McGraw: Bulls SG issues

[Tommy Udo 6]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/2010 ... 712289834/

The Bulls still have about seven weeks — until the Feb. 17 trade deadline — to come up with an upgrade at shooting guard. This is the time of year when teams discuss dozens of possibilities and wait to see who gets serious closer to the deadline.

The Bulls are working the phones and testing the waters, but nothing is imminent. A couple of obstacles working against the Bulls are a lack of tradable assets and a crowded payroll.

The Bulls already have locked up Boozer, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng for at least $10 million per season, and a hefty extension for Rose is a year away.

So adding Detroit's Richard Hamilton, 32, at $25 million over the next two seasons, or Charlotte's Stephen Jackson, 32, at $20 million for two years isn't fiscally responsible.

As far as trade bait, moving Taj Gibson doesn't make much sense with Noah sidelined for eight more weeks with a thumb injury. Deng figures to have limited value because of his large contract.
-----------------------------

Except, that is, for perhaps their most valuable asset — the first-round pick garnered from Charlotte in last year's Tyrus Thomas trade. That pick is lottery-protected this year, but the restrictions ease gradually until it's completely unprotected in 2016.

If the Bobcats miss the playoffs this year and keep getting worse — not at all far-fetched — that pick could become a top-five selection someday.

The one scenario that might justify the Bulls trading the pick now is for Memphis guard O.J. Mayo. It's probably safe to say the Bulls would jump at the chance. The question is whether the Grizzlies would give up on Mayo while he's still on his rookie contract.

Mayo (13.1 points) has yet to resemble a budding superstar and Memphis already has spent big money to extend Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, so it seems reasonable to expect Mayo to leave eventually, giving up his spot to Xavier Henry.

This is one of those situations that may heat up in February.

Another player who interests the Bulls is Denver's J.R. Smith (11.7 points). He's not their first choice and will be a free agent this summer, so it's unlikely the Bulls would be willing to give up the Charlotte pick for Smith.

What it would take to get the notorious streak shooter is unclear since the Nuggets are still in limbo with Carmelo Anthony's future.

Some other names being tossed around — such as Cleveland's Anthony Parker, Houston's Courtney Lee and Phoenix's Mickael Pietrus — probably wouldn't be an upgrade over what the Bulls already have.

The Bulls are definitely looking for someone to fill that role. But with limited resources at the moment, failure will be an option.

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

The Bulls are working the phones and testing the waters, but nothing is imminent. A couple of obstacles working against the Bulls are a lack of tradable assets and a crowded payroll .
---------------------------
The Bulls already have locked up Boozer, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng for at least $10 million per season, and a hefty extension for Rose is a year away.
--------------------------
As far as trade bait, moving Taj Gibson doesn't make much sense with Noah sidelined for eight more weeks with a thumb injury. Deng figures to have limited value because of his large contract.
-------------------------
The Bulls are definitely looking for someone to fill that role. But with limited resources at the moment, failure will be an option.

It will continue to be hard for us to improve this team, unless we find a way to rid ourselves of Deng's bloated contract.

[Bulltalk]

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101227/sports/712289834/

The Bulls still have about seven weeks — until the Feb. 17 trade deadline — to come up with an upgrade at shooting guard. This is the time of year when teams discuss dozens of possibilities and wait to see who gets serious closer to the deadline.

The Bulls are working the phones and testing the waters, but nothing is imminent. A couple of obstacles working against the Bulls are a lack of tradable assets and a crowded payroll.

The Bulls already have locked up Boozer, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng for at least $10 million per season, and a hefty extension for Rose is a year away.

So adding Detroit's Richard Hamilton, 32, at $25 million over the next two seasons, or Charlotte's Stephen Jackson, 32, at $20 million for two years isn't fiscally responsible.

