Bulls Rumor Thread - Only Bulls!

[logical_art]

Can somebody explain to me why scouts are sleeping on Kemba Walker? I really don't get it.

All the "he's too short" stuff is such bunk. They said the same thingi about Ty Lawson (who everyone salivates over now). All the "he's not a true PG and can't learn it" stuff is such bunk. They said the same thing about Russell Westbrook and Jrue Holiday (who everyone salivates over now.). I can't believe I watched ESPN and sat through Chris Broussard calling him a poor man's Jamal Crawford and Skip Bayless calling him a poor man's Ben Gordon. Have these guys watched a freaking game?

This kid measured out at 6'1 at the freaking combine. Is he still too short? Anybody that watched an ounce of college basketball shouldn't be questioning this kid like they are, but giving worse players passes. Kemba is the most clutch player in the draft, has the biggest heart, is the best leader, has the biggest motor (yeah including big men) and is a natural scorer. Who cares if he had to be high volume. IT WORKED. Imagine what he does on a team that actually has players better than him, where he won't have to shoot for volume every night.

The kid is simply unstoppable when he gets it going. Nobody can stay in front of him, he can take it to either side, he can do the one man fast break and he can get to the line. His jumpshot, while not stellar, is improving. Defensively, he'll be fine. Kid knows what it takes to win, is coachable and has the tools to be a good defender. I think his peak is Devin Harris' all-star year.

I just don't get it. I hope he does fall to #17, so everyone looks dumb again in a couple of years when they're obsessing over how talented Kemba is and all the intangibles he has.

You don't shoot or defend with your head. Kemba has a standing reach that's Nate Robinson-esque. His length is a liability.

[SimonFish]

WT: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/21 ... r_Maggette

Watson, Korver, Bogans, #30 for Maggette, Dooling, #10?

Rose/#28(Jenkins)/Dooling
#10(Burks or Brooks)/Brewer
Deng/Maggette/Butler
Boozer/Taj/#43
Noah/Asik

[SuburbanOasis]

In the Bulls system imo the 4 and 5 have much more importance, at least defensively. And having Boozer, they might feel that they need 3 bigs that they *know* defensively can get it done.

Someone mentioned about overrating their players. I would word it differently. Some players who do decent to well in their system, I think they don't appreciate how replaceable they are. Which I guess is saying the same thing.

Now, if they are saying, they can get a SG and keep Taj and Asik, that would be best. I agree with that, but, it's not done yet of course.

I'll stress that among the reasons I want to make a move NOW is that I'm an inpatient fan and I'd like to go into the lockout with a starting five. But that's not necessarily how the Bulls think.

I feel like your two last paragraphs are, essentially, the exact opposite of each other. The most likely way to get a good SG and keep Taj/Asik is to wait and go into FA. Making a trade now and going into the lockout with a starting 5 almost definitely means you are losing one of Taj or Asik (to have any kind of talented player at SG at least).

Personally, I think Taj is properly rated. I understand his numbers haven't been huge the past 2 years, but he was essentially a 9/7.5 guy as a rookie playing 27 a game. Those numbers are pretty strong for a rookie who can switch on to anyone and play great team D.

Asik is a scary player to trade because he is so high risk high reward. He probably has a ceiling as a more mobile Gortat, but that is a starting center on most teams.

I just don't see the hurry. If the CBA changes super dramatically then we won't be the only team who needs to make moves. If it doesn't, then we should be in a real good position looking at the available players.

[Red Larrivee]

You don't shoot or defend with your head. Kemba has a standing reach that's Nate Robinson-esque. His length is a liability.

His length hasn't proven to be a real problem for him so far in his basketball career. A lot of times pure talent just outweighs things like that, and for Kemba that's always held true.

Will he be a great defender? Probably not, but he can evolve into a very respectable defender. His shooting has improved and will continue to improve. He does a great job at creating space between he and his man and his mechanics are solid.

There's no way NBA scouts can look at this kid on film and say there are 13 better talents and players than him in this draft. No way.

Kemba: 6'3.5 wingspan, 7'7.5 standing reach
Player X: 6'4.25 wingspan, 7'9 standing reach

Would you have not drafted Player X?

[blumeany]

We needed an inside scorer, the FO got Boozer. We needed a 3pt specialist, they got Korver(and made a legit pass at Reddick). We needed reliable veteran help, they got Bogans (don't hate him for being a starter), Big Sexy. They've drafted guys like Asik, Gibson, JJ (who became a pick). They're holding onto Charlottes future 1st which can easily become a lottery pick. All this and they went to the ECF last season, despite still having roster woes.

