Options to fix the PF hole

[dabig3]

I'm not really worried about the nets as the bulls beat them this season. They are pretty much a small ball team as Durant is a 3 playing the 4. All be it he is 6'10" but not like a strong 6'10" like Giannis. Need a guy who can body up the true power forwards of the game.

This sounds scarily similar to the "I'm not worried about the Heat, we swept them in the regular season" line from a decade ago.

Sure, they have a 7 foot SF playing PF, and KD has never been a big, strong, physical player. That's all true, but to counteract that we have a 6'4" SG and a 6'5" SF playing PF so...

He's Kevin Durant. I am worried about Kevin Durant and so should you. They also have Harden and maybe Kyrie. They are not to be taken lightly to any extent.

Yep. And at a certain point the Bulls need to worry about all these injuries that seem to be happening at the valuable stretch 4 position playing next to Vuc/Bradley: Green, DJJ, Caruso, PWill, and Cook have missed/are missing noticeable time this season already - and we're not halfway through yet.

Wear and tear has to be accounted for, and given the assignments these particular guys are given every night, often undersized during all minutes of the game, it's easy to see why injuries might be happening more here.

We can gamble and just find another 6'7-6'9 mid rotation depth option that would help out during the regular season, but in the playoffs that will be a BIG gamble when the rotations tighten and game gets more physical. We're not playing a 10+ man roster.

Ideally 1 of DeMar/Zach and 1 of Vuc/PF is on the floor 48 minutes of the game. And I'm not sure I want a rusty, returning injured 2nd year player to be the main assignment against KD, Giannis, Butler, etc. night in and night out in a series, nor DJJ and Green.
Pat doesn't even have to be traded necessarily depending on the package, but Bulls will benefit from a legit starting PF with a little bit more size and experience that can also give you buckets on their own and D up for significant chunks of the game.

[prolific passer]

Biyombo is playing pretty good in his first 2 games with the suns. Might stay on for the rest of the year.
I'm wondering. As a backup for Vuc? Should the bulls sign someone like a veteran Baynes who was on the 2013 and 2014 spurs and the 2018 celtics or a guy like Okafor who is only 26 and you can probably salvage into a solid player?

[HINrichPolice]

I'm not caught up in the thread but have you all talked about the Hawks wanting to get active at the deadline? Perhaps Gallo or Okongwu would be interesting options. Reddish seems to be available.

[Bulls2021]

Biyombo is playing pretty good in his first 2 games with the suns. Might stay on for the rest of the year.
I'm wondering. As a backup for Vuc? Should the bulls sign someone like a veteran Baynes who was on the 2013 and 2014 spurs and the 2018 celtics or a guy like Okafor who is only 26 and you can probably salvage into a solid player?

There's only room for one "La Pantera" in Chicago

[gf2020hotmail]

I'm not caught up in the thread but have you all talked about the Hawks wanting to get active at the deadline? Perhaps Gallo or Okongwu would be interesting options. Reddish seems to be available.

Gallo makes way too much money, has been having a down year and doesn't solve our biggest problem of interior defense.

Atlanta is high on Okongwu and needs a cheap bench player with the rest of their roster getting increasingly expensive. He's also missed nearly the whole year so they aren't going to sell low on him.

Reddish may be obtainable but doesn't really solve our need and they could probably do better than a currently unlikely convey to convey Blazers pick.

[NecessaryEvil]

Not sure who the Bulls should go after for back-up PF, but I don't nec see it making sense to trade anyone from our rotation right now, esp with Pat coming back for the playoffs and possible buy-out options. Not going to cry in my cherios if Bulls trade the Portland pick, but then again I sort of have some level of confidence for Blazers to right the ship enough to at least make the play-in, and then I'll put my money on dame... so it's a coin flip, but could be a very valuable frp just outside the lottery. Maybe combined with our pick we can snag a player at the back end of the lottery?

