Jimmy is our #1 now - maybe permanently

[Rerisen]

I have confidence in Butler. That he can do more than he's shown.

Yeah the defense might not be there 100% every night, but 24 PPG would not surprise me.

We might be building around this guy regardless what Rose does or not. Obviously we are going to need more help, whether that is Rose coming back and giving something, or making trades in the summer.

But Butler's breakout has given me at least a defense against total despair. This news would be so much more brutal if all we had was 2 more years of Pau, aging Noah, and the kids, promising as some of them are.

[WindyCityBorn]

Butler first, Niko second, McDermott third.

That's all I have. Back to hoping on potential.

[logical_art]

Butler, Niko, Snell and hopefully McDermott isn't too terrible of a core going forward.

Add to that whatever can be brought back for Taj and Noah or Pau, and the Bulls could get back on track.

[BeatDaCavs420]

This could boost jimmy and niko play a long with others,hopefully it does

But I am sick that I have to even be typing this right now I just can't believe it

[Mech Engineer]

I think the Bulls can be salvaged because they didn't give up assets for an Affalo or Green during trade deadline. They can see what they do in the playoffs, what Sacramento does and make decisions. It is too early to jump to conclusions on what to do. But, I do agree that Jimmy is the #1 option on the wing but he needs to improve his 3 pt jumpshot in the summer.

I am not sure of anyone else on the team including Mirotic even if he looks promising. He will take a few years to be anything as a top option if he can be one. It is foolish to consider anyone else other than Jimmy and the Bulls have to build based on his skill-set and luckily that is a proven model for success in the NBA(even health wise) compared to PG/Centers being the main guys.

[Polynice4Pippen]

but 24 PPG would not surprise me.

Really? Because it would sure surprise me. Jimmy's an all-star, an all-around stud, but I think this is just wishful thinking. Besides, Niko could very well be this team's leading scorer in a couple years. And Pau's not exactly on his last legs. And oh yeah, Derrick still has 2 years left on his contract and could be back in 6 weeks for the playoffs, not that Derrick's that #1 guy anymore. But I don't forsee Jimmy being that #1 James Harden type 24 ppg guy. Bulls have enough other potential big time scorers, including McBuckets who may pan out in a year or 2, to not have to put this incredible burden on Jimmy.

[SimonFish]

It's blessing in disguise.

In my OAT game, I traded Rose and Noah away and got Knight, Jeff Green and Marc Gasol. My team went on to the Finals.

[Rerisen]

but 24 PPG would not surprise me.

Really? Because it would sure surprise me. Jimmy's an all-star, an all-around stud, but I think this is just wishful thinking. Besides, Niko could very well be this team's leading scorer in a couple years. And Pau's not exactly on his last legs. And oh yeah, Derrick still has 2 years left on his contract and could be back in 6 weeks for the playoffs, not that Derrick's that #1 guy anymore. But I don't forsee Jimmy being that #1 James Harden type 24 ppg guy. Bulls have enough other potential big time scorers, including McBuckets who may pan out in a year or 2, to not have to put this incredible burden on Jimmy.

He was at already at 21 earlier, and we don't even look for him that much when our full lineup is there.

His efficiency is plenty high enough to suggest he might have more in the tank.

But we have to get back to playing team offense, hitting him in his spots. Not having him go iso less its very late in the game.

[Polynice4Pippen]

but 24 PPG would not surprise me.

Really? Because it would sure surprise me. Jimmy's an all-star, an all-around stud, but I think this is just wishful thinking. Besides, Niko could very well be this team's leading scorer in a couple years. And Pau's not exactly on his last legs. And oh yeah, Derrick still has 2 years left on his contract and could be back in 6 weeks for the playoffs, not that Derrick's that #1 guy anymore. But I don't forsee Jimmy being that #1 James Harden type 24 ppg guy. Bulls have enough other potential big time scorers, including McBuckets who may pan out in a year or 2, to not have to put this incredible burden on Jimmy.

He was at already at 21 earlier, and we don't even look for him that much when our full lineup is there.

His efficiency is plenty high enough to suggest he might have more in the tank.

But we have to get back to playing team offense, hitting him in his spots. Not having him go iso less its very late in the game.

Jimmy himself talks about all the great looks he gets due to playing with Derrick and Pau and how much attention they draw. Jimmy's not just going to go up to 24 ppg without those 2, he isn't James Harden, ball dominant one on one guy. Jimmy's the #1 building block on this roster, but he's just not a scoring champ level player and #1 option. But if Niko and Dougy both became 18-20 ppg scorers next to Jimmy's 21 ppg, then that would work too.

[bullsRlife]

I trust in Jimmy to be our top 2 best players, but those nights where he goes 1-7, 2-13, 3-10 are glaring red flags.

And the punishment he takes to get his FTs are also troubling. We need a finesse #1 option that can get easy pts. Niko and Snell are the guys that need to bust out. Doug at best will be our Korver with worse shooting, maybe a little more multi faceted.

