Bulls Become Contenders
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by user NBA Superblog
Many draft “experts” praised the Chicago Bulls for selecting LSU power forward - TYRUS THOMAS - and Swiss swingman – THABO SEFOLOSHA, in the first round of the NBA Draft in June. I have insisted that both of those players are overrated and the Bulls will not reap the benefits of those picks for two or three years. Now, after the high-profile free agent signing of Detroit Pistons big man – BEN WALLACE, there is less urgency for those players to contribute immediately. With one signing, the Bulls have instantly become contenders in the Eastern conference.
On paper, Wallace would seem like flawed role player, but basketball is not played on paper. Wallace is, indeed, flawed. But he is much more than a role player. Wallace is woefully undersized for a center at 6’9, but no player of his size has been as effective at the center position since BILL RUSSELL. He has an endless wealth of knowledge about leverage, positioning, and defensive fundamentals that allow him to take his opponents height advantage away and negate the size imbalance. His Herculean strength has always allowed him to dominate the small amount of property available in the low post. He has impressive jumping ability, but it is his timing and instincts that have made him one of the best rebounders and shot blockers to ever play the game. Wallace has won three NBA Defensive-Player-of-the-Year Awards in four years. If the fans and media had as much respect for excellent defensive play as they do for scoring, Wallace would get serious consideration for Hall-of-Fame honors. Of course, he will not, but the point is valid.
The Bulls are smart enough to recognize that, although Wallace is an albatross on offense, he can contribute in ways that few other players can. Wallace would be considered a bit old, at 32, to award a 4 year $60 million dollar contract to, but he works incredibly hard to stay in peak condition and he has remained injury-free because of that. There is no indication that he will slow down in the next few years, and the Bulls may win a championship before he does.
All of this contender talk may sound like hype, but remember that the Bulls gave a lot of trouble to the Miami Heat in the 2006 play-offs without much a low-post game. Wallace brings them a superb low-post defensive presence, one that routinely outplays SHAQUILLE O’NEAL. With the young, talented nucleus of KIRK HINRICH, BEN GORDON, and ANDRES NOCIONI, and the addition of Thomas, the Bulls may only have needed a player like Wallace to catapult them into the upper echelon of the league. This will be the most impressive move of the summer, and it will return excitement to the windy city.
Date
Tue 07/04/06, 1:11 am EST