For our starting PF I really think AKME should target Derrick Jones Jr. from Portland. He's a pesky defender when locked-in and I think he might have enough length and speed to at least bother Giannis and Durant, and be pretty switchable in the team concept. If we can find a solid back-up PF for the time being, I won't even be bothered if he fouls at a more than ideal rate. He's shooting on fairly low volume this year, but his 60/40/83 splits look absolutely fantastic and I don't really think this team needs a lot of volume out of the power forward. What excites me the most about DJJ is the possibility of him and Ball really developing a connection! Could basically be an automatic 3-4 assists / night for Lonzo, with DJJ running constant back door cuts and posting up at the corner 3. Maybe I'm just a dreamer and there's no way we can get him from Portland the way he's playing this year.

Oddly, the only thing I'm worried about is whether Billy will actually start him and give him the minimum 25 minutes a night he'll need to develop chemistry w/ the starting unit and be ready for the playoffs. I know it's sort of a nonsensical concern, like there's some past beef or something and Billy would let his emotions get in the way of sound basketball decisions, but I just can't shake this bizarro worry.

[FriedRise]

Not sure who the Bulls should go after for back-up PF, but I don't nec see it making sense to trade anyone from our rotation right now, esp with Pat coming back for the playoffs and possible buy-out options. Not going to cry in my cherios if Bulls trade the Portland pick, but then again I sort of have some level of confidence for Blazers to right the ship enough to at least make the play-in, and then I'll put my money on dame... so it's a coin flip, but could be a very valuable frp just outside the lottery. Maybe combined with our pick we can snag a player at the back end of the lottery?

For our starting PF I really think AKME should target Derrick Jones Jr. from Portland. He's a pesky defender when locked-in and I think he might have enough length and speed to at least bother Giannis and Durant, and be pretty switchable in the team concept. If we can find a solid back-up PF for the time being, I won't even be bothered if he fouls at a more than ideal rate. He's shooting on fairly low volume this year, but his 60/40/83 splits look absolutely fantastic and I don't really think this team needs a lot of volume out of the power forward. What excites me the most about DJJ is the possibility of him and Ball really developing a connection! Could basically be an automatic 3-4 assists / night for Lonzo, with DJJ running constant back door cuts and posting up at the corner 3. Maybe I'm just a dreamer and there's no way we can get him from Portland the way he's playing this year.

Oddly, the only thing I'm worried about is whether Billy will actually start him and give him the minimum 25 minutes a night he'll need to develop chemistry w/ the starting unit and be ready for the playoffs. I know it's sort of a nonsensical concern, like there's some past beef or something and Billy would let his emotions get in the way of sound basketball decisions, but I just can't shake this bizarro worry.

I think we should go big and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Haven’t watched him play much lately, but I heard he’s been playing PF quite a bit.

[panthermark]

Not sure who the Bulls should go after for back-up PF, but I don't nec see it making sense to trade anyone from our rotation right now, esp with Pat coming back for the playoffs and possible buy-out options. Not going to cry in my cherios if Bulls trade the Portland pick, but then again I sort of have some level of confidence for Blazers to right the ship enough to at least make the play-in, and then I'll put my money on dame... so it's a coin flip, but could be a very valuable frp just outside the lottery. Maybe combined with our pick we can snag a player at the back end of the lottery?

For our starting PF I really think AKME should target Derrick Jones Jr. from Portland. He's a pesky defender when locked-in and I think he might have enough length and speed to at least bother Giannis and Durant, and be pretty switchable in the team concept. If we can find a solid back-up PF for the time being, I won't even be bothered if he fouls at a more than ideal rate. He's shooting on fairly low volume this year, but his 60/40/83 splits look absolutely fantastic and I don't really think this team needs a lot of volume out of the power forward. What excites me the most about DJJ is the possibility of him and Ball really developing a connection! Could basically be an automatic 3-4 assists / night for Lonzo, with DJJ running constant back door cuts and posting up at the corner 3. Maybe I'm just a dreamer and there's no way we can get him from Portland the way he's playing this year.

Oddly, the only thing I'm worried about is whether Billy will actually start him and give him the minimum 25 minutes a night he'll need to develop chemistry w/ the starting unit and be ready for the playoffs. I know it's sort of a nonsensical concern, like there's some past beef or something and Billy would let his emotions get in the way of sound basketball decisions, but I just can't shake this bizarro worry.

I think we should go big and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Haven’t watched him play much lately, but I heard he’s been playing PF quite a bit.

