to have now after Hinrich is gone. He is much taller and younger than John Lucas who can play only point guard and can not guard shooting guards in the NBA. He seemed really unselfish trying to play team basketball.
Dejan Jankovic
I've waited for the dust to settle on the Miami Heat, hoping that someone would point out the one thing wrong with that team. Do a case study on championship teams in the modern game of basketball (with more rules on the perimeter) and Big Three's in particular, you'll see that talent alone is not the key to success. In today's game, interior defense is absolutely crucial. A defensive post presence favors the success of perimeter defenders more than the other way around, by far. I could see Miami winning somewhere in the ballpark of 65 games this year and still struggling in the playoffs unless Chris Bosh morphs into a Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, or Ben Wallace level defender.
Justin Werrbach
Speaking of Durant, overall, do you think he should have signed an extension to stay with the Thunder? Will they have enough cap space, since being an expansion team, to add pieces around Durant?
Devin Duffy
Given the Chicago mustache theory (in order to win in Chicago, you must have a mustache), is there any chance coach Thibodeau will grow a mustache? Joel Quenneville, Ozzie Guillen, Phil Jackson, and Mike Ditka all have won in chicago, and all of them had mustaches or at least some facial hair. Unless I am forgetting someone, I think George Halas was the last one in 1963 to win a championship in Chicago and have no facial hair. Ditka has "Da-stache", Quenneville has the "Q-stache," and I think Thibs should have the "T-stache." Winning is about sacrifice, and I think Thibs needs to step up to the plate. Also, although the former staches had an intimidation factor, I think a mustache on Thibs would be so hilarious that the other team would not be able to concentrate fully, giving us at least an extra basket each game. Perhaps a full handlebar should be sufficient.
Aalok Shah
Updated by Sam Smith | asksam@bulls.com | 07.29.10 | 10:00 a.m. CT
Let's play the "IF" game. If the Bulls get Fernandez in a sign and trade, where does that put the Bulls in the Eastern Conference? I know it would depend on what they send to Portland and I'm hoping Gibson is not included. It would give them great depth at the SG and SF position. Deng, Korver, Brewer and Fernandez is pretty deep and would be very productive! What are the odds of a trade going through?
Victor Devaldivielso
I, unlike many other Bulls fans, am not opposed to trading Taj Gibson. I don't think the Blazers have any need for James Johnson, so they aren't going to accept him in any package. I would like to see a trade that looks like this:
Portland gets:
Taj Gibson
2nd Round pick (or a 1st if there is much of a fight. The Bulls 1st rounder won't be that high if all goes as well as I hope they will.)
Bulls get:
Rudy Fernandez
Jeff Pendergraph
I personally don't feel that Taj is going to get a whole lot better than he already is. He was an old rookie with college experience, which is why he played as well as he did. He is a solid player, and I like him, but I think there is an unrealistic expectation that he is going to improve a great deal. I don't see it. I do think he will get better, but not all that much. I think Rudy adds exactly what the Bulls need. A good shooting sg that can also handle the ball. He is a good athlete and is much better than he has shown so far. He is used to starting, from his time in the Euro league, and coming off the bench makes it difficult for him to get into a rhythm. He will see more minutes in Chicago, which should allow him to find more of a groove. I also think Pendergraph is closer to Taj than many think.
Andrew Forgue
What do you think about trading Gibson for rudy Fernandez and then sign Amundson to replace Gibson? That would be a hell of a lineup with Rose/Rudy/Deng/Boozer/Noah and your bench with Watson/Brewer/Korver/Amundson/Asik. The problem with Bulls through the years is that they fall in love with their players too much like what happened with Hinrich, Deng and Tyrus Thomas to the point that they give them away when their value went down. Trade gibson now because while he has value or else this is John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas scenario all over again. Be realistic Bulls everytime you have a chance to trade your backup for a potential starter do it!
Irymarc Gutierrez
I just found out that the Bulls might trade Taj Gibson to the Trail Blazers for Rudy Fernandez. With all do respect, I think that is a horrible trade for the Bulls because Taj Gibson is a great player and can help out when Boozer or Noah takes a break. Kurt Thomas is an older player so he gets tired faster and we haven't seen what Asik can do in the NBA so he might be a bust. Taj is already a great player and is still learning the game. He is a great defensive player and should be kept.
