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Posted by Sam Smith | asksam@Bulls.com | 11.20.09 | 9:05 a.m. CT
Just wondering on when they are estimating Derrick Rose to be 100% again!? He has had some ok games through his injury but I like most am waiting for him to breakout. We are struggling to score this year and we all thought his numbers would go up to help the team but I understand with his injury. So just wondering when he will be 100% so that there are no more excuses from the Bulls. With the emergence of the rookies Jennings and Evans I can now see them making All-Star appearances before Rose. Sure that's a very early call for me to say that but I still don't think he'll be this wonder kid that everyone has labeled him as. A very good player absolutely but not a year in, year out all star. Ahhhh I used to love the days when the Bulls were well represented at All Star weekend. It must have been 1998 when I last had that feeling.
Andrew Brown
Can Rose be the most over rated point guard in the NBA already? I have been watching him closely and he exhibits some early signs of dysfunctionality that a good coaching staff should be able to fix with a little guidance! Top signs of Derrick dysfunction: He pulls ups his dribble with little or no pressure on him at least 10 times a game (often 25 feet from the rim). He settles for a 15 foot jump shot with lots of time on the clock, all teams will give him that shot now. In the playoffs they will close on him. He refuses to consistently exploit his one GENETIC advantage his foot speed and quickness to the rim he pushes and then lets up at half court 12 times a game. He should be shooting at least 10 to 15 free throws a game. Going to the hole and getting fouled, easy points even if he shoots 50% from the foul line. When he is not pushing the ball up he looks lost . . . More like BJ Armstrong. He is NOT VOCAL Enough. This is his team. He wanders off. He must take ownership all GREAT POINT GUARDS DO. He is a below average passer and gets himself in the air with nowhere to go but OUT. He is an average ball handler /dribble with any pressure on him he can’t break it down. On the up side when he does push it, it works, it becomes an easy game. His defense is even better and he can rebound and he leads by example but so did Luc Longley.
So why doesn’t Vinny (coach of the year so far, this Bulls team is so much better prepared defensively for every game, what a turnaround since the Celtics, good for him) get him to put pressure on the defense?
Michael Petan
Thanks for writing that piece on Derrick Rose for Bulls.com recently. His struggles on the court have been in the minds of all Bulls fans and yes, even most of us feel weird saying he seems ... human thus far? Bottom line: great players overcome things like these. When you look at all the greats, they still thrive even with handicaps like groin injuries, flu symptoms, back issues, etc.
I think Derrick simply has had to deal with that "perfect storm" of issues. The loss of a pure shooter clogging up the middle, the team's struggle shooting the ball, opposition's primary focus on stopping him, lack of explosiveness due to injury, living up to expectations set so highly last year, etc.
However after reading your piece I find comfort in knowing there is more than just skill to Derrick! Part of what made Rose so special last year was that he is a breath of fresh air personally. Where others would pout, get mad at the media for the criticism, or create inner squabbles within the team, Rose seems somehow "transparent" in his honesty about the issues he is facing. Number one, he KNOWS and apparently feels that he should be doing better -meaning wants to hold himself to a higher standard than just average NBA player #491. Second, not once did i feel in reading his response that the team would be facing adversity because Rose was going to turn into a "me first" or "get my own" kind of player. EVEN THOUGH, he essentially said he'd try to assert himself more into the games. I look at players with amazing skill like Gilbert Arenas and cringe at the kind of reaction they have when facing something like what Rose seems to be going through.
It has been alarming to fixate on Rose for quarters the past couple of games and asking to yourself if he's ok. But describe Rose's role with the team last year ... yes he scored, but he wasn’t the primary scorer. He's in charge or running the offense, facilitating for others, pushing the ball on a fast break -the main lacking area in my opinion this year-, and the occasional "wow" moment with his athleticism. This year, facilitating for others has been hard for anyone due to the poor shooting, the team isn’t running as much as I had previously anticipated, and he has had the occasional "Rose" move even at a self declared 90%. My guess is that when Rose can go 100 miles an hour again, he'll draw more fouls, get to the line more often, and not get blocked so frequently.
I think this is the one player in a long time the Bulls can actually say not to worry, he's too good to keep this up for long.