[Senor Chang]

I think we should go big and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Haven’t watched him play much lately, but I heard he’s been playing PF quite a bit.

Jokes aside i don't like trade proposals in which we include DJJ. Chances are anyone we get won't be able to stop Durant or Giannis on their own. It will take solid front-court depth to have any real effect on them defensively. It's nice to get back a Grant or a Barnes but it hurts if we lose DJJ in that same trade. You want to be like the Raptors who can throw freakishly long wings in waves.

[mj234eva]

Not sure who the Bulls should go after for back-up PF, but I don't nec see it making sense to trade anyone from our rotation right now, esp with Pat coming back for the playoffs and possible buy-out options. Not going to cry in my cherios if Bulls trade the Portland pick, but then again I sort of have some level of confidence for Blazers to right the ship enough to at least make the play-in, and then I'll put my money on dame... so it's a coin flip, but could be a very valuable frp just outside the lottery. Maybe combined with our pick we can snag a player at the back end of the lottery?

For our starting PF I really think AKME should target Derrick Jones Jr. from Portland. He's a pesky defender when locked-in and I think he might have enough length and speed to at least bother Giannis and Durant, and be pretty switchable in the team concept. If we can find a solid back-up PF for the time being, I won't even be bothered if he fouls at a more than ideal rate. He's shooting on fairly low volume this year, but his 60/40/83 splits look absolutely fantastic and I don't really think this team needs a lot of volume out of the power forward. What excites me the most about DJJ is the possibility of him and Ball really developing a connection! Could basically be an automatic 3-4 assists / night for Lonzo, with DJJ running constant back door cuts and posting up at the corner 3. Maybe I'm just a dreamer and there's no way we can get him from Portland the way he's playing this year.

Oddly, the only thing I'm worried about is whether Billy will actually start him and give him the minimum 25 minutes a night he'll need to develop chemistry w/ the starting unit and be ready for the playoffs. I know it's sort of a nonsensical concern, like there's some past beef or something and Billy would let his emotions get in the way of sound basketball decisions, but I just can't shake this bizarro worry.

You've been sleeping for 5 months, so you're probably right.

[Michael Jackson]

I'm not caught up in the thread but have you all talked about the Hawks wanting to get active at the deadline? Perhaps Gallo or Okongwu would be interesting options. Reddish seems to be available.

I don't think Reddish will be available but if he is I would love him as a pickup. The right priced skillset for what we need.

[nomorezorro]

atlanta's another team that's probably going to go consolidation trade instead of picking up whatever scraps we can cobble together, yeah?

reddish would be interesting to take a flier on, but he's a question mark and it's hard to think of a swap that makes for both sides. gallo might wreck our defense. no way they trade okongwu unless it's as part of a big package

[petebraun0]

for a PF, I noticed that the Raptors have multiple power forwards. both Birch and Achiuewa don't play a lot of minutes. both rebound well, and both offer decent size. Precious is known as being a good defender. Wonder if they could be had and what could we offer the Raptors in return. Would Coby plus our Portland pick be enough?

[MGB8]

for a PF, I noticed that the Raptors have multiple power forwards. both Birch and Achiuewa don't play a lot of minutes. both rebound well, and both offer decent size. Precious is known as being a good defender. Wonder if they could be had and what could we offer the Raptors in return. Would Coby plus our Portland pick be enough?

It would be giving the Raptors exactly what they need to trounce the Bulls in the playoffs.

[Portiseyes]

I think we should go big and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Haven’t watched him play much lately, but I heard he’s been playing PF quite a bit.

Ah... You know I wondered why Blazer's uniforms were looking so snazzy this year on DDR's espn profile. Seriously tho, a DJJ for Deebo trade makes a lot of sense if Bulls can live w all those inefficient midrange shots, and Pop's been playing him a bunch at the 4.

Back to my earlier post, my point was that we'd probably be drooling over DJJ's splits and fit, and possible great synergy with Lonzo, if he was on another team. Obviously, the volume's very limited right now but if he can stay somewhat close to his current efficiency at say 25 mins, and avg. like 7 shots and 3 3's a night... well then, damn, we're in pretty OK shape for the rest of the season in my mind as long as McKinnie gets back quick, we can pick up another 4/5 to fill the immediate hole on the bench, and we can avoid any more injuries until Green and hopefully Pat get back. Even as a starter he'd only need to be our 6th option at best when you factor in Coby coming off the bench.