Brandon Tillman
Love the Rudy option, especially with Deng's questionable health the last couple of years. However, assuming health, are there enough minutes to go around for the team as assembled, if they were to pick him up?
Dave Berg
I read that you openly endorsed the Bulls in trying to acquire Rudy Fernandez. However, to be fair since you openly criticized the possible signing of Tracy McGrady, but isn't it a bit hypocritical to knock McGrady's potential in possibly becoming a locker room cancer when Rudy has just about done the same at Portland? Rudy is on the trading block because he has pouted about his role and playing time on the team, even going as far as threatening to move back in Spain which forced the Blazers' hand this Summer. How would the situation improve any better for Rudy as the 12th man on this roster? He also made over $5.6 million in salary last year on a 4-year contract. So still think McGrady is a bigger risk at a short term non-guaranteed contract near the veterans' minimum than this guy? Amazing how some people fall in love with a name from overseas sometimes.
Edgar Rivera
I'm sorry, but this has gotten out of control. The Bulls have signed like what, six free agents this summer? I haven't heard of any of them besides Boozer. You're telling me that they're willing to waste money on these no-names while letting the likes of Shaq, Iverson, T-Mac, and Marbury go unsigned? Am I the only one who is appauled by these decisions? We need a proven winner on this team if we're serious about contending. Personally, I think signing Shaq is a no-brainer. He has won four titles! Give the big man three years/$25 million and the Bulls are back in contention. It's time to give the Big Fella another chance!
Briano Molinaro
I think we should rethink this McGrady situation, if Rudy Fernandez is out of the question why not get McGrady why are the Bulls looking at Keith Bogans and Roger Mason both are 29-30 years old both averaged what 6 to 8 points(maybe). The Bulls need a slasher and a shooter I think they should take a second look at McGrady.
Darryle Rogers
I hear Sasha Vujacic is available. Do you think the Bulls should make a move for him?
Angel Cirilo
I think its interesting reading some of the revisionist history on Hinrich that is coming out now, about how it was a mistake letting him go, how the Bulls will really miss him and that trading him as they did was an unnecessary gamble on free agency. We all know it was a necessary gamble to be a real player in free agency, but for the past two years since drafting Rose, Hinrich was already the proverbial "bad contract" that management had been trying to unload unsuccessfully I'm sure management feels some resentment and regret if they were told (maybe by Worldwide Wes) that getting rid of Hinrich would lead to LeBron and Bosh. However, the real mistake they made was waiting until the draft to trade Hinrich and costing themselves a first round pick in the process when they could've dealt him at the trade deadline for expiring contracts and kept Salmons. Now the Bucks have become a strong division rival while the Bulls are still searching for a player just like Salmons to really put them in that contender category in the East.
Anuj Lal
What do you think of Gilbert and Colangelo's missives against their lost free agents? I think both of them come off very badly in their comments, much worse than the players. It's extremely petulant to complain about a player that has, as Stern would put, simply "exercised their right as free agents to leave." Calling LeBron and Bosh 'quitters' when you would have signed them to maximum contract in an instant is incredibly hypocritical. At least Gilbert came across as a guy who just lost it in the heat of the moment, but Colangelo was even worse: he premeditated his comments. All that stuff about "we could never build a good team around Bosh" makes the GM of the team look worse than the player. Just because Bosh isn't Tim Duncan doesn't mean that it's his fault that the team stinks. I don't doubt that Bosh checked out a bit near the end, but Colangelo makes it sound like Bosh was the problem, and he's not (just like Gasol was not the problem in those bad Memphis teams, or Garnett in Minnesota). What do you think?
Alejandro Yegros
Why doesn't the NBA have a rule/regulation about an active player involved in the business aspects of another active player? There is something unsavory about LeBron having any role, even an indirect one, in the marketing, advising, or representation of Chris Paul. Its not unsavory, it downright smells. There was already some mention that Paul should stay in the West, to form a rivalry and/or super team there, presumably to make for a better Finals with the Heat or to start a Boston-LA type rivalry! This probably came from one of LeBron's homeys at LRMR or double-wide Wes, but such manipulation to keep the Heat's path to the Finals free and clear of another super team or very good team, is extremely troubling.
Paul Zukor
I'd like to know how much you have seen Kyle Korver play. I haven't watched him very much at all, but the little that I have seen it seems to me that he is wearing a piano on each foot rather than just carrying one on his back.
