2012 NBA Offseason: Chicago Bulls
Draft Grades, Offseason Needs, Free Agents
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, David Kay and Peter Christian of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
Chicago Bulls (Last Year: 50-16)
Live 2012 NBA Draft Grades:
29. Marquis Teague, G, Kentucky: A Grade
Solid, solid value here. With Derrick Rose's injury concerns for next season, the Bulls needed to add some point guard depth, which is exactly where Teague fits in. I had him going in the early 20's and Chicago taking Tyshawn Taylor, so this is a terrific pick.
*** 2012 NBA Offseason Needs and Free Agents listed below this comment box. ***
2011-12 Season Summary:
After finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference, it was presumed that the Bulls and Heat were going to slug it out for a trip to the NBA Finals. That expectation quickly disappeared as Derrick Rose tore his ACL in the first game of the postseason. As a result, Chicago was "upset" in the opening round by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rose, the reigning NBA MVP, battled nagging injuries throughout the season; it forced the Bulls to rely on C.J. Watson and John Lucas III to run the point. That only worked out so-so. Rose's playmaking ability was certainly missed, and, when he was on the floor, he just seemed to be lacking some of the explosiveness and quickness that makes him nearly impossible to guard.
It wasn't just Rose that missed significant time due to injury. Free agent acquisition Rip Hamilton only appeared in 28 games and failed to be the team's missing piece at shooting guard.
With Rose and Hamilton out of the lineup, Luol Deng stepped into the go-to-scorer role and Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer had to play increased roles on the wing. As expected, Korver shot the ball from distance and Brewer brought his tough defense to the floor, but the overall wing play suffered without Rose running the show - Suffered and they still won 50 games, I know ... I'm being nit-picky.
Overall, the production up front was solid as the Bulls had plenty of depth and versatility. Joakim Noah was his active self, though an injury also kept him sidelined for three of their six games in that 76ers series. Carlos Boozer was solid, but continues to play below the massive contract he signed two summers ago. Taj Gibson and Omer Asik provided size off the bench and form probably one of the top reserve frontcourt duos in the league.
Winning 50 games was a major accomplishment. However, all that excitement and hopefulness of reclaiming the Larry O'Brien Trophy came crashing down with one injury. Unfortunately, that's how the Bulls 2011-12 season will be remembered.
2012-13 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/*Omer Asik
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
SG: Rip Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
PG: Derrick Rose/#C.J. Watson
NBA Free Agents:
*C-Omer Asik (RFA)
#PG-C.J. Watson (TO)
PF-Brian Scalabrine (UFA)
PG-John Lucas III (UFA)
PG-Mikes James (UFA)
2012-13 Team Salary: Approximately $65.6 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. Point Guard: With Rose's status uncertain for next season, the Bulls need to find a veteran point guard as C.J. Watson simply cannot be relied upon to be the guy next season. There is a chance that Rose may return later in the season, but Chicago needs a Plan B in case that doesn't happen. With several quality experienced point guards on the free agent market, the team should be able to find a one-year rental for the starting lineup.
2. Shooting Guard: Rip Hamilton is washed up, Kyle Korver is pretty much just a jump shooter, and Ronnie Brewer is offensively-challenged. All that means the Bulls are still looking for an answer at shooting guard. This becomes even more of a priority with Rose out of the lineup since Chicago won't have his explosive ability off the bounce.
3. Re-sign Asik: Omer Asik's numbers don't jump off the page at you, but he makes a significant impact in the middle coming off the bench. Asik is a restricted free agent this offseason, and since size is always in demand in the NBA, some team could throw a semi-ridiculous contract his way in hopes of luring the big man away from Chicago. The Bulls don't really have the flexibility to pay Asik a ton of money, so they will try to get him to stay for an affordable rate.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 19
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
Chicago Bulls (Last Year: 50-16)
Live 2012 NBA Draft Grades:
29. Marquis Teague, G, Kentucky: A Grade
Solid, solid value here. With Derrick Rose's injury concerns for next season, the Bulls needed to add some point guard depth, which is exactly where Teague fits in. I had him going in the early 20's and Chicago taking Tyshawn Taylor, so this is a terrific pick.