As far as trade bait, moving Taj Gibson doesn't make much sense with Noah sidelined for eight more weeks with a thumb injury. Deng figures to have limited value because of his large contract.
-----------------------------

Except, that is, for perhaps their most valuable asset — the first-round pick garnered from Charlotte in last year's Tyrus Thomas trade. That pick is lottery-protected this year, but the restrictions ease gradually until it's completely unprotected in 2016.

If the Bobcats miss the playoffs this year and keep getting worse — not at all far-fetched — that pick could become a top-five selection someday.

The one scenario that might justify the Bulls trading the pick now is for Memphis guard O.J. Mayo. It's probably safe to say the Bulls would jump at the chance. The question is whether the Grizzlies would give up on Mayo while he's still on his rookie contract.

Mayo (13.1 points) has yet to resemble a budding superstar and Memphis already has spent big money to extend Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, so it seems reasonable to expect Mayo to leave eventually, giving up his spot to Xavier Henry.

This is one of those situations that may heat up in February.

Another player who interests the Bulls is Denver's J.R. Smith (11.7 points). He's not their first choice and will be a free agent this summer, so it's unlikely the Bulls would be willing to give up the Charlotte pick for Smith.

What it would take to get the notorious streak shooter is unclear since the Nuggets are still in limbo with Carmelo Anthony's future.

Some other names being tossed around — such as Cleveland's Anthony Parker, Houston's Courtney Lee and Phoenix's Mickael Pietrus — probably wouldn't be an upgrade over what the Bulls already have.

The Bulls are definitely looking for someone to fill that role. But with limited resources at the moment, failure will be an option.

Here's the key quote. Not "fiscally responsible". Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

[boogydown]

It sounds like Jackson isn't going to happen because

A). His Age
B). His Contract
C). We actually have to give up assets for him.

I agree that Smith and Mayo would be better for us long term but Smith won't be moved until Melo is and Mayo seems quite expensive. Eventually a trade will go down though the way I see it.

McGraw is pretty dead on.

[step]

Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

We've got quite a bit more internal improving and few pieces to go before we're truly in contention in my view.

Things change if Rose can get to the line like Wade did vs Dallas in the finals, but doubtful that'll change any time soon.

[RedBulls23]

Here's the key quote. Not "fiscally responsible". Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

Well I think that is just Mcgraws quote. I think if a move would make us a title contender, the team will pursue it Which is the reason why we are looking to add these certain players to begin with.

[whonka]

Here's the key quote. Not "fiscally responsible". Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

Key words "contending team". Not "team that would be almost a contender if they hadn't traded Taj Gibson for Stephen Jackson".

[RedBulls23]

Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

We've got quite a bit more internal improving and few pieces to go before we're truly in contention in my view.

Things change if Rose can get to the line like Wade did vs Dallas in the finals, but doubtful that'll change any time soon.

Even Jordan didn't get to the line like that so I don't see anything that ridiculous happening for Rose. I think there were plenty of calls in that finals series that were very questionable, but that is a different story.

Rose just needs to get to the ft line around 7-8 times a game and maybe hit about 2 3's a game on an average and his TS% will be fine. His 3 ball is what will separate him from guys like Wade who get to the line 10 times a game.

[Bulltalk]

Whatever happened to the notion that ownership would pay up for a contending team?

We've got quite a bit more internal improving and few pieces to go before we're truly in contention in my view.

Things change if Rose can get to the line like Wade did vs Dallas in the finals, but doubtful that'll change any time soon.

So let's not try and find out? Let's take your word for it? Let's take ownership's word for it?

I think not. What if Orlando never gels after these recent moves? What if Wade goes down with injury (Lord knows it's happened before with his style of play)? What if Boston's age comes into play as the playoffs unfold?

The fact is that we're not THAT far away. "Truly in contention" has the danger of becoming a figment of the imagination. A mirage. An excuse for not paying up, for not taking the kinds of risks that every team that goes for titles must take, or has taken to get there.

Just MO.

[boogydown]

Lets sum this up then

Smith - Waiting on Denver to move Melo
Mayo - Waiting on Memphis to bring their price down
Jackson - Waiting on the outcome of Smith and Mayo before they consider Jackson.

