Now that the Bulls have drafted Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick, the next step would be assessing which players should be moved to free up minutes in the backcourt. Chicago has a good young core of players that made it to the second round of the playoffs barely a season ago, so it might be best not to blow this team up. However, some roster changes are in definitely in order. Considering the way this group underachieved last season (amidst the Kobe-Bryant-to-the-Bulls rumors), something has to give.
1. Kirk Hinrich, PG
Captain Kirk was one of the Bulls’ best players during that 06 playoff run, providing leadership and some tough defense (he made the all-defensive team) as they swept the defending champion Heat and gave the Pistons a war. Last season, however, Hinrich seemed to have lost his mojo – he couldnt make a jump shot if his life depended on it, and he wasnt much better on the other end of the floor.
Still, point guards are in high demand this offseason, with the Heat and Knicks desperately shopping for someone to play the ‘1′ for them. Kirk is a good young guy who just his prime, and with good pedigree with his play in recent seasons. He could likely be traded not only because he shares the position with the stellar rookie, but also because he’d be the one to net the most value in a trade. Bulls fans will miss him, but it might be the wisest option the team has.
2. Ben Gordon, SG
Gordon was the team’s leading scorer the last two seasons (at 18.4 this year and 22.1 the previous) but is probably one of the most likely to be let go as well. For all his offensive skills, his undersized frame often made him a liability on defense, forcing Hinrich to have to guard his man while he switched to the point. Ben is a sweet shooter, but can be one-dimensional. He shoots a good percentage from the field, the three-point line and the stripe but having the ball in his hands doesnt exactly strike fear in the hearts of defenders in the way a Kobe or LeBron would.
After he rejected the Bulls offer for an extension last year, it could be expected that the restricted free agent wont come cheap. He might be on the move because he’s also one of the few players that could get the team good value in return. Taking him off the equation would probably mean more responsibility for forwards Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas on the offensive end, something fans are clamoring for anyway.
3. Drew Gooden, PF
He’s not a guard, but Gooden could be on the block as well. With everyone waiting for the breakout season of Thomas (especially with the expectation of Rose making him better like Chris Paul makes Tyson Chandler look good), the Bulls better make sure Tyrus has the minutes at the ‘4′ to go nuts. Drew is a solid big who isnt spectacular but gets the job done. On some nights, he can be huge off the boards but disappear on others.
He also isnt part of the core that made the second round of the playoffs, so hes one of the players fans wouldnt mind giving up in a deal. He came with Larry Hughes in the big Cleveland deal, but Hughes might be difficult to move considering his unattractive contract and lack of production. Nows the time you almost miss Isiah’s Knicks…
The Bulls are expected to hang onto Deng, Thomas and sophomore center Joakim Noah, who all seem like good fits with Rose. The multi-talented Thabo Sefolosha also looks like a nice commodity to keep. Im not entirely sure what to do with Andres Nocioni, who may be add value to any deal we make. Hes no slack, but I dont know if hes what the Bulls need at this point.
If they can package a combination of those players listed above and make a run at Atlanta’s Josh Smith (whom reports say the Hawks are unwilling to break the bank for), then I think they should definitely give it a go. Smith would give them an intimidating presence on defense and one of the most dangerous finishers off the break, especially as running mate to Rose. Plus, hes only 22 – so he has the time to mature alongside the 19-year-old rookie. It might be a long shot, cause the Hawks have to be crazy if theyre not locking up Smith for however amount he wants, but the Bulls should at least give it a try.
Would a Gordon, Nocioni and Thomas (who you probably have to include in a deal for Smith) plus a couple of future picks for Smith deal – give or take a couple of contracts to match things up – be attractive enough for Atlanta? Or should Chicago include Thabo instead of Noc to sweeten the deal. If I were the Bulls, I’d go for that in a heartbeat. Consider how scary a frontline of Deng, Smith and Noah would be.
Bulls management has promised to be cautious in blowing up the team this summer. Maybe all the changes GM John Paxson has in mind is a run at a quality free agent like DeSagana Diop with the midlevel exception. In any case, this figures to be a very interesting offseason.
Tags: bulls, Josh Smith, trades