They know what we need and they have a plan. They aren't going to make kneejerk trades to satisfy random users on a message board. Have a little faith and trust.

[Betta Bulleavit]

WT: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/21 ... r_Maggette

Watson, Korver, Bogans, #30 for Maggette, Dooling, #10?

Rose/#28(Jenkins)/Dooling
#10(Burks or Brooks)/Brewer
Deng/Maggette/Butler
Boozer/Taj/#43
Noah/Asik

I think you missed the part of the article that said that the Bucks are looking to UPGRADE the team. How in blue hell would this type of deal do that for them??

[southpaw954]

A few things that I want to chime in on.

1 - Tech n9ne validity: I have been on this board since 2004 and was around for when Tech was calling rumors correctly left and right. It was clear that he had the inside track on organizational thinking and stuff like that. But over the past couple of years, I have grown a bit weary of the reliability of Tech and his "sources". That weariness has grown to epic proportions due to this most recent stunt. It doesn't bother me that Tech may not know anything at this point. That's probably the most likely case. I can live with that. But when you go out of your way to alert people that you have info that you are going to post to your sight between [this time and that time] and then you don't follow through, you give off the impression that you are just stringing people along just to get hits on your sight. I can't say one hundred that this was his intent, but it certainly feels like it.

2 - Bulls not making any moves: As disappointing as this may be, it was ALWAYS a distinct possibility, especially considering that there is no new CBA in place. Much of what we discussed on this board was predicated on their being a MLE similar to the one that exists now. But that is looking like less and less of a possibility. Therefore, the Bulls have to be very careful about the moves that they make before a new CBA is in place. For all we know, the Bulls may be in a better position to make moves after the CBA is agreed upon rather than doing so right now. As fans, we all want to see the big splash because it gives us something to talk about. But a GM's job isn't to satisfy the fans' need to chit chat. Their job is to make moves that are going to be in the best interest of the team. Considering the injury histories of both Noah and Boozer, it's plain to see why the Bulls would be reluctant to ship out Gibson or Asik for a player that may or may not make us a better team.

3 - GarPax standing pat: Who the hell is pat anyway? And why in the hell is he/she always standing? But seriously, people that talk about the Bulls always standing pat are similar to that materialistic b**ch that no man is ever going to satisfy. You may be able to criticize the moves that our organization has made, but standing pat should be the last knock on our front office. I mean seriously...how could you make such an assertion given what JUST happened right before our very eyes? Our organization is not averse to making moves. They just like to look at every nook and crany of a deal before pulling the trigger. I (for one) prefer it that way. In my opinion, the moves that you don't make are often the ones that end up paying the biggest dividends in the end. Just a thought.

Honestly who cares if he doesn't update his site like Ralph said he would. I doubt either one gets paid and if they do probably not well enough to live comfortably. Also we all have the internet. How can you b**ch about no rumors? There are tons of them all over this board and the internet.

Ralph and Tech are 2 of the better posters. They make coming here more enjoyable. Leave them alone. If there info comes, it comes. If not, Google NBA rumors and all types of BS will come up.


Also, maybe no update from them because there is nothing to update on the Bulls front.

[DelonteLuvYoMom]

from twitter:
"Jerry_Brewer Jerry Brewer
NBA draft buzz: @WojYahooNBA writes the Mavs and Bulls like Isaiah Thomas and will consider taking him late in the 1st rd."

The Bulls don't need a midget PG.

[othawhitemeat]

I agree that Kemba will be a steal in this draft. He has crazy hesitation, amazing burst, and one of the quickest first steps with a tight dribble. He is tough enough to get off a shot in the paint. He is a steal if taken outside of the top 4 in my opinion.

However, he must be selected by the right team and right coaching system. He will need a real system or he could turn out to be a stats player on a losing team.

[kyrv]

In the Bulls system imo the 4 and 5 have much more importance, at least defensively. And having Boozer, they might feel that they need 3 bigs that they *know* defensively can get it done.

Someone mentioned about overrating their players. I would word it differently. Some players who do decent to well in their system, I think they don't appreciate how replaceable they are. Which I guess is saying the same thing.

Now, if they are saying, they can get a SG and keep Taj and Asik, that would be best. I agree with that, but, it's not done yet of course.

