That is to say, Chris Duhon proclaims that his time in Chicago will inevitably conclude at season's end. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Entering this summer, I think Duhon is a viable option at back up point guard if Ainge elects not to resign both House or Cassell. I feel like Duhon wants to play and know that he's a part of what that team is doing. He could've a place in Boston and Ainge could add youth in the process to build on toward the future to complement Rondo. I reckon it'll come down to deciding on whether or not you resign House, Cassell and Tony Allen. Let's not forget about Tony. Because I believe if Tony is resigned then House becomes expendable and I prefer a younger option in Duhon over an aging Cassell for point guard depth. I know Cassell wouldn't mind retiring a Celtic. However, Ainge must decide if House, Cassell, [Tony] Allen and Pruitt have a future with Boston long term. Well, House might not be expendable in the opinions of others. I like what he brings to the table this season. Still, if Duhon's price tag is reasonable. I see no reason not to consider him this summer as a possible upgrade over House at point guard. Duhon's one of those free agents who could be a steal if signed for the right price. He's twenty-five, can defend and is probably more of a traditional point guard than House give or take his [Duhon] own flaws. Based on these reports, Duhon just seems frustrated and desires to be in a better situation. So, I don't think him getting fined is a red flag which entirely defines his character. It might. But, I'm sure that Ainge will ask around from those in the know about him as a player and person on and off the court.
Duhon, who is in the final year of his contract, didn't speak with the media Monday but said during an interview on WMVP-AM (1000) that he realizes he's not in the team's plans beyond this season. ''I probably won't be back,'' he said. ''I don't know what the summer has for me. I don't know what's going to happen with Jim. John has a lot of decisions to make. He's made some mistakes, but for the most part, he's done a great job trying to make this team competitive.'' Chicago Sun-Times
Kevin Bradbury, Duhon's Chicago-based agent, confirmed his client's frustration over his role. "Chris respects John and the organization," Bradbury said while recruiting clients in Lithuania. "But the team has sent him some mixed messages. He's accountable for his actions, and he'll be professional." Chicago Tribune
Paxson vowed to take a critical look at all aspects of the organization this summer, but cleaning house won't be easy. The Bulls can't trade restricted free agents Ben Gordon and Luol Deng without their consent; Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes and Andres Nocioni have large contracts that will be difficult to deal; and younger players such as Thomas and Noah haven't yet reached their potential. Arlington Heights Daily Herald
Team sources said Paxson remains more upset by Thomas' absence because it was premeditated to the point he told two teammates "See you Thursday" on the Tuesday night before missing Wednesday's workout. Another source said Paxson followed the collective-bargaining agreement's handbook and fined Duhon the standard $2,500 for Sunday's absence. It's unclear what action Paxson took Monday, but it's expected Duhon will be benched a second straight game Tuesday. Paxson did say Bulls management didn't know Duhon had left Detroit to attend the Duke game until seeing him on television. "Was it the best choice? No," Paxson acknowledged. "But it's been addressed. And there are consequences for it. I think Chris gets it." Chicago Tribune
When approached by the Sun-Times before the game for a reaction to the punishment, Duhon said: ''Usually, I don't play anyway, so it doesn't have that much of an effect on me.'' Neither Paxson nor Boylan was pleased with that sentiment. ''That's a bothersome statement,'' Paxson said. ''Chris and I talked about it, and he said he said it out of frustration. ''I said this to the guys: The bottom line is we all have a great job. We're in professional sports; we are compensated extremely well; we are asked to come to work and give all you have. You have to put it in that perspective.'' Chicago Sun-Times