Niko or Snell have to be our #1 options if we're gonna be true contendors in the future. And the sad part is, Niko's probably just gonna be one of those Euro guys that puts up good numbers, but don't really move the needle. Like Valenciunas or something.

[GimmeDat]

He needs to continue to pick his spots, not settle for jumpers, etc. - to get to the true next level he's going to need another off-season to develop his skill-set further.

His scoring will probably bump up, but I think, for this season at least, it's more important that Snell, Niko, and the rest of the group pull added weight.

As for Jimmy, well, it looks like he's the new face of the franchise.

[chifan1798]

Time for Butler to show that he is truly worth the max. Not that he hasn't already, but there has been a slump in his numbers, which may have cast some doubt. Let's see.....at this point, that's the only thing to look forward to right now....aside from the development of our young guys

[Mech Engineer]

I trust in Jimmy to be our top 2 best players, but those nights where he goes 1-7, 2-13, 3-10 are glaring red flags.

And the punishment he takes to get his FTs are also troubling. We need a finesse #1 option that can get easy pts. Niko and Snell are the guys that need to bust out. Doug at best will be our Korver with worse shooting, maybe a little more multi faceted.

Niko or Snell have to be our #1 options if we're gonna be true contendors in the future. And the sad part is, Niko's probably just gonna be one of those Euro guys that puts up good numbers, but don't really move the needle. Like Valenciunas or something.

Niko has a long, long ways to go before he can be called to be a #1 option on a contending team. People are just enamored of his game and making insane predictions about him. He has a lot of potential but needs a few years to grow. That is great if you are the 2001/2002 Bulls which this is not.

The Bulls need Jimmy to build upon what he has done/accomplished. He can make baskets in the flow of the offense and can make also in iso against tough defenders when nothing is available. That is what the Bulls have been missing when Derrick was gone.

I hate the name of McDermott. If he is playing 35 minutes next year, then the Bulls are fighting for an 8th seed probably. He also needs time and if the team is again depending on these young guys...then 2016 will be soon there and Kevin Durant is not sniffing that roster.

You need Jimmy to do well and showcase himself in these playoffs and the Bulls need to figure out a plan for Derrick whether it is limited minutes/limited role or whatever.

[HoopsterJones]

Jimmy has been amazing this year, and I believe he will be up for the challenge.

However, teams have been game planning more to play Jimmy tougher lately. Not having Rose in the lineup will put more pressure on Jimmy and the rest of the Bulls since opposing defenses do not have to worry about Rose driving into the paint.

I think the Bulls have enough talent to get to the second round and if all things go well possibly the conference final (which I'm doubtful of).

Everyone has to step up. The PG play has to better than it has been.

[Rerisen]

Jimmy himself talks about all the great looks he gets due to playing with Derrick and Pau and how much attention they draw. Jimmy's not just going to go up to 24 ppg without those 2, he isn't James Harden, ball dominant one on one guy. Jimmy's the #1 building block on this roster, but he's just not a scoring champ level player and #1 option. But if Niko and Dougy both became 18-20 ppg scorers next to Jimmy's 21 ppg, then that would work too.

That's nice idealism, but there is no indication Doug is ready.

Guys are going to have to be overworked, we are undermanned now, and you don't want Brooks chucking all game, he has no playmaking vision.

Nor do we want to go back to Pau laboring in the post too much.

Jimmy is the best choice to run offense through.

If we are lucky Snell keeps up his 15 pts a game and gets the minutes to do so, then we might absorb the hit without changing all that much.

[Rerisen]

Time for Butler to show that he is truly worth the max. Not that he hasn't already, but there has been a slump in his numbers, which may have cast some doubt. Let's see.....at this point, that's the only thing to look forward to right now....aside from the development of our young guys

He can do it - IF he's healthy.

I don't know if he is.

But Butler and Rose never got working that well together. Both in preaseason and when Rose missed some games, Jimmy had some real big nights and looked good in a bigger usage role.

[WindyCityBorn]

I trust in Jimmy to be our top 2 best players, but those nights where he goes 1-7, 2-13, 3-10 are glaring red flags.

And the punishment he takes to get his FTs are also troubling. We need a finesse #1 option that can get easy pts. Niko and Snell are the guys that need to bust out. Doug at best will be our Korver with worse shooting, maybe a little more multi faceted.

Niko or Snell have to be our #1 options if we're gonna be true contendors in the future. And the sad part is, Niko's probably just gonna be one of those Euro guys that puts up good numbers, but don't really move the needle. Like Valenciunas or something.

How can you be so sure what Doug will be already? You list Snell as a guy that can bust out and most thought he was trash(I didn't) just a month ago. Let's see him get serious minutes for an extended period of time first.

[Polynice4Pippen]

Jimmy himself talks about all the great looks he gets due to playing with Derrick and Pau and how much attention they draw. Jimmy's not just going to go up to 24 ppg without those 2, he isn't James Harden, ball dominant one on one guy. Jimmy's the #1 building block on this roster, but he's just not a scoring champ level player and #1 option. But if Niko and Dougy both became 18-20 ppg scorers next to Jimmy's 21 ppg, then that would work too.