I'll stress that among the reasons I want to make a move NOW is that I'm an inpatient fan and I'd like to go into the lockout with a starting five. But that's not necessarily how the Bulls think.

I feel like your two last paragraphs are, essentially, the exact opposite of each other. The most likely way to get a good SG and keep Taj/Asik is to wait and go into FA. Making a trade now and going into the lockout with a starting 5 almost definitely means you are losing one of Taj or Asik (to have any kind of talented player at SG at least).

Personally, I think Taj is properly rated. I understand his numbers haven't been huge the past 2 years, but he was essentially a 9/7.5 guy as a rookie playing 27 a game. Those numbers are pretty strong for a rookie who can switch on to anyone and play great team D.

Asik is a scary player to trade because he is so high risk high reward. He probably has a ceiling as a more mobile Gortat, but that is a starting center on most teams.

I just don't see the hurry. If the CBA changes super dramatically then we won't be the only team who needs to make moves. If it doesn't, then we should be in a real good position looking at the available players.

What I meant was, ideally I'd like to have a good SG and keep Taj and Asik - that does not make it doable. So while I would weigh that in and make the move, again they have much more information than I do.

I thought we would see tons of trades but once we found out the NBA actually cautioned teams to wait, well, now I think there may not be a ton of trades. The league also knows more than we do, so I do think doing not much is more a possibility than I did before, just how it played out.

But I won't complain that it's "not exciting enough for me" as one poster opined yesterday.

[SimonFish]

WT: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/21 ... r_Maggette

Watson, Korver, Bogans, #30 for Maggette, Dooling, #10?

Rose/#28(Jenkins)/Dooling
#10(Burks or Brooks)/Brewer
Deng/Maggette/Butler
Boozer/Taj/#43
Noah/Asik

I think you missed the part of the article that said that the Bucks are looking to UPGRADE the team. How in blue hell would this type of deal do that for them??

Well. I don't believe that they truly want to upgrade the team. Packaging the #10 with Maggette cannot do a much upgrade anyway. (Well, at least Watson would be an upgrade over Dooling? )

[Magilla_Gorilla]

You don't shoot or defend with your head. Kemba has a standing reach that's Nate Robinson-esque. His length is a liability.

His length hasn't proven to be a real problem for him so far in his basketball career.

Adam Morrison's athleticism didn't prove to be a real problem for him up until his first day in the NBA. Just saying.

[logical_art]

You don't shoot or defend with your head. Kemba has a standing reach that's Nate Robinson-esque. His length is a liability.

His length hasn't proven to be a real problem for him so far in his basketball career. A lot of times pure talent just outweighs things like that, and for Kemba that's always held true.

Will he be a great defender? Probably not, but he can evolve into a very respectable defender. His shooting has improved and will continue to improve. He does a great job at creating space between he and his man and his mechanics are solid.

There's no way NBA scouts can look at this kid on film and say there are 13 better talents and players than him in this draft. No way.

Kemba: 6'3.5 wingspan, 7'7.5 standing reach
Player X: 6'4.25 wingspan, 7'9 standing reach

Would you have not drafted Player X?

Exceptions don't really prove anything. It's very difficult to justify a lottery pick at Walker's size. Factor in his lack of PG skill and you've got a very risky pick.

[TRWJINC]

CJ+Korver+2nd Rounder for Ben Gordon

i think that is a good backup plan imo. we must get a SG before the lockout imo. plus i don't think there will be a major issue going forward. I don't think MLE is going to be around next season either. Plus worse case scenario we can buy BG out after year of 2

[Betta Bulleavit]

A few things that I want to chime in on.

1 - Tech n9ne validity: I have been on this board since 2004 and was around for when Tech was calling rumors correctly left and right. It was clear that he had the inside track on organizational thinking and stuff like that. But over the past couple of years, I have grown a bit weary of the reliability of Tech and his "sources". That weariness has grown to epic proportions due to this most recent stunt. It doesn't bother me that Tech may not know anything at this point. That's probably the most likely case. I can live with that. But when you go out of your way to alert people that you have info that you are going to post to your sight between [this time and that time] and then you don't follow through, you give off the impression that you are just stringing people along just to get hits on your sight. I can't say one hundred that this was his intent, but it certainly feels like it.