*** 2012 NBA Offseason Needs and Free Agents listed below this comment box. ***
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George
03-26-2013
04:13 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.173
(total posts: 1)
 81
 6
We should trade Rose for Kyrie
#allday
Omar
12-04-2012
02:36 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.195
(total posts: 1)
6
15
MrMasstastic / @d2pans If he blows out his knee he'll have already made at least $10 Million gueanrtaed in the first 2 seasons of his contract regardless of health or performance. The average Arizona graduate doesnt even make $5 Million in their lifetime let alone $5 Million in 1 year at 20 years old. Good luck Derrick, would love to see you in Sacramento.
ShotCaller
10-19-2012
03:46 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx6.74
(total posts: 1)
6
8
This season and all seasons in the near future will be washes unless Rose is paired with a terrific wing scorer or a low-block presence who can drop in 15 a game and draw opposing defenses inside to free up perimeter shooters. The last two seasons have shown that Miami can't be beat with outstanding defense and Rose alone. James and Wade will get enough shots to fall regardless; that's what superstars do. Also I don't see the Bulls sticking with Boozer beyond this year so I hope Taj Gibson will take that starting PF spot and won't be lost to another team.
Adam
06-28-2012
10:49 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.212
(total posts: 1)
11
8
Great pick by my Bulls!! Now if they can add another shooting guard/ perimeter scorer, I feel they can make it through Rose's injury with a very respectable record. And when he gets back...... BOOMSHAKALAKA
rob
06-27-2012
08:56 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.129
(total posts: 1)
35
54
honestly id make a play for dwight howard...if he signs an extension that is. he would be a perfect fit in chicago and would win multiple titles. he would get the titles, play for a city that would love him, be in a huge market, and create a lasting legacy(which is apparently another thing he wants) as the best big to ever play in chicago. on top of that, i think you would see a great improvment in boozers play if howard got here.
dangle
06-27-2012
05:57 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.36
(total posts: 1)
8
8
The Bulls need to find another star; this year doesn't matter. They need another stud to pair with Rose. They need to think big, and shake up this roster.
Brian Scalabrine
06-27-2012
09:29 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.170
(total posts: 1)
51
19
How is re-signing me not priority #1 on their offseason needs list?
The Guru
06-29-2011
07:20 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.121
(total posts: 1)
25
25
It vexes me that we're stuck with Boozer... but it seems that we're stuck with him. He did get hurt and he did get a little heavy in that time off (which will happen in any sport when you miss training camp) Hopefully his confidence and his explosion will come back... if they can add a Monte Ellis by trading Deng, I'd do it... but if they could add a Jason Richardson or J.R. Smith via Free agency...we'd be good
jlee1533
06-27-2011
05:03 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.234
(total posts: 1)
23
23
Trust me, Vince is right about Boozer. I'm a Bulls fan first, but live in Utah and cheer them on. Boozer is a terrible playoffs player. I was so happy that he was leaving but I just knew I would be stuck with him in CHI. I guess he can help us with our seeding, then, look out.
Fitz
06-23-2011
11:06 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.52
(total posts: 1)
23
31
You were right about Malcolm Lee over Travis Leslie. Just in the 2nd round not the 1st
Ryan
06-23-2011
04:49 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.109
(total posts: 3)
23
23
How about a little respect for Bulls fans Walt> In your mock you have no analysis for either of the Bulls 1st round picks, and instead opt to tak about losing money on the Bulls Miami series and sleeping in a box for the 28, and a coml=pletely irrelevant Minnesota LA trade rumor for #30. Love ya, but what gives?
