2006 Offseason Report Card: Chicago Bulls
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by user BasilikonTron
After experiencing a quick reversal following the second retirement of Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls resurfaced, making the playoffs in three consecutive years. Numerous disastrous seasons have given the Bulls numerous first round picks who have gone on to be very successful in the league. Kirk Hinrich is the team’s point guard of the future, and Ben Gordon (Ben Jordan?) won the Sixth Man of the Year Award. The new generation of players has created a new image of baby Bulls who scrap and grind out their games. There was no better indication of this than their series against Miami where Shaquille O’Neil was plagued by foul trouble because he was incensed by the physical nature of the Bulls’ style.
Barely making the playoffs this season, the Bulls desperately needed to address their lack of an inside presence. Tyson Chandler has never performed to their expectations, and the Bulls’ were apparently still reeling from the void left by Eddy Curry.
NBA Draft: Tyrus Thomas
The Bulls’ big pick was LaMarcus Aldridge who they traded to Portland for Tyrus Thomas. Considering the Bulls are all very young, I can see him Thomas fitting right in though I doubt he will play. There is a good chance he may be traded in the future.
Free Agents: Ben Wallace
The face of the Detroit Pistons’ franchise, Ben Wallace was criticized for his lack of an offensive game and his overall decrease in his averages. There are numerous players that average less than ten points per game, but he is probably the only NBA superstar with this average. Even so, losing the four-time Defensive Player of the Year would leave a huge gap in the team, and the Pistons had to keep him, offering Wallace a $48 million dollar deal.
It was reported that the Bulls offered $52, and nearly everyone expected Wallace to stay with the franchise that embraced him with open arms. He would not leave the Pistons for an extra four million. However, shortly after Wallace announced he would sign with the Bulls, it was reported that the deal would be $60 million. For a player who is approaching the tail end of his career (he is 34), I am not surprised he would accept the bigger deal.
The addition of Wallace adds more depth and defense to the team’s backcourt which were clearly lacking due to Chandler’s chronic injuries, and the fact that Othella Harrington could not make up for Eddy Curry’s scoring. Wallace adds absolutely nothing to the offense, but he is not expected to shoot when their gunner Ben Gordon attempts the majority of the shots. The Bulls need defense, and Wallace will provide that.
Walk The Line: Othella Harrington
Perhaps in an attempt to pay Wallace’s salary, the Bulls let Othella Harrington walk. Though he never made headlines, I think he was the best big men next to Curry. He clearly had a much better shot than Chandler, but nobody ever gave him the ball. Hopefully, he can offer his services somewhere else.
Trades: J.R. Smith, P.J. Brown for Tyson Chandler
After addressing Eddy Curry, the Bulls addressed Tyson Chandler by dealing him to the Hornets. P.J. Brown is a major upgrade in that he is a hard worker. He is one of those blue-collar guys that gives it all he’s got. Unlike Chandler, the Bulls can expect him to suit up nearly every game as I do not recall him being injury prone. J.R. Smith is a great addition for point guard as he is young like every other Bull and can fill in for shooting should Gordon go cold (which I think happens frequently). However, the Bulls may be overstacked since Chris Duhon plays admirably off the bench, meaning Smith may never play if Gordon and Hinrich continue to improve to all-star level. One must also forget that the Bulls use numerous lineups. They have never had a set rotation due to the fact that they have been in a rebuilding phase for the last few years. Smith may get lost in the shuffle or come out on top.
NBA Draft: C After very successful draftees in Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich, this draft appeared to just be a formality with not many big names available for the Bulls.
Free Agent: A Acquire an all-star for nothing. How could this be a bad move?
Walk the Line: B There is still not enough inside scoring. Brown and Ben have like 15 points between them. Continuing to rely on the guards for scoring has allowed them to get by but not win crucial games.
Trades: A- Brown is a great replacement for Chandler, but he is not going to carry the team. A few more rebounds here and there. Finally, Smith may not play enough minutes to have an impact season. The trade appeared to be more about getting rid of Chandler than acquiring players to address the backcourt.
Overall: B+
Date
Fri 07/14/06, 4:02 pm EST
