Ask Sam | Sam Smith opens his mailbag | 06.10.11

As a Bulls fan should I even bother looking at the draft? You've mentioned a few times how Thibs doesn't play rookies. There seems to be a few players who could fall the to end or round 1 that could supply a little O to the second string, any chance we get one or two and they see the court next year?
Casey Day

I understand the consensus around the league is that Brandon Roy is done and that the Blazers even asked him to retire. But, I still believe that given his age (only 26), he can regain some form and be a 15 points per game scorer and solid defender in this league. With that being said, I know the Blazers would love to get out from under his contract. Would the Bulls take a big chance and trade Carlos Boozer's bad contract for Brandon Roy and maybe Portland's 1st round pick? The trade would allow Taj to move into the starting lineup where I think he belongs and if Roy could get back what he had, the Bulls would have maybe the best backcourt in the league. He did show flashes in the playoffs like when he scored 24 points in a Game 4 win against Dallas. Boozer would probably start at the 4 for Portland if they moved Aldridge to center. Any hope of something like this or have I really lost it this time?
Adam Schechner

I heard another rumor today that the Bulls are among few teams that inquired about Monta Ellis. Is it possible for a deal before June 30th? I heard comments about how both Rose and Ellis demand the ball, and can't coexist in the back court together. Reminds me of "Wade-LeBron can't play together" talk before the season, and now they are two games away from a championship. The Bulls can make it work. Is a trade possible without unloading Noah? Do you think an offer of Boozer, Asik, Brewer, and picks would be enough?
Bobby Grbevski

There has been a trade proposal. We are offering David Lee and Monta Ellis for Carlos Boozer, Asik, Kyle Korver, 3 million cash, and that 28th and 30th pick. That trade talk has been circulating around the bay area for the past day or so." Is that in any way, shape or form true?
Francis Manaloto

I was glad to hear Jeff Van Gundy's criticism of all the flopping compared to Reggie Miller's glorification of LeBron's wink to the camera. If I wanted to watch sports acting I'd be a wrestling fan instead of an NBA fan. That said, what is your opinion of the NBA sending a memo to all the teams letting them know that while the referees have an incredibly difficult job and may not be able to distinguish a flop from a foul during the heat of a game, the league would begin to review game tapes next season and players with a repeat pattern of flopping would get zero benefit of any questionable calls. Hopefully this would clean the game up without any rule changes. I think almost all fans would rather watch legitimate baskeball moves and plays than an endless parade to the free throw line.
Tony Cenkar

I read an article Iverson wants return to NBA. I know he is not the Answer like before, but I think he could be what the Bulls need if he can accept a sixth man role to score and lead our second team. I think today he can accept he's not the same player he was 10 years ago and not have much options to return. How about receive a chance to have a shot to a ring with a up and coming team? Can this work?
Fernando Schmudel

I can't think of a realistic signing at shooting guard who helps the Bulls beat Miami. Both Bogans and Brewer did an excellent job defensively on Wade, but couldn't spread the floor enough and create shots enough to overcome Miami's talent. Yes, the Bulls need another superstar, but only Miami was really able to counter the Bulls defense with great talent. Given the realistic constraints of money, fit and availability, the Bulls don't need to make a panic move. I would wait until the new CBA is set in place. This will give the Bulls financial clarity and will also bring about new trade possibilities. I also think we need to see the next progression in Rose's game. Does he become a 40% three point shooter? Does he develop a midpost post game? These additions to his game also change the calculus for the Bulls. Perhaps the best part of Rose's game is how losing drives him to get better. Let's see what happens this summer with Rose's game. We also need to see how Noah's, Gibson's, and Asik's offensive games develop.
Robert Ard

I've heard Michael Beasley is on his way out of T'Wolves. He can play SF/PF so we can put Lu to SG. We can trade Gibson for him and still have a PF insurance just in case Booz get hurt. Would he be a good fit?
Rollen Decuzar

How do you think Kevin Love would fit in with the Bulls? Is there any chance the Bulls could put a package together to get him? He doesn't seem happy in Minnesota, and he would be a major upgrade over Noah. Teams would not be allowed to lay off him and leave him unguarded as they did with Noah.
Steven J. McSweeney