2 - Bulls not making any moves: As disappointing as this may be, it was ALWAYS a distinct possibility, especially considering that there is no new CBA in place. Much of what we discussed on this board was predicated on their being a MLE similar to the one that exists now. But that is looking like less and less of a possibility. Therefore, the Bulls have to be very careful about the moves that they make before a new CBA is in place. For all we know, the Bulls may be in a better position to make moves after the CBA is agreed upon rather than doing so right now. As fans, we all want to see the big splash because it gives us something to talk about. But a GM's job isn't to satisfy the fans' need to chit chat. Their job is to make moves that are going to be in the best interest of the team. Considering the injury histories of both Noah and Boozer, it's plain to see why the Bulls would be reluctant to ship out Gibson or Asik for a player that may or may not make us a better team.

3 - GarPax standing pat: Who the hell is pat anyway? And why in the hell is he/she always standing? But seriously, people that talk about the Bulls always standing pat are similar to that materialistic b**ch that no man is ever going to satisfy. You may be able to criticize the moves that our organization has made, but standing pat should be the last knock on our front office. I mean seriously...how could you make such an assertion given what JUST happened right before our very eyes? Our organization is not averse to making moves. They just like to look at every nook and crany of a deal before pulling the trigger. I (for one) prefer it that way. In my opinion, the moves that you don't make are often the ones that end up paying the biggest dividends in the end. Just a thought.

Honestly who cares if he doesn't update his site like Ralph said he would. I doubt either one gets paid and if they do probably not well enough to live comfortably. Also we all have the internet. How can you b**ch about no rumors? There are tons of them all over this board and the internet.

Ralph and Tech are 2 of the better posters. They make coming here more enjoyable. Leave them alone. If there info comes, it comes. If not, Google NBA rumors and all types of BS will come up.


Also, maybe no update from them because there is nothing to update on the Bulls front.

To your first point....I really don't care. That's why I am just now commenting on it even though it has been an ongoing sub-discussion for a couple of days now. Secondly, there is a difference between random internet postings and guys that claim to have inside sources. I would hope that you understand the difference between the two. And lastly, you should really go back and read my post again. I specifically stated that the most likely case is that there is nothing to report at this point. Did you catch that? Or did you just see what you wanted to see?

I don't have a beef with Tech. But it wasn't just Ralph that said he would be updating the site. Tech came on here himself and said that. Has it happened? No. Can that be perceived as an effort to drum up hits for his site? It sure could. Does it mean that creating hits was his sole intent? Not necessarily. I was just pointing out that things LIKE this is why people have begun to question the credibility of Tech N9ne. I'm sure he's an okay guy (I don't know him) but I'm just calling it how I see it.

[heirdog]

His length hasn't proven to be a real problem for him so far in his basketball career.

Adam Morrison's athleticism didn't prove to be a real problem for him up until his first day in the NBA. Just saying.

For every 1,000 Adam Morrison's, there is a Larry Bird. Maybe the people defending Kemba think that he is the Larry Bird exception.

Now, I think Kemba will be decent in the pros but probably not an All-Star. He is dropping out of the top 5 in mocks but still in the top 20 (many still in the lottery). I don't think anyone is saying he is a bum, just that he has clear-cut limitations that will likely hinder his play in the NBA, whereas other options are not as obvious and may end up being better in the long run.

[m_willis01]

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Hearing Portland and Orlando are talking about swapping Andre Miller and Jameer Nelson, with the #21 pick going to Orlando.

4 minutes ago

does this make orlando worse or better?

[Red Larrivee]

Adam Morrison's athleticism didn't prove to be a real problem for him up until his first day in the NBA. Just saying.

How about Redick? Hinrich? David Lee? I mean there's plenty of players who made it in the league despite not being that athletic, or not having great length.

[SimonFish]

DraftExpress Jonathan Givony
Hearing Portland and Orlando are talking about swapping Andre Miller and Jameer Nelson, with the #21 pick going to Orlando.

4 minutes ago

does this make orlando worse or better?

lol worse. Dwight definitely gonna leave if they really do the deal.

[Red Larrivee]

Exceptions don't really prove anything. It's very difficult to justify a lottery pick at Walker's size.

No it isn't. He's more talented and a better player right now than a lot of these players in the draft. There's not 14 players better than Kemba in this draft on or off paper. If he isn't taken in the lottery, it's dumb.

And again, would you not draft Player X because of his short standing reach and wingspan?

Factor in his lack of PG skill and you've got a very risky pick.

Just like Russell Westbrook and Jrue Holiday right? Oh, and Stephen Curry.