Chuck III sticks
06-23-2011
02:13 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.109
(total posts: 3)
23
23
Here it is:
28-Charles Jenkins 30-Bertans or Mirotic 43-E'twaun Moore
Phil Getsinger
06-23-2011
02:08 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.109
(total posts: 3)
24
24
Actually Vince, Boozer's playoffs numers before 2011 had been higher than his regular season numbers. And Millsap didn't do anything in the playoffs til 09-10
Vince
06-23-2011
01:29 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 2)
33
42
Okay, I'm tired of this. I'm a Jazz fan, so I would know. Carlos Boozer ALWAYS sucks in the playoffs. The Jazz always went with Paul Millsap, and he played well. Boozer is a huge choker. There's a reason I was happy to see him leave. So don't be surprised by it, and don't think it'll change. He's just like LeBron James; Great regular season player, but a choke artist who will only get the ring via his amazing superstar teammate.
Vince
06-23-2011
01:29 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 2)
23
25
Okay, I'm tired of this. I'm a Jazz fan, so I would know. Carlos Boozer ALWAYS sucks in the playoffs. The Jazz always went with Paul Millsap, and he played well. Boozer is a huge choker. There's a reason I was happy to see him leave. So don't be surprised by it, and don't think it'll change. He's just like LeBron James; Great regular season player, but a choke artist who will only get the ring via his amazing superstar teammate.
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2011-12 Season Summary:
After finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference, it was presumed that the Bulls and Heat were going to slug it out for a trip to the NBA Finals. That expectation quickly disappeared as Derrick Rose tore his ACL in the first game of the postseason. As a result, Chicago was "upset" in the opening round by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rose, the reigning NBA MVP, battled nagging injuries throughout the season; it forced the Bulls to rely on C.J. Watson and John Lucas III to run the point. That only worked out so-so. Rose's playmaking ability was certainly missed, and, when he was on the floor, he just seemed to be lacking some of the explosiveness and quickness that makes him nearly impossible to guard.
It wasn't just Rose that missed significant time due to injury. Free agent acquisition Rip Hamilton only appeared in 28 games and failed to be the team's missing piece at shooting guard.
With Rose and Hamilton out of the lineup, Luol Deng stepped into the go-to-scorer role and Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer had to play increased roles on the wing. As expected, Korver shot the ball from distance and Brewer brought his tough defense to the floor, but the overall wing play suffered without Rose running the show - Suffered and they still won 50 games, I know ... I'm being nit-picky.
Overall, the production up front was solid as the Bulls had plenty of depth and versatility. Joakim Noah was his active self, though an injury also kept him sidelined for three of their six games in that 76ers series. Carlos Boozer was solid, but continues to play below the massive contract he signed two summers ago. Taj Gibson and Omer Asik provided size off the bench and form probably one of the top reserve frontcourt duos in the league.
Winning 50 games was a major accomplishment. However, all that excitement and hopefulness of reclaiming the Larry O'Brien Trophy came crashing down with one injury. Unfortunately, that's how the Bulls 2011-12 season will be remembered.
2012-13 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/*Omer Asik
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
SG: Rip Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
PG: Derrick Rose/#C.J. Watson
NBA Free Agents:
*C-Omer Asik (RFA)
#PG-C.J. Watson (TO)
PF-Brian Scalabrine (UFA)
PG-John Lucas III (UFA)
PG-Mikes James (UFA)
2012-13 Team Salary: Approximately $65.6 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. Point Guard: With Rose's status uncertain for next season, the Bulls need to find a veteran point guard as C.J. Watson simply cannot be relied upon to be the guy next season. There is a chance that Rose may return later in the season, but Chicago needs a Plan B in case that doesn't happen. With several quality experienced point guards on the free agent market, the team should be able to find a one-year rental for the starting lineup.
2. Shooting Guard: Rip Hamilton is washed up, Kyle Korver is pretty much just a jump shooter, and Ronnie Brewer is offensively-challenged. All that means the Bulls are still looking for an answer at shooting guard. This becomes even more of a priority with Rose out of the lineup since Chicago won't have his explosive ability off the bounce.
3. Re-sign Asik: Omer Asik's numbers don't jump off the page at you, but he makes a significant impact in the middle coming off the bench. Asik is a restricted free agent this offseason, and since size is always in demand in the NBA, some team could throw a semi-ridiculous contract his way in hopes of luring the big man away from Chicago. The Bulls don't really have the flexibility to pay Asik a ton of money, so they will try to get him to stay for an affordable rate.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 19
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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