While watching these Finals I thought to myself "too bad Wade did not come to the Bulls." It could have been the best backcourt ever assembled!
Dan Abdo

If there are no major changes to the salary cap in the new CBA (i.e. no hard cap) would the Bulls consider going after Ben Gordon? Detroit is under new management, possibly looking to rebuild, and with ben not exactly lighting the place up, the Bulls have expiring pieces like Korver and Brewer. While he's not a major upgrade he can (and will) shoot and while he may not defend Dwyane Wade well he would probably balance out better than Brewer/Bogans by scoring/keeping the defenders honest at the other end.
Chris Leslie

As far as SG possibilities go, what about Stephen Jackson? He's big, versatile, can get his own shot, defends and is a decent shooter. MJ has shown a willingness to deal with the Bulls and I'd be surprised if they wanted a lot in return. Would Brewer, Bogans and a late 1st round pick be enough? I'm guessing the reason his name doesn't come up often is his reputation as an attitude problem, but I've also read that his teammates all love him.
Kyle Smith

I know there is a lot of talk about Ellis, Mayo, Rip Hamilton and other guards names are mentioned as possibly being our starting shooting guard next year but I think the shooting guard is already on the team and it will be Rasual Butler. He is a career 36% shooter from 3 point range and 40% from the field. He has size and would come rather cheap. I know he didn't get much playing time this year but I thought if Tibbs would have played him, he might would have made a difference.
Johnny Hunter

It was suggested in game 4 that Wade might be the 3rd best SG ever. I thought that was a bit of hyperbole, but during my 20 so years of watching, that would be true. Where does he rank on your list?
Larry Hughes

As much as I love Joakim Noah, I wonder if he might be the most logical to trade? I believe Asik and Gibson can fill in at center, and there are some big men in the draft, or perhaps Kurt Thomas can be convinced to stay on another year. While losing Noah would hurt, we would get more in return for him than we will for Gibson or Asik, and I believe both are getting better. The closest analogy I can think of was when the Bulls traded Charles Oakley for Bill Cartwright. Losing Charles hurt, but Bill filled a need and it made room for Horace Grant.
Alan Pakaski

Omer Asik played great this season, and obviously a lot of teams now have interest in him. His potential is unlimited. Do you think the Bulls will try and use him as trade bait for a much needed shooting guard, or will they try to keep him, and eventually bring him into a starting role? One possibility is Noah moving into his natural position at 4, and Asik coming into the 5 spot. If Asik can develop a strong inside game on offense, I can see him as being a force to reckon with. Boozer will add a large amount of scoring to the bench, and the bench mob will be stronger than ever.
Alai Yousuf

I have just about had it with all the comparisons of LeBron to Jordan and not to mention the Dirk to Bird comparisons. All of that got me thinking though, back when Jordan, Magic, Bird, Hakeem, David Robinson, Ewing, and etc. were playing, were they always compared to someone before them? Say Dr, J? Russell? Wilt? I wonder if it is the media that is trying so hard to relate the current players to a great age for NBA basketball. Basketball that wasn't tainted with publicity lovers and "celebrities/athletes" (James, Wade, Howard). Maybe our culture of self-love has done a number on the sports world as well.
Justin Nestel

I was talking to a person with a professional coaching background and he said he thought the reason Derrick Rose struggled in the playoffs a bit was that teams adjusted/changed their defenses from the regular season and Rose was having trouble recognizing the changes. That struggle led to delays in getting into the offense and subsequently the Bulls were fighting the 24 second clock on too many possessions. Some validity?
Wes Lukowsky

Don't you think the bulls miss everything Tyrus Thomas brought to the table and do you think they will get him back?
Jason Cathey

What happened to Joakim with his complete loss of offensive confidence driving for those away hand banks/hooks that we're unstoppable in November (15 points per game)?
Mark Norman

Noah might have to go if they want to upgrade the SG position. I was looking at the roster and he's the only one I can see being traded, where the Bulls have guys to try and fill his spot. Asik? I'd hate to see Noah go, but we have to be reasonable.
Victor Devaldivielso