Roddy Enrique
I dare not even go here and please forgive me for asking but, if the Bulls want to be a contender quick and attract some big name free agents — What about Rose for Paul as the cornerstone of a deal? Rose may end up being great someday but Paul is truly the real deal! If you want to attract some big name free agents - Paul would be a much stronger enticer than Rose. Paul made Chandler look like way better than he was. We send Rose, some cash and cap relief in exchange for Paul. They get a future star point guard to build around and dump more salary. Rose is on his rookie contract and has to figure to come cheap. Bulls are in the east — New Orleans is in the west.
Dan Abdo
Sam: Easier said than done and all that. I threw out that suggestion earlier this week in my Monday NBA column about the Hornets, given their declining situation, may have to look into dealing Paul. I personally doubt it’s imminent, though I do believe it’s something worth considering for them and possible given the way owner George Shinn has run organizations. Still, Rose is off to a poor start and would hardly be appealing at this point for the Hornets. I doubt the Bulls would have any interest as I believe they are committed to Rose for the long term, but New Orleans has some rookies that could replace Paul some. If they were to deal Paul, it probably would be to a team that could give them lottery picks and an All-Star level scorer to start. Paul’s terrific, but he’s never going to be playing for the Bulls.
Your recent article in which you suggest that the best move for the Hornets is to trade Chris Paul is ridiculous. The Hornets have begun to win over the city of New Orleans almost singlehandedly because of Paul. He is a close second only to Drew Brees in the hearts of the people of this city. Although the city is not yet back at full strength, the support for the Hornets is relatively strong. Any trade involving Chris Paul would undoubtedly destroy the majority of the city's support for the team. In no way, shape, or form does a trade involving Chris Paul help this franchise. Chris Paul may not be happy that the team is currently struggling, but he is not the type of athlete that would demand a trade even though he deserves better than to be a part of a team that struggles like the Hornets have. He does not become a free agent any time soon. The Hornets best available option is to wait. They will have the opportunity to prove to Paul that they are committed to winning once Morris Peterson and Peja Stojakovic come off the books after next season. That will free up over $20 million in cap space. Couple that cap space with the lottery pick that the Hornets will most likely get this year and the development of rookies Darren Collision and Marcus Thornton, and the Hornets will be in position to have a high quality team. The icing on the cake would be if the Hornets front office were able to trick a contender into thinking that James Posey is their missing piece. A trade involving he and the first underrated now overrated (and terrible defender) David West could give the Hornets either pieces of more cap space. Let's not forget how upset Kobe was with the Lakers but a few short years ago. A player's mind can be changed with just a few personnel moves.
Benjamin Nelson
I agree with you that it's about time to break up the Hornets. Is there any scenario that you can think of that the Bulls would be able to trade for David West and still have some money for a good free agent (i.e. Joe Johnson) this offseason? Would something like Tyrus, a first rounder, and Jerome James' expiring contract get it done? Is David West even worth going after?
Bryant Williams
Why are you shopping "Kid Dynamite" Tyrus Thomas? Don't put him to pasture with all the trade talk. Sometimes the evil that you know is better than the evil you don't know. Besides he wants to stay in Chicago he fits the future for the Bulls.
Jim Mitchell
I feel that part of the reason Rose isn't flourishing this year is not because the lack of a big man (although that would help) but a lack of a wing man at the 2-guard position. With that said, looking back, or even now, was trading Sefolosha for Taj Gibson a good move? We could really use a quick, defensive, long, athletic 2-guard right now that would compliment Rose. I think he’d be perfect and didn’t demand much money. I like Salmons, but I feel like he's more cut out to be a 6th man who can come in and play mostly the 3 and some 2. Not start at the 2.
Douglas Seidman
How huge was Joakim Noah last night?! He's clearly been the Bulls MVP so far this year. Last night, his hustle, rebounds and tip-ins in the 4th quarter were pivotal in beating the Kings. My question is: Is there any way at all Joakim can make the all-star team this year? I know he's not on the ballot but I thought the coaches vote on some players getting in, is that right? Or is it only if a player gets injured and can't go then the coaches vote for the replacement? Please set me straight on this issue.