Robert Vujica
I just watched a replay of the Suns-Lakers playoff series on NBA TV and the notion that Amar'e only plays well with Nash, or he is a pick and roll only guy always bothered me. The Lakers always had trouble guarding him, especially when he is isolated on the block against Gasol and Bynum. He practically dominated Lakers' front court offensively with 35-40 pts games and 15 plus rebounds, and he scores lot of points on his own, where as Boozer always struggled against L.A's front court. I think Amare should've been Bulls first choice this summer. Yes, he is a liability defensively, but so is Boozer. He is injury prone, but so is Boozer. On the other hand, Amar'e is couple of years younger than Boozer, is more athletic, has a better jump shot, and it seems he matches better against 4s and 5s in the league compared to Boozer. How come the Bulls did not try to get this guy?
Bobby Grbevski
1996 Clippers Lorenzen wright, Bison Dele, Malik Sealy, Kevin Duckworth, Rodney Rogers is crippled.
Mike Sutera
Updated by Sam Smith | asksam@bulls.com | 07.28.10 | 9:25 a.m. CT
I hardly ever email with thoughts on another team but I have to
ask- what the heck are the Knicks doing these days?? Correct me if I'm
wrong, but couldn't the Knicks have made the same offer to Amar'e without
mortgaging their future like they did with the T-Mac deal? I mean just to
get rid of Jared Jeffries' contract (which by the way expires after this
year) they basically gave away 2 lottery picks to the Rockets... So they
cleared a lot more cap space and didn't even use it to get better after the
Amar'e deal. Why not spend some of their extra cap space they created on a
second tier FA to go along with Amar'e?
Like many of your readers, my dream job is to be a NBA GM and I just don't
understand how some of these GMs can be so stupid and careless with the way
they run these teams. Why doesn't Donnie Walsh take the same amount of heat
as Isiah did when he was GM? Walsh has made just about as many dumb moves
since he took over.
Whenever I'm down about being a Bulls fan, I just need to always remember it
could be worse, I could be a Knick fan.
Billy Habibi
Sam: Racism? That’s always too easy and divisive. Walsh is starting to take some heat and will this season when they miss the playoffs again. But Donnie is a great object lesson for everyone in sports and public life. Being a nice guy does help. It’s kept Rod Thorn in business for decades. Isiah, whether ordered on him or not, didn’t talk with the media. So they turned on him. Donnie got it in writing the Knicks couldn’t enforce a media policy on him, so he chats up reporters there every day. They love it and cover for him. Yes, even those New York tough guys. The Knicks had the right idea and it didn’t work as LeBron, et al, had their own plan. But he blew it taking all that crap from Golden State. I have no idea what they are up to, but it is always comforting to see a New York team collapsing.
It's shocking how many fans want McGrady on the Bulls even after his post-workout remarks. Being confident and wanting to start is great, but I think people fail to realize the dynamics of a team. We're paying Brewer to be the starting SG ( three-years, $12.5 million), therefore it would be foolish to pick up another player looking to start because it could potentially hurt team chemistry and turn into an ever-changing lineup similar to what Vinny did at times. A young team like the Bulls needs solidarity, not open tryouts. Our starting lineup is set, now we need role players who can come in and eat up some minutes and not screw things up, and maybe even score a few points. Everyone on an NBA roster does not need to score in double digits, which seems to be the main argument for acquiring McGrady, that he can score 10-20 ppg. The reason Mason or Bogans would work is that they accept their roles and don't try to do more than what is required of them. Acquiring a player to be the 11th man on a team who is used to being #1 is foolish; as you've said many times this isn't a fantasy league or a video game. I feel confident that Gar & Pax understand this, I just wish more fans did as well.
Kevin Wick
Sam: It’s fun to project, dream and fantasize. This time it’s good for the fans the Bulls are more serious than that. I wonder whether anyone will pick up McGrady, Shaq and Iverson. My best guess is that Iverson is done. Shaq will play for one more season, though again ending badly. And McGrady for a few more months and then done, perhaps in Miami.
The things McGrady said left me saying "What?" Also, this idea of a non-guaranteed contract is a Faustian bargain. Yes, you can cut him when you want if things don't work out but by that time the internal damage has already been done. You can't take the chance.