That's nice idealism, but there is no indication Doug is ready.

Guys are going to have to be overworked, we are undermanned now, and you don't want Brooks chucking all game, he has no playmaking vision.

Nor do we want to go back to Pau laboring in the post too much.

Jimmy is the best choice to run offense through.

If we are lucky Snell keeps up his 15 pts a game and gets the minutes to do so, then we might absorb the hit without changing all that much.

I don't think it's any more idealistic than thinking Jimmy will become a 24 ppg #1 scoring option. The leaps Jimmy, and now Tony, have made in season 2 under Thibs speaks to the expectation of Dougy showing significant improvement. I'll put it like this; I'd fully expect McDermott to be an 18 ppg #3 option before Jimmy became a 24 ppg #1 option. It may only look like a few more points per game for Jimmy to get, but that's the difference between all-stars and MVP's, between great players and Hall of Famers. 24 ppg as a #1 option on the efficiency we've come to know from Jimmy with his level of defense is the stuff of future Hall of Famers.

[bullsRlife]

I trust in Jimmy to be our top 2 best players, but those nights where he goes 1-7, 2-13, 3-10 are glaring red flags.

And the punishment he takes to get his FTs are also troubling. We need a finesse #1 option that can get easy pts. Niko and Snell are the guys that need to bust out. Doug at best will be our Korver with worse shooting, maybe a little more multi faceted.

Niko or Snell have to be our #1 options if we're gonna be true contendors in the future. And the sad part is, Niko's probably just gonna be one of those Euro guys that puts up good numbers, but don't really move the needle. Like Valenciunas or something.

Niko has a long, long ways to go before he can be called to be a #1 option on a contending team. People are just enamored of his game and making insane predictions about him. He has a lot of potential but needs a few years to grow. That is great if you are the 2001/2002 Bulls which this is not.

The Bulls need Jimmy to build upon what he has done/accomplished. He can make baskets in the flow of the offense and can make also in iso against tough defenders when nothing is available. That is what the Bulls have been missing when Derrick was gone.

I hate the name of McDermott. If he is playing 35 minutes next year, then the Bulls are fighting for an 8th seed probably. He also needs time and if the team is again depending on these young guys...then 2016 will be soon there and Kevin Durant is not sniffing that roster.

You need Jimmy to do well and showcase himself in these playoffs and the Bulls need to figure out a plan for Derrick whether it is limited minutes/limited role or whatever.

I never said any of those players would become anything special. I said if we want to be true contendors, Jimmy can't be our #1 option. We better hope and pray that Niko or Snell turn into legit stars (highly unlikely).

Your #1 option must be able to split doubles on a consistent basis. And they must command triple teams on occasion. That's when you know you have a franchise player that can take you to the promise land.

Jimmy can be the #1 option all he wants, but that's not gonna get us anywhere.

[PaKii94]

I trust in Jimmy to be our top 2 best players, but those nights where he goes 1-7, 2-13, 3-10 are glaring red flags.

And the punishment he takes to get his FTs are also troubling. We need a finesse #1 option that can get easy pts. Niko and Snell are the guys that need to bust out. Doug at best will be our Korver with worse shooting, maybe a little more multi faceted.

Niko or Snell have to be our #1 options if we're gonna be true contendors in the future. And the sad part is, Niko's probably just gonna be one of those Euro guys that puts up good numbers, but don't really move the needle. Like Valenciunas or something.

Niko has a long, long ways to go before he can be called to be a #1 option on a contending team. People are just enamored of his game and making insane predictions about him. He has a lot of potential but needs a few years to grow. That is great if you are the 2001/2002 Bulls which this is not.

The Bulls need Jimmy to build upon what he has done/accomplished. He can make baskets in the flow of the offense and can make also in iso against tough defenders when nothing is available. That is what the Bulls have been missing when Derrick was gone.

I hate the name of McDermott. If he is playing 35 minutes next year, then the Bulls are fighting for an 8th seed probably. He also needs time and if the team is again depending on these young guys...then 2016 will be soon there and Kevin Durant is not sniffing that roster.

You need Jimmy to do well and showcase himself in these playoffs and the Bulls need to figure out a plan for Derrick whether it is limited minutes/limited role or whatever.

I never said any of those players would become anything special. I said if we want to be true contendors, Jimmy can't be our #1 option. We better hope and pray that Niko or Snell turn into legit stars (highly unlikely).

Your #1 option must be able to split doubles on a consistent basis. And they must command triple teams on occasion. That's when you know you have a franchise player that can take you to the promise land.

Jimmy can be the #1 option all he wants, but that's not gonna get us anywhere.

not gonna lie, I dont think hes there right now, but I'm not going to count him out. Look at the improvement he made this summer. What if he decided next summer to put the team on his back and work his magic again?