Billy Habibi
Sam: By not being on the ballot, he can’t be voted in by the fans without receiving a ridiculous amount of write-in votes, but he had no chance anyway with Dwight Howard in the East. After the starters are picked by the fans, the coaches vote for the reserves and I think Noah has a shot because the rest of the centers on the ballot aren’t very good. It’s amazing the NBA could pick a committee of people who didn’t even know Noah was the starter. But the coaches don’t have to vote for a second center and sometimes opt for an extra guard or forward. Overall, I think Noah has a pretty good chance to make the team, and he should be seriously considered the way he’s playing. Now, who thought we’d say that after the first two seasons?
I think we need more perimeter shooting, and a good overall scorer. How about Hinrich and a 2nd round pick for Kevin Martin. I read somewhere that they have been playing better without him, maybe they would be willing to trade him. Hinrich and Evans sounds like a pretty good backcourt to me. Maybe we can get a deal done.
Connor Smith
Since it appears that the Bulls can’t make a shot down the stretch, wouldn't you think that they might want to add another defensive piece? I’m thinking Bruce Bowen. Stay with me here, what do you think about having a line up consisting of Rose at PG, Hinrich at SG, Bowen at SF, Thomas at PF, and Noah at C. That provides us with some defense and some offense. and Bowen is a playoff vet.
Jake Hird
The upcoming free agency comes down to 2 major difference makers: LeBron and Dwyane. I don't believe we have a good chance to sign either of them (they will both stay in their base). Even though I was against him I realized, when I watched the game here in Greece against the Raptors, that Bosh must be our main target! The reason behind that is that we are the team that can hide his lack of defensive skills. Noah's improved defensive game will cover his back defensively and he can provide the much needed low post scoring. Rose will also benefit from this move because more open lanes will be created to attack the rim. This is going to be a crucial summer for the Bulls front office. I know you don't consider Bosh worthy of a max deal but I do believe it fits great in our team. This is going to be a crucial summer for the Bulls front office. They based all of their moves the last few years on this free agency. With such a loyal support (among the top 3 in attendance the last 14 years!) there will be no excuse if we're not major players... No more Ron Mercers!
George Haramis
Phoenix is doing pretty well, but why Grant Hill chose to resign with them is really beyond me. They will not get past the second round of the playoffs. He could have gone to Boston and won a ring. He's got plenty of money. I don't get it.
Pete Zievers
How come during all this 2010 talk Dirk Nowitzki’s name never comes up? Is it just because Dallas can pay him the most, or do you think he really likes it there that much to not consider his options? He's hands down the best scoring big man in the NBA, and could be that key piece we're missing. Derrick Rose is a much better PG than an over-the-hill Jason Kidd, Deng is at least as good as Marion, and when you include Hinrich and Noah I think the Bulls are a much better squad. Dirk is the type of player we are missing, someone to count on to take over in the 4th quarter. We would still have a young athletic lineup to push the ball on offense (which I think we need to do a lot more of this year) and play solid team defense. Throw in a Rose/Nowitzki pick and roll in half court sets and we're tough to beat. I know it's a near impossibility, but isn't worth a chance to at least attempt to get him?
Mike Smith
Starting with LeBron: Following the Miami game, LeBron talked about changing to #6 (this early in the season, already talking about next year even after saying he wouldn't — and is going to focus on this year). Could he have mentioned this early to gain more "respect" in Chicago — and knowing that Jordan number is retired here? Personally, I disliked LeBron because he has that cocky attitude and considers himself the BEST. *If I'm not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.* Meaning, if the best player can't wear it, then nobody should. D-Wade: Already a huge fanbase here, being from the Chicagoland area. A couple days ago, he decided to sign with Jordan's Jumpman shoeline. Why? Why? WHY now? He's had his own shoes, I believe, since he's been in the league. Both of these mysteries interest me A LOT. LeBron coming here would send Deng to the bench. I'm not sure about Deng's contract, but I'm sure his paychecks aren't benchable (if we can use that word). Wade coming to Chicago would bench Salmons, which would be another big playmaker off the bench with Hinrich (if he's still here). Personally, I want LeBron more.