Michael Nikolas
Sam: Actually, the overwhelming majority of my mail changed from “Give him a chance” to “Is he nuts?”
I can't believe T-Mac said the things he said yesterday. Despite his gracious compliments about the city,fans,and organization, he obliterated the team!. By saying we're a 500 team without him and Boozer is ridiculous! If Noah didnt get hurt last year, we had a shot at 45-48. I agree Boozer makes us better than that, but come on! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that all he had to do was say the right things in the interview, and the Bulls would've probably signed him. He could've said he'd take a bench role, and then showed the world he's still got it by taking the 2 spot. Play speaks for itself, so why didn't he just say the right things and then battle his tale off for a starting spot if he's still that good? Why not get the contract, get on a team that you say you want to be with, and and then prove everybody wrong? Why say it first, and then cost yourself a job?
Ryan M. Grace
Sam: Because he’s Tracy. That’s what I’ve been trying to explain. He cannot change who he is, which is why all the franchises he left have offered a good riddance. Can we move on now?
Keith Bogans or Roger Mason?
Edwin Moncien
Sam: I don’t know, and there are several options the Bulls are exploring in free agency and trade for that last shooting spot, but if I had to guess now, I’d say it’s Bogans.
Are you surprised at the "public" manner in which the Bulls have allowed the TMac proceedings to transpire? While Bulls management hasn't commented publicly about the prospects of signing McGrady (which I think we all agree are nil), they did publicly disseminate the information about the workout, which in turn has inspired somewhat of a mini-circus about what will ultimately be a non-event. In doing so, they seem to have made a 180 degree departure from their customary way of doing business, under which, among other things, they don't comment about who they're talking to, who they're working out, or even who they've signed until the ink is dry on the contract and the physical passed. I don't think there was this much fuss in LA when McGrady worked out for the Clippers. Is this all a nod to Tellem where they essentially said "OK" to allowing McGrady to get a lot of free publicity out of this? Maybe it was all inevitable, but I'm looking forward to the relative non-event when the Bulls sign Keith Bogans...
Dan Toll
Sam: So likely are the Bulls. I think it caught them by surprise as I heard they had no intention of advertising the workout, per usual. McGrady and his people apparently did. He tweeted about it to fans and I heard contacted media about it and leaked stories to the effect the Bulls were seriously interested, perhaps to put pressure on them to sign him. Not too smart. I don’t think that helped his case with the Bulls, who seemed to be somewhat surprised and a bit taken aback by the media fascination. After all, they thought they were looking at a 12th man candidate.
I hear the Bulls have a little over $3 million left under the cap. The
question is should the Bulls spend this money? The 12th and maybe 13th
spots on the team are not overly meaningful. I would rather they sign one or
two guys for the minimum and go into the season with as much cap space as
they can. This way if a player who could really help the team becomes
available during the season, you have cap room to work with and don't have to do
one of these dollar for dollar deals. Or the Bulls could help another
team pull off a trade and get back some much needed draft picks.
Jose Pepe
Sam: I actually believe the Bulls are thinking that way to some extent. I know the fascination with fans is to find someone and fill up the roster, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did that as they like that so called flexibility angle, and it’s not a bad idea to have come trade deadline. If you can’t get a big time performer, say like Rudy Fernandez, I’d probably go that way.
I am Canadian and have been watching Chris Bosh for his entire NBA career. You are underestimating his abilities. He has been a 20 - 10 guy with very little help. He has been counted on as the first option on offence and was also needed as the main rebounder and low post defender most nights. He did practically everything for the Raptors and almost solely carried the team to the playoffs. He is arguably the best power forward in the league, with probably the best shot of any playing that position. All he needs is a little scoring and defending help and he will dominate his position even more than he has. This year, with Lebron and Wade doing the scoring, his defense and rebounding will increase, and he will score at will as well, when the first two superstars get double teamed. Just watch, he will be starting the all star game (he has always been better than Amare) and he will be strongly considered as a first team all star. It's not just a 2 man show in Miami.
Jeff Dueck
Sam: Well, it doesn’t look like his former boss, Bryan Colangelo agrees, as he basically said he quit on the team and was so selfish you couldn’t make a team with him. He has been an All-Star and Olympian, so we know he has talent. The question is whether he has heart, desire and dedication. Almost making the playoffs? Now, that’s quite an achievement in the East. The fact is the Raptors had a lot of talent with Calderon, Bargnani, Turkoglu, Jack, Marion or O’Neal, Parker. Frankly, it’s almost inconceivable you could be an all-league player and miss the playoffs in the East with those teammates.