I'll admit that DJJ hasn't made a big impression this season, with his limited minutes and volume (only shot 30 3's so far...), but he's been pretty consistent and does the little things, and I'm just not understanding why he isn't a potentially strong fit for the 4 in Billy's system. Again, he's only 24 so I think its reasonable to expect some upside improvement and overall positive team cohesion if he can get more minutes and a more steady role. I don't have a crystal ball, but think he's earned the starting 4 spot on this team unless a big trade goes down or it just isn't working out come the all-star break.

[Bulls2021]

I think we should go big and trade for DeMar DeRozan. Haven’t watched him play much lately, but I heard he’s been playing PF quite a bit.

Ah... You know I wondered why Blazer's uniforms were looking so snazzy this year on DDR's espn profile. Seriously tho, a DJJ for Deebo trade makes a lot of sense if Bulls can live w all those inefficient midrange shots, and Pop's been playing him a bunch at the 4.

Back to my earlier post, my point was that we'd probably be drooling over DJJ's splits and fit, and possible great synergy with Lonzo, if he was on another team. Obviously, the volume's very limited right now but if he can stay somewhat close to his current efficiency at say 25 mins, and avg. like 7 shots and 3 3's a night... well then, damn, we're in pretty OK shape for the rest of the season in my mind as long as McKinnie gets back quick, we can pick up another 4/5 to fill the immediate hole on the bench, and we can avoid any more injuries until Green and hopefully Pat get back. Even as a starter he'd only need to be our 6th option at best when you factor in Coby coming off the bench.

I'll admit that DJJ hasn't made a big impression this season, with his limited minutes and volume (only shot 30 3's so far...), but he's been pretty consistent and does the little things, and I'm just not understanding why he isn't a potentially strong fit for the 4 in Billy's system. Again, he's only 24 so I think its reasonable to expect some upside improvement and overall positive team cohesion if he can get more minutes and a more steady role. I don't have a crystal ball, but think he's earned the starting 4 spot on this team unless a big trade goes down or it just isn't working out come the all-star break.

Lol I got what you were saying. You may have sold me a bit tbh. DJJ is 6'6 with a 7' wingspan. That's not too far off from what you'd want as a modern PF type. He's a nice piece to have and would likely have to go in a trade for Barnes or Grant. Getting a solid backup C may be just as important as getting another PF.

[HomoSapien]

Read on Twitter

We have to do this. He can contribute and gives us added insight into the Bucks’ schemes. I’d much rather have him than Bradley or Simonovic obviously.

[nomorezorro]

he's gonna be a fringe rotation player/matchups-only guy in the playoffs even in the best case scenario, but cousins could be a solid pickup. don't think there's any reason to do it prior to buyout market season, though. even if someone snatches him up, nobody here is gonna be kicking themselves in may saying "if only we had boogie cousins!"

[OldSchoolNoBull]

I wouldn't mind Cousins but, and I said this yesterday elsewhere, I don't understand why everybody's writing Bradley off.

I still think Bradley is pretty decent defensively and was improving his short-range scoring ability before he went into protocols. In his last six games before he went into protocols, he was giving us 3.6ppg/5.0rpg/1.0apg/0.5bpg in roughly 11.5mpg on 61.9% TS, by my calculations. Extrapolated to PER36, that's 11.6ppg/15.6rpg/3.1apg/1.5bpg. Those PER36 numbers overstate his impact probably, but the point is, I still think he can be a pretty decent backup C for us and I feel like he's discounted by too many, probably due to his poor performance as a starter in Vuc's absence. I think he's better than some of you give him credit for.

[Bulls2021]

Read on Twitter

We have to do this. He can contribute and gives us added insight into the Bucks’ schemes. I’d much rather have him than Bradley or Simonovic obviously.

How much added insight will a team's former player really add? Unless they're saving some super secret weapon scheme that they never show, it's all in the tape.