BuLLs>LiFe wrote:Duck, when I started this thread I was actually thinking about something that you wrote in another thread where you said that you still expect Deng to take another step in his game? So specifically I would like your input in what you have seen that makes you think Deng will indeed take that next step.
I think his offensive game is far more diverse than it was last year on the interior. Its just that he's still developing it. And I think he will continue to develop that aspect of his game over the next 2-3 years to the point that he becomes a legit post-threat like a Paul Pierce or a Michael Redd.
By the end of this season, I expect Deng's numbers to be up across the board except maybe with FG%, but I expect that to get over 50% as well. With the exception of a few bad games very early in the season, he's playing at about the 20/7 level. I think thats pretty much where he will be when the season wraps up. And that will evidence a 22 year old player that is still trending upwards.
Also, would a Deng for Gasol deal as the centerpieces be a deal that you would do?
No. I would oppose that trade. Deng is better than Gasol already and he's 5 years younger. Last season I strongly supported that deal. But not anymore.
If not, what type of players would you be willing to deal Deng. It doesn't even have to be players that are specifically available but what types of players. Is anything less than a superstar not worth trading Deng, etc.?
I really don't know. I guess given his age and how the Bulls are constructed, a player like Al Jefferson would be interesting. But you see the problem: the types of guys I'd be interested in sacrificing Deng to acquire likely aren't available in trade for Luol Deng.
Let me add: I don't really give much thought to what the Bulls could acquire for Deng. Generally speaking, I'm not interested in trading him.