Pargo to Golden State? That’s perfect for him.
Mike Sutera
Sam: Isn’t NBA life great? Jannero finds a two-year deal for maybe $2.4 million with the team dedicated to taking every bad shot imaginable. And great Dungeness crab. I consider Pargo the free agency winner. He’s a good guy, so good for him.
Updated by Sam Smith | asksam@bulls.com | 07.27.10 | 9:30 a.m. CT
“I'd fit in well. I bring what I know about the game and my athleticism and versatility. Knowing my smarts for the game, leadership, anything I can add to get these guys over the edge. Without me, without (Carlos) Boozer, they're a .500 club. With the guys we added, we'll be 30 better."
If that doesn't say, "I'm ready to be a twelfth man" I don't know what does.
Andrew Hartnett
Sam: Yes, Tracy let everyone know who he still is and what he’s still about. I think he saved everyone a lot of time. Did he really project 70 wins with he and Boozer? Delusional may be a bit kind. I’d speak softly around him and try to soothe him. He seems to have serious issues.
"I'd fit in well. I bring what I know about the game and my athleticism and versatility. Knowing my smarts for the game, leadership, anything I can add to get these guys over the edge. Without me, without (Carlos) Boozer, they're a .500 club. With the guys we added, we'll be 30 better."
"If I was the player I was in a Knicks uniform, I would have no problem coming off the bench," he said. "But I have worked extremely hard and I'm far from that player. It's up to me in training camp to prove I'm a starter.
Please, Gar and Pax, stay far, far, away from him. This is Rose's team, now. Bring in a guy like Mason to fill out the roster and call it a day.
Chris Baran
Sam: I’m quite sure they got the message as well.
Giving big benefit if the doubt that T-Mac is willing to play team ball, does he have anything left? Or is this Jerry Krause's 1986 George Gervin all over again?
Jeff Lichtenstein
Sam: I think the Bulls were doing McGrady’s agent a favor back in the beginning of the month thinking that by now McGrady would have signed somewhere. But, what do you know, no one is that interested and he showed up for the Bulls. Everything we’ve seen the last few years suggests he has way less than George at that time. But that’s a great memory, if a really dysfunctional team. Gervin, Woolridge, Smrek, Greenwood, Banks, Macy. Those were some cool huddles.
I dont know if Tracy McGrady is the answer. But I know that Roger Mason isnt.
I hardly think signing a McGrady for 2 million should be such a big terrible mistake as you are continually alluding to. That he would "poison the well".
We won 40-41 games the last two years . What arrogance the Bulls have. If McGrady could become 70 pct of what he was by midseason, shlould he "accept" or be expected to sit behind players he is much better than? Will Ronnie Brewer ever be what McGrady was?
You need players who can get you over the top. In my mind this was an easy no brainer signing. The Bulls are so arrogant. Let me just say, that they were a better team two years ago with Deng-Tyrus- Noah-Rose- Hinrich- Miller Gordon and Salmons than this euphoric new unit they are so proud to have amassed.
McGrady, a former superstar who could become a no. 3 or 4 scoring option if he continues to heal (like Amare eventually did from microfracture) for 2 million dollars. Chemistry killer? We havent won a championship since MJ left and we won 40 games last year. If ever there was a no risk signing , it was McGrady. If it failed you cut bait. Who else that they sign for their 12th man is going to potentially make a difference?
Kenny Cohen
Sam: There will always be some who see McGrady for what he was and not what he is. Other than McGrady, of course. McGrady’s comments should be enough to show anyone he still believes he’s an all-NBA player. I think it’s clear based on McGrady’s workout that he isn’t likely to be much help, and if he is so good how come no one else seems to want him for the minimum? Every indication is McGrady is not going to be with the Bulls this season. I guess come March if he’s still not signed, they could take a chance. Still, I don’t expect it. Sometimes a guy can hurt you more than anyone else can help you. See: Iverson. The Bulls gave McGrady a chance, which most teams don’t seem to be doing.
I was 100% behind you about Tracy McGrady being washed up and being a cancer to the team but I'm starting to soften my stance. If he is in shape and healthy, don't you think he could help? I mean he could at least challenge guys in practice and make everybody earn their minutes.
