WT- Nate unlikely to be back (WAIT! + instagram pic pg 81!)

[northbrookrich]

Paxson has been saying the same thing for the last 15 years....building for our future!

He built a team that is a legitimate championship contender. They aren't "building for the future" nor is anyone saying that. They're continuing to contend for a championship while trying to figure out the moves that make them most likely to continue doing so for as long as possible.

I too would like Nate Robinson back, but Nate Robinson isn't the difference between this team having more or less talent than the Heat.

Nate Robinson could very well be the difference in 1 playoff game. He is the kind of guy with the confidence and moxie (for lack of a better word) to step up and steal a game, a key game, a game you need. There really is no reason to let him go. He is a difference maker, he proved that this year during the regular season and in the playoffs.

Nate also has the potential to be the difference in a negative way in 1 playoff game. A key turnover a missed defensive assignment. He really isn't a good fit with Derrick and isn't likely to see much time as his backup. The Bulls need someone more consistent than streaky Nate Robinson. Not to mention that he isn't coming at a bargain price after his recent playoff run. The Bulls have done pretty good at finding low priced guys to plug into the bench. Why not let them continue doing this and reserve the big bucks for the all important starting 5.

[chadrucf]

What a joke. What happened to them willing to go into the luxury tax if it meant we had a chance to win it all??

We are paying the tax and do have a chance to win it all.

What the heck is going on around here? If people want to yell just to yell, there are plenty of worthy things to yell about.

[bullsnewdynasty]

Been saying for a long time that all the Bulls are going to do this offseason is go after guys for minimum salaries.

[dougthonus]

Nate Robinson could very well be the difference in 1 playoff game. He is the kind of guy with the confidence and moxie (for lack of a better word) to step up and steal a game, a key game, a game you need. There really is no reason to let him go. He is a difference maker, he proved that this year during the regular season and in the playoffs.

His skillset largely overlaps Rose, he's probably not playing with Rose, and while he could win you a game, he could also lose you a game. As I said, I wish we were bringing him back, but I just don't see getting apocalyptic over not bringing him back. His best assets are less valuable with Derrick Rose on the floor. Nate's not an off the ball player, and he's not going to have the opportunity to do what he did last season with Rose back on the court.

Granted, I still liked him in a reserve role. I would still look to see if I could dump Hinrich for cap room then resign Nate/Beli with the same money you're paying Hinrich + Vet min guy. However, to drop into the whole "the bulls don't even want to win" spiel because they don't sign Nate Robinson despite obvious reasons why they aren't pursuing it lacks some perspective. There's certainly room to disagree with the decision, but let's see if it's financial or basketball first to see why we disagree with it.

[Jimmy Forums]

People don't seem to grasp that this about more than Nate Robinson. We love Nate because he did some great things for us, and yes we would like to specifically have Nate back, but the more significant discussion is that without him, more than missing the person, we are missing the player; as in WE ARE PUTTING ALL THE PRESSURE ON ROSE AGAIN. That doesn't work. How are there so many people comfortable with this?

[Leaguepass]

Question @ Bulls fans: Does this man that Derrick Rose is definitely gonna play next season? Otherwise it'd be risky to let go of Nate.

[Baller93]

I won't believe it until it happens. I still think there's a chance Nate signs with the Bulls again. I hope the source "familiar with the situation" isn't all that familiar with the situation.

[chadrucf]

Question @ Bulls fans: Does this man that Derrick Rose is definitely gonna play next season? Otherwise it'd be risky to let go of Nate.

Yes. He'll be ready to start the season.

[BullsGate]

Question @ Bulls fans: Does this man that Derrick Rose is definitely gonna play next season? Otherwise it'd be risky to let go of Nate.

Yes. He'll be ready to start the season.

Carry the burden again.

[Godzilla039]

Nate Robinson could very well be the difference in 1 playoff game. He is the kind of guy with the confidence and moxie (for lack of a better word) to step up and steal a game, a key game, a game you need. There really is no reason to let him go. He is a difference maker, he proved that this year during the regular season and in the playoffs.

His skillset largely overlaps Rose, he's probably not playing with Rose, and while he could win you a game, he could also lose you a game. As I said, I wish we were bringing him back, but I just don't see getting apocalyptic over not bringing him back. His best assets are less valuable with Derrick Rose on the floor. Nate's not an off the ball player, and he's not going to have the opportunity to do what he did last season with Rose back on the court.

If Nate (or anyone else for that matter) becomes a liability on the court then all Thibs has to do is sub him out. I also disagree that his best assets are less valuable with Derrick Rose on the floor. You can never have enough long distance shooting and playmaking. We've seen it in 8 out of 10 playoff games vs. the Heat. Lebron clamps down on our sole ball handler and with no other threats to attack their defense, our offense dies.