[Bulltalk]

Besides, Charles Barkley seems to think we can come out of the East.

[Bulltalk]

Would Mark Cuban hesitate in giving his team the best possible chance to go as far as they were able to go with his resources and what might be available to give his team such a chance? Would Cuban let Taj stand in the way?

[RedBulls23]

Would Mark Cuban hesitate in giving his team the best possible chance to go as far as they were able to go with his resources and what might be available to give his team such a chance? Would Cuban let Taj stand in the way?

No, but Cuban also doesn't have a board of people to answer to. He is 100% owner of the team. Also, he is more then likely richer then JR.

[Bulltalk]

Would Mark Cuban hesitate in giving his team the best possible chance to go as far as they were able to go with his resources and what might be available to give his team such a chance? Would Cuban let Taj stand in the way?

No, but Cuban also doesn't have a board of people to answer to. He is 100% owner of the team. Also, he may very well be richer then JR.

Then please don't let me hear that this ownership will pay up for a contending team again.

[RedBulls23]

Would Mark Cuban hesitate in giving his team the best possible chance to go as far as they were able to go with his resources and what might be available to give his team such a chance? Would Cuban let Taj stand in the way?

No, but Cuban also doesn't have a board of people to answer to. He is 100% owner of the team. Also, he may very well be richer then JR.

Then please don't let me hear that this ownership will pay up for a contending team again.

Well considering that the Bulls led the league in payroll during the dynasty days, I would say you are completely off base. Cuban just hands out contacts like the Mavericks are his toy. JR treats it like a business since he has a board to answer to.

This team becoming a title contender means more profit for the board members and himself so you better believe that he will pay when there is a player to add to make us into a title contender.

[step]

So let's not try and find out?

For who? Stephen Jackson or Rip Hamilton?
Are those the pieces we're truly missing that will magically vault us into contention? I don't think so.
Why not wait and actually obtain someone actually worthwhile.

Would Mark Cuban hesitate in giving his team the best possible chance to go as far as they were able to go with his resources and what might be available to give his team such a chance?

And has his gracious spending got him a championship yet? Has Dolan's?

I would love for us to do so, but we know it won't happen until we are a true contender or the move will make us one. We've paid it in the past, but we're not a team who'll rush into it just to improve by a few wins.

Would Cuban let Taj stand in the way?

Taj is helping us compete now, well in theory, silly concussion. Trade him now and we get to play Thomas, Scalabrine and a scrub 48 minutes. That's really going to win us heaps of games there during Noahs downtime.

[Bulltalk]

Well considering that the Bulls led the league in payroll during the dynasty days, I would say you are completely off base. Cuban just hands out contacts like the Mavericks are his toy. JR treats it like a business since he has a board to answer to.

Let's back it up here. How many years did the Bulls lead in payroll in the 1990's? I just checked two championship years where they weren't the leaders in payroll.

And how much profit did the Bulls make in relation to the other teams in spite of their higher relative payrolls? And how much did their franchise increase in value during such years relative to the other teams?

[bullsnewdynasty]

For who? Stephen Jackson or Rip Hamilton?
Are those the pieces we're truly missing that will magically vault us into contention? I don't think so.
Why not wait and actually obtain someone actually worthwhile.

I would really like to know guys that are better shooting guards and available other than those two and O.J. Mayo. Names, please.

[step]

I would really like to know guys that are better shooting guards and available other than those two and O.J. Mayo. Names, please.

None at this moment, but who's to say there won't be later?
Because they're the only ones available now, we should jump on it straight away?

[Bulltalk]

For who? Stephen Jackson or Rip Hamilton?
Are those the pieces we're truly missing that will magically vault us into contention? I don't think so.
Why not wait and actually obtain someone actually worthwhile.

I would really like to know guys that are better shooting guards and available other than those two and O.J. Mayo. Names, please.

Don't you know that they're sitting at the bottom of the candy coated popcorn and peanuts?