Terrence Wells
Sam: Why would anyone take McGrady seriously since he doesn’t seem able to play? I guess he shot OK in the workout, but couldn’t jump or run much or move particularly well. I know defense is boring, but with a defensive minded coach and philosophy, it seems ludicrous to bring in a player who moves on one leg. As McGrady has said for 13 years, “Second round or bust.”
I am hoping that the Bulls will not sign T-Mac.
The guy that they should pick up for their 12th man is Joey Graham.
As a lifelong Bulls fan who is only a couple of years younger than you and who has lived in Denver for most of the last 30 years, I got to watch Graham play with the Nuggets last year and am certain he would be a real positive asset for the Bulls.
At 6'7 225lbs, he is a very tough player on D and could be useful particularly for around the 12 MPG he played last year for Denver against LeBron. He would play him very physically and both help wear him down and provide extra fouls for Brewer.
Tim Flynn
Sam: It’s actually a good name and I heard it last season as the Bulls had some trade talks involving him in some multi-team deals and nothing ever came of it. But I can see him as a possibility as he also can make some threes, which suggests there are a lot of guys who’ll be out there and there is no real rush.
Do you think the Bulls would have interest in Delonte West if the T-Wolves waive him or do you think he would disrupt the team much like McGrady or Shaq?
Michael Rottinghaus
Sam: Let’s see: Gun possession charges, emotional problems which had the Cavs shelter him and not allow him to speak with media or anyone. Long periods of him sitting alone and staring onto space. And then apparently so upsetting LeBron in the playoffs LeBron virtually quit playing. Yeah, where can we get two of him?
Is Chris Mullin going to make the Hall of Fame? Considering the HOF combines college and pro, I don't understand why he hasn't been selected yet. John Wooden Award as nation's best college player (1985), three-time All-American, St. John's all-time leading scorer, two gold medals (1984, 1992), 5-time All-Star, 5-time All NBA and legacy as one of the best shooters to ever play the game. How has Joe Dumars made it and not Mullin?
Josh Hendricks
Sam: There are always a lot of apparent omissions, and Chris likely is on the outside for now because of a lack of titles. It’s generally considered the tiebreaker for guys in the fence with the Hall of Fame and eventually I believe he’ll get in and should.
Have the Bulls looked into acquiring Gilbert Arenas to start alongside Rose
in the backcourt? At 6-4 his size is not ideal but not awful either and he
did average over 22 points and seven assists last season and is on his way
to being a star again in a star driven league. Obviously there are
character issues involved and he has been a ball-dominating point guard most
of his career, but there are many other players that have major character
flaws in this league and he could easily transition to a two guard.
Nik Busch
Sam: No. For many, many reasons other than his gun arrest, which may be a factor as well. You probably can get him for virtually nothing as the Wizards would like nothing more than to play their No. 1 draft pick unencumbered. But Arenas makes some $20 million for the next four years and in addition to matching salaries, which would cost you several players, with a new labor deal he’ll likely be one of the top three highest paid in the NBA. I assume that will be the last question like this.
Do you think Lebron ( Yeah I know another James question), because of his decision falls out from Jordan - Bryant conversation forever ? He does in my book. I mean no matter what he averages next season ( It could even be a triple double ) or how many championships he wins with the "Heat" he will always be know as a player who couldn't achieve that without being the sidekick . I know he didin't want to be "The Man" but I think because of his talent he one day could have been compared to those guys.
Lukas Holsanskis
Sam: Yes, that debate is officially over. LeBron made it so. He could have come to the Bulls and taken on that challenge with a team that would be good enough to win, but he obviously screamed to everyone to leave him alone and just let him play and don’t hold him to any standard. He’ll get is wish. Which isn’t that bad for all of us, including me as I won’t have to answer those who’s better Michael or LeBron questions anymore.
This kid John Lucas looks real good! Do you think the Bulls will sign him?
Brett Siegel
Sam: I suppose it’s possible as a 14th man, a backup who’ll be happy to be on an NBA roster. Rarely do summer league players make it as they’ll often go to Europe, but the coaching staff liked him and he might have a shot.
Am I crazy to think that the player who gets the most out of the Miami bonanza is Chris Bosh? If LeBron wants to be a facilitator and Wade is willing to give some of his game over for the team concept, aren't they going to keep feeding the post until someone stops them? If you're going to pick your poison, isn't Bosh the poison you pick?