Late in the clock, Rose gets past Lebron, their defense collapses but is also athletic and quick enough to rotate to our shooters, all we'll get is contested long jumpers and die a horrible death

[Friend_Of_Haley]

I really want Nate but I ultimately can't be mad if they offer a good price, but are firm on the one year. Fact is with the new CBA more players are gonna be pushed out of the NBA middle class and forced into one year roles. It's a buyers market and there will be options to get us secondary ball handlers. No not all are gonna be as dynamic and explisive as Nate can be, but we should be able to find some guys who can help take some pressure off Rose.

[Leaguepass]

Question @ Bulls fans: Does this man that Derrick Rose is definitely gonna play next season? Otherwise it'd be risky to let go of Nate.

Yes. He'll be ready to start the season.

Haha I know guys...was just messing around..

[PMONSTER]

People don't seem to grasp that this about more than Nate Robinson. We love Nate because he did some great things for us, and yes we would like to specifically have Nate back, but the more significant discussion is that without him, more than missing the person, we are missing the player; as in WE ARE PUTTING ALL THE PRESSURE ON ROSE AGAIN. That doesn't work. How are there so many people comfortable with this?

We need somebody longer than Nate though. Why move Rose to the SG spot? Rose is most effective as the PG on both sides of the ball.

Actually I'm fine with keeping Nate, I'd prefer it, but I'd also like to package Kirk and Deng to get a legit SG.

[LoveDaBoo]

I'm actually surprised that so many had so much hope of bringing him back. The Bulls have $21.7M allocated in 2013/14 to the PG spot between Rose and Hinrich. You want them to allocate still more?

I'll miss Nate, and that Hinrich contract still pisses me off, but this is hardly surprising.

[pb-ceo]

we just drafted a guard 1st round. it would be a total shock if he wasn't gone.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

People don't seem to grasp that this about more than Nate Robinson. We love Nate because he did some great things for us, and yes we would like to specifically have Nate back, but the more significant discussion is that without him, more than missing the person, we are missing the player; as in WE ARE PUTTING ALL THE PRESSURE ON ROSE AGAIN. That doesn't work. How are there so many people comfortable with this?

We need somebody longer than Nate though. Why move Rose to the SG spot? Rose is most effective as the PG on both sides of the ball.

Actually I'm fine with keeping Nate, I'd prefer it, but I'd also like to package Kirk and Deng to get a legit SG.

Solution, Nate plays his natural position of SG.

[Baller93]

Would seem kinda odd he's posting instagram pics affiliating himself with the Bulls if this rumor is true lol

http://instagram.com/p/bHZPOLgr_Z/

[burlydee]

Nate Robinson could very well be the difference in 1 playoff game. He is the kind of guy with the confidence and moxie (for lack of a better word) to step up and steal a game, a key game, a game you need. There really is no reason to let him go. He is a difference maker, he proved that this year during the regular season and in the playoffs.

His skillset largely overlaps Rose, he's probably not playing with Rose, and while he could win you a game, he could also lose you a game. As I said, I wish we were bringing him back, but I just don't see getting apocalyptic over not bringing him back. His best assets are less valuable with Derrick Rose on the floor. Nate's not an off the ball player, and he's not going to have the opportunity to do what he did last season with Rose back on the court.

Granted, I still liked him in a reserve role. I would still look to see if I could dump Hinrich for cap room then resign Nate/Beli with the same money you're paying Hinrich + Vet min guy. However, to drop into the whole "the bulls don't even want to win" spiel because they don't sign Nate Robinson despite obvious reasons why they aren't pursuing it lacks some perspective. There's certainly room to disagree with the decision, but let's see if it's financial or basketball first to see why we disagree with it.

Rose's skillsets are pretty great, and it would be nice to have some overlap there. Only Bulls fans worry so much about overlapping talent. You win with talent. Nate is a talented scorer. The kind of guy who can carry your 2nd unit and help ease the burden on your starters doing the regular season. And I completely disagree that he and Rose couldn't play together. Nate was at his most effective, in my opinion, on those rare occasions he got to play the 2 along side Kirk. He is a scorer first and foremost. That much speed and penetration on the floor would be difficult for any team to match up with.

I never said "the Bulls don't want to win," everyone wants to win. It is about what you're willing to do, in this case pay for, to win. It is hard for me to see this as anything other than a financial decision. From the reports it seems the Bulls are targeting league minimum players. Nate played himself out of that range. There is a rumor JL3 may be on his way back. What basketball decision justifies JL3 over Nate?

[D_GoLow]

Jimmy Butler has a chance to step up & be a legitimate #2 scorer on this team. Dude as gotten better everytime I've seen him play. Can't wait to see him on the court with Rose, Hinrich too.

Buckets will only be stronger & more prepared next year & with a healthy Deng/Hinrich & other floor spacers, we'll be alright.

The regular season will be a great test to see what Marquis can do as well.

[D_GoLow]

Keep in mind, when Snell & Murphy eventually get in the rotation (shooting as their #1 specialty) that will provide more floor spacing.

Ronnie Brewer isn't here any more. We have better shooting than 2 yrs ago.