Michael Jackson wrote:Bulls2021 wrote:Has DeRozan ever been the #2 on a team? Seems like he's always been asked to be the #1 option on teams, but those teams never went far. Now that he can be the #2 or even #3 option (when Vuc is on), he's proven how good he can be. AKME did an amazing job finding an undervalued asset. He got DeMar and Vuc very cheaply given their stats. If Vuc performs like he did last year, look out. The Bulls have a legitimate big 3.
Agreed. AK had a plan and right now it smells good. DDR is in the best position he has been in. Lowry never complimented him as much as Zach in a certain sense and Ball plus Caruso help cover the defensive flaws. I mean no one on this team is perfect plenty of flaws but as a whole. Looking to be ok. We need a lil something to be a true contender still (hopes of pat making a leap are crushed) but not too far off. Lots of balance and honestly some hustle guys and maybe 1b/2a players all having the most success they have ever had all together. DDR matured and found the right fit. I think DDR and Vuc are priced right, in a market that overpays ( we can list how many are from Felicio to wall). Much like CP3 sometimes it is the right fit. Feels like smart GM’ing which is foreign in these parts for a long time.
I thought Derozan was a good deal anytime you can trade a 1st rounder for an all-star level player is a win, but I thought Vuc was expensive. I don't regret the move but IIRC the media said there was a bidding war for Vuc at the deadline and the Bulls had to bump up their package to beat out Boston.
But you have to pay to play. This entire system doesn't work very well with defense first, non-scoring PGs without someone like Vuc making plays and shooting in the half court setting. Lonzo is great in transition, but he's pretty much a kickout shooter once we enter half court. Shooters are hugely valuable of course but we don't have a traditional PG in the half court.
Also entirely possible there's no Derozan without Vuc, DDR said over the summer Vuc was the one who he mainly talked to about coming to Chicago.