David Poweska
Sam: I suppose it’s possible, though I’ve never seen Bosh as a player you could count on and he’s never been a player who has had any expectations. He’ll have them now, and I don’t believe he can stand up to them. In the end if there are issues he could be getting a lot of the blame.
It's Rose's third year. Where do you project him in relation to the rest of the league. You mentioned in your mailbag on Friday that the Bulls would never trade for Paul because "Derrick Rose is better." I love Rose, but if that's management's view, aren't we over-valuing him? Paul's game is so much more complete, and his stats until his injury last year were off the charts.
Alejandro Yegros
Sam: That is my view. And I don’t think I am overestimating him. Paul has gotten a lot of publicity, but Rose led his team to the playoffs his first two seasons with much less talent than Paul plays with. And you have to ask yourself with Paul’s latest behavior about his character and about his injuries as he’s missed the large part of two seasons and been in the playoffs two seasons in five. Paul is terrific. Don’t get me wrong. But I believe because of his uncanny athletic ability which Paul doesn’t have Rose will be a transcendent star you can build around.
I don't know the rules on sending players with time on an NBA roster to the NBDL, but I noticed that Hasheem Thabeet was sent down in the middle of last season. Have the Bulls considered sending James Johnson down for a couple months or longer during the season? I didn't get to see any summer league games, but Johnson didn't seem to stick out on the stat sheets. I think he has a lot of physical tools, but he needs experience that can only come from actually playing so he can iron the kinks in his game out and gain some confidence.
Dan Giles
Sam: First and second year players can go to the D-League. The Bulls toyed with it last season but decided the roster was too short and kept him. It might be an idea for this season if he cannot get minutes and it’s shaping up like he might not get enough to learn a new position, which would be shooting guard. He has the ability to play somewhere and seems to have improved his work ethic. But the Bulls are too deep now and well balanced to spend too much time experimenting with him. If he cannot get time, a stint there may be inevitable this season.
What about Devin Brown? He has size, used to be a decent off-the-bench spark for Spurs and provided some consistent offence for Hornets last season before traded to Chicago, but I feel like he was quickly lost in rotation due to early mistakes and Vinnie never give him a chance later?
Sergiy Smirnov
Sam: I thought he’d help and Vinny did bury him for no real reason, though he didn’t shoot well in his few appearances. But then he pretty much gave up as well and I’m told shot some good rounds of golf on some of the late season road trips. I think both sides had enough of one another.
If Lakers, Nuggets or Knicks can't sign Caracter, word is two Italian teams, one Israeli club and Olympiakos have interest.--he's a young big man--but I hear he is good--the Bulls need another big man--and he could come relatively cheap. Once they sign him, The Bulls could trade him for a shooting guard or an experience big, huh? This kid may even be a keeper.
Edward Miller
Sam: From what I heard from scouts leading up to the draft, he’s one of the most inappropriately named players to come along.
By Sam Smith | asksam@bulls.com | 07.26.10 | 9:45 a.m. CT
I'd just like to add one more voice [of] "please, god no" on the impending McGrady signing. Aside from all the basketball reasons you've listed in the last days and weeks, I don't want him for the same reason I wouldn't want a broken down Wade or LeBron 10 or 12 years from now (actually a lot sooner than that for Wade). He screwed us when we needed him most, now let him slum it up for the Clippers or some other franchise dumb enough to sign him. For the Bulls, this is the rare "subtraction by addition."
Jack Murphy
Sam: Despite what you may have read, this is just a look see with no promises and it being unlikely the Bulls are very serious. I wrote about this in some detail in my Monday NBA column, which I believe will be the last one for the long, long season. There is one slight scenario for signing him, but it is risky given his history and more significantly his physical condition. You can have the heart, which always has been a question, anyway, with McGrady, but if the body won't do anymore there's not much you can do.