Alex Bugg
Everybody is all blown up over Brandon Jennings, especially with his 55 points (although it did come against the Warriors, a team who couldn't guard their own shadows). Yet, watching him, he doesn't play like a true point guard, he is more of the mold of Allen Iverson, a shoot first player. Also, I was watching some of that game and a lot of times, he got the ball cleanly picked from him when he tried to go one on one without a screen. He will score points but I don't think he will be a great team distributor, your thoughts? Even though I hate Rondo, I would take him as a PG before Jennings.
Matt Scheidler
I'm having a salary cap debate with some other Bulls fans right now. I need your help here. If Salmons picks up his player option, but the Bulls get rid of Ty Thomas, will they have the room to sign a max player, say Dwyane Wade?
Christopher Wolff
Is Joe Johnson worth a max deal? How do you think he fits in with the Bulls squad?
Brad Hergott
It comes up a lot these days that Shaq is no longer, as you say, "That Shaq." He is a past-his-prime superstar who seems to not believe he is past his prime, therefore he does not accept a lesser role in his current team's game plan. A similar story is going on with Iverson, also past his prime, who will not play second fiddle on any team he plays on. And he's ruining what could be a decent last few years of his career. Then of course there is Marbury, who instead of settling in as a solid role player for a contender like Boston, decided he would rather sit out a year. Or for good. The reality is that many superstars simply do not age well, once they are past their primes. Which superstars have you seen, who have done the most effective job of transitioning into their past-prime roles?
Mike Gates
I know this may be a little out there but what would you think about us bringing in Iverson since clearly nobody else wants him. I know he is not the player he once was but I think he would be a good fit for us just for this season. Let’s face it, it's clear that were missing Ben Gordon's 20ppg and Iverson could do just that for us... SCORE. With Salmons struggling to be that 2nd option in the offense maybe we could bring Salmons of the bench and he would be like a 3rd which he was last year and he excelled for us. Iverson could fill that role that Gordon was for us last year and it gives Rose more time to get groomed for that "go to guy" role.
Keith Mikhail
What about Chris Kaman? Do you think the Bulls can benefit from him if he is healthy? I don't even know who I could give up because I would really like to see the Bulls keep Brad Miller. Watching Miller play I believe he knows his starting days are behind him, but he can be a great bench player and clubhouse leader. So do you think starting Kaman with Noah would be a good lineup to go along with Deng, Salmons, and Rose? Maybe we can send Thomas and a draft pick. By no mean though would I want to assume too much salary for next summer FA's. I think Kaman has a decent size contract with only 2 years left.
Alfredo Rivas
With Sefolosha getting, what I would consider, a bum contract ($11-12 / 3 yrs), what is the market for Ty Thomas. Maybe sign and trade?
Jim Brinkman
What's Plan B? Much as I want to see it, I just don't see DWade or LBJ coming to Chicago. And as you rightly point out, they're the only difference makers out there this year. Do the Bulls resign/extend Salmons and shoot for a guy like David Lee? Do they try to upgrade Salmons to Joe Johnson and... I don't even know what the second half of that is. I'm not questioning the wisdom of trying to be a player at the trading deadline or waiting until next summer; I'm just wondering what Plan B is. One-year extensions and going after 'Melo? Rose for CP3?
Andrew Hartnett
Do you think the Bulls would or should sign a shooting coach like Mark Price?
Sergio Fierro
So a friend of mine, let’s call him Sam Smith, suggested a trade for Monta Ellis last year. Would I be giving up to early on this year’s Bulls if I suggested Kirk for Ellis? We could throw in our number one pick next year. It would keep some guaranteed money off the books for the 2010 free agents. It means a lot less D but a lot more scoring. It would take some pressure off Rose. Monta has that scorers mentality that we lack. It opens up the court to run more. It gives us one of the fastest back courts. But also one of the smallest. Really we are doing well this year. We are over 500 and playing suffocating defense that i didn't think we were capable of.
Bryan Scott
I've been trying to come up with moves the Bulls could make in order to be legit contenders. We all know that the team they have is not going to get them anything better than a 5 seed this year, most likely. I am thinking for next year. I have heard that Al Jefferson is not working out well in the triangle that Rambis runs.
Bulls offer:
Tyrus Thomas (when recovered)
John Salmons (I assume he will opt out anyway)
Jerome James (Wolves will want an expiring contract)
A draft pick if necessary
Wolves offer:
Al Jefferson
Corey Brewer
Christopher Edgar