Ok so I am no Chris Broussard (though I probably have just as legit many sources as he does, none!) but I have a couple of mine to offer. Don't get me wrong, I am not in the camp of "bring McGrady to the Bulls," but funny story is that one of my good friends happens to be McGrady's personal trainer for the entire summer. Literally traveling with him, keeping him in shape and working with his injuries, etc. My friend was skeptical when he went out there to work with him, he had heard in the press that T-Mac might not have a great work ethic. But my friend told me he is really surprised how well McGrady is moving and he even went as far as to call him a "workout beast!" Saying they train 3-4 times a day and that McGrady might be one of the most impressive athletes he has worked with. I know... I know... that doesn't mean he has any interest in playing defense. Anyways, that is all I have (not much). If I worked for ESPN I'd be giving a "Breaking News" update on SportsCenter citing myself as a league insider, but instead I just have to email it to you.
Daniel Castorani
Lighten up will ya. I know Tracy McGrady has had all kinds of attitude issues and injury woes in the past, but at his best he was one hell of a player. Let's stop dwelling on the past and let the Bulls find out what he has to offer. That's what this is all about, today and the 2010-2011 season. The Bulls have proven to be very thorough this summer in their evaluation of players and I don't see that taking a look at and sitting down and talking to McGrady to see if he's worth a small 1 season investment will hurt anything they've done this summer. If McGrady shows that he has enough left to warrant a one year deal then I say go for it. If it doesn't work we'll know very early in the season and they can cut their losses.
Gary Paige
You said watching the NBA is like a soap opera right? Well looks like we are gonna have to spin the "McGrady to the Bulls" story line as hopefully McGrady had a "moment of clarity." Perhaps he will come in like he's had a near death experience. Looking on the bright side we survived Milton Bradley. How about T.O. to the Bears while we're at it? Heres the question, if you had to take one of the three, McGrady, Shaq, or Iverson, who's your man?
Jesse Dunn
Check out Jordan's post game interview after the Bulls lost a Game 7 to the Pistons in the 1990 conference finals: It's very easy to remember Jordan as the ultimate winner, but this was back when people were still saying scoring champs can't win titles and that Phil Jackson was an unreconstructed hippie running something called "the triangle" for an offense. Looking at the way Jordan played, the way the Pistons played him, and the incredibly gracious, positive, determined, sportsmanlike way he handled the post-game interview (around the 10 minute mark in the clip), I was really struck by how truly different he was from LeBron, Bosh, and the fading "superstars," like McGrady, Carter, and Iverson. I know he was not the same behind the scenes, but when I think about how LeBron stormed off the court two years ago and his pathetic showing in the playoffs this year, I find myself appreciating Michael the most for the way he played as he was on his way to the top — much more so, in fact, than the decade plus-long "victory lap" he's been taking since hitting that shot in Utah (after pushing off of Bryon Russell). My question is this, I see Derrick Rose as closer to this Jordan than any of the stars out there. Correct? P.S. Judging from how many "Bulls should sign McGrady/Iverson/Shaq" emails you get in your mailbag, I'm now officially against letting fans vote for the All-Star game.
Josiah Barnes
Since the Bulls are looking for a shooter, why not look for Jon Scheyer? I mean, he is an excellent spot-up shooter, deadly from 3 point-range, a proven leader, high basketball I.Q. and can play PG and SG.
Eric Narvarte
Let's sign Jon Scheyer. He's hungry to play in the NBA and he is a consumate winner. As the last man on the bench, he couldn't be worse than Lindsey Hunter. And as the hometown kid, when we're winning in garbage time the crowd can start chanting his name.
David Holland
I haven't heard of any coaches that Coach Thibodeau has hired on yet. I heard he was planning on hiring some pretty good coaches I was excited about like Mo Cheeks. Have we hired any assistant coaches yet?
Tony Ayala
Do you think now Dwight Howard will think twice before he commits any more cheap shots on Rose? Also, did Brad Miller's refusal to protect Rose contribute to his departure from Chicago? Or was it mainly that Houston gave way too much money for a center who shoots 43%?
Warren Fisk
Since most of the top-line shooting guards are off the market, and I heard Philadelphia may be looking to save some cash, what would you think of a Deng/James Johnson/Cap space for Andre Iguodala/Andres Nocioni swap? Nocioni could take Deng's minutes and Iggy would provide an athletic 2. The 76ers get a comparable player to Iggy in Deng, a young prospect in Johnson to develop, and save millions.
Chris Feldman
I'm from Lima, Peru and I can't remove from my head, is it true when you turn the Bulls icon upside down, you can see a "devil monk" reading a black book, with long sleeves, even though you can notice his hands... how much is that true?
Rafael Quintana.