2011 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.
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Chicago Bulls (Last Year: 62-20)
2011 NBA Draft Team Grade:
With two late first-round picks, I figured the ideal situation for Chicago would be to add a wing player who can maybe contribute off the bench and a foreign player who they could stash overseas and bring over in a couple of years. Many feel Nikola Mirotic has lottery talent and he could pay huge dividends in a couple of years even though the Bulls had to trade up to get him. I obviously think the world of Jimmy Butler and had the Bulls taking him in my mock draft, so his selection makes a ton sense since he can bring defensive versatility for a head coach that preaches defense. (Team Grade: LOVE IT!)
Live 2011 NBA Draft Grades:
23. Nikola Mirotic, F, Montenegro
The Bulls dealt up with from No. 28 to get the 23rd pick. Mirotic will not be coming to the NBA for a few years because of a contract situation with his overseas team. Chicago has two first-rounders so if makes sense for them to grab a lottery talent who they can stash overseas for a couple years. (Pick Grade: Makes sense)
30. Jimmy Butler, F, Marquette
Right team. Wrong pick. I had Butler going to Chicago at No. 28. As a Marquette alum and die-hard fan, I love this pick for Chicago. Tom Thibodeau preaches defense and Butler is a 6-8 versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and will work his tail off. Don't be surprised if he works his way into the rotation. (Pick Grade: LOVE IT!)
*** 2011 NBA Offseason Needs and Free Agents listed below this comment box. ***
2010-11 Season Summary:
After an offseason in which the Bulls failed to land LeBron, Wade, Amare or Bosh with all their cap space, Chicago was still expected to be an improved team in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng provided a solid young core that was enhanced with the additions of free agent signings Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. However, nobody imagined the Bulls would finish with the best record in the NBA.
Derrick Rose's MVP season was the catalyst for that drastic jump. He became one of the most dynamic players in the league which allowed the Bulls to play at a high level despite missing Noah for 34 games and Boozer for 23 games. His combination of size, speed and explosiveness, as well as his improved feel for the game made him nearly unstoppable when he attacked the basket. His outside shooting remains his Achilles' heel, though he did raise his three-point percentage from 26.7 to 33.2 percent.
With Rose getting all the attention, Deng quietly put together a very solid season and served as Rose's wing man. When Boozer got healthy, he finally gave the Bulls a scoring four though his struggles in the postseason were rather worrisome. Noah did what is expected of him; played with a high motor on the defensive end and attacked the glass.
The role players were serviceable for the Bulls. Taj Gibson was solid in filling in for the injured Noah and Boozer, and was a very valuable backup post player. Korver stretched defenses with his three-point shot. Keith Bogans, Brewer, C.J. Watson, Omer Asik and Kurt Thomas all played their roles as well.
Besides Rose, a big reason for Chicago's 20-plus-win improvement was their defensive effort preached by first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls went from the 13th-best defense in the league allowing about 99 points per game to the second-best defense, surrendering just 91.3 points a night.
2011-12 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/Omer Asik
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson/Brian Scalabrine
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
SG: Richard Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
PG: Derrick Rose/C.J. Watson/John Lucas
NBA Free Agents:
PG-Jannero Pargo (UFA)
Offseason Transactions:
Bulls acquire 23rd pick (Nikola Mirotic) for 28th and 43rd picks.
Bulls sign SG Richard Hamilton to 3-year, $15 million contract.
Bulls waive SG Keith Bogans.
2011-12 Team Salary: Approximately $66.7 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. A Creator: Outside of the insanely effective driver in Rose, the Bulls do not have a player who can really create off the bounce. Korver is a shooter, Bogans a defender, Deng has a nice mid-range game, and Brewer is an athlete, but none of those guys are consistent threats in taking their defenders to the bucket. With only their mid-level exception available, it might be hard for Chicago to find an impact wing player in free agency though. Still, there are some decent veterans who would probably be willing to take $5-6 million a year to play for the Bulls and have a legit chance of winning a NBA Championship.
2. Boozer Bounce Back: Boozer was so inconsistent in the postseason that Thibodeau regularly went with Taj Gibson in crunch time to give them more a defensive look. If Chicago wants to get over the hump, Boozer needs to stay healthy and play like he did in the regular season once playoff time rolls around. His frontcourt scoring is imperative to the team's success alongside the limited offensive weapon, Noah.
3. Lock Up Rose: Rose is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent next summer. Once the lockout situation gets figured out, Chicago needs to do everything in its power to sign Rose to an extension. I don't think there is a real worry about the Chicago native leaving his home city, but I am sure management and fans will breathe much easier having Rose locked up for another five or six years.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
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: 62-20)
2011 NBA Draft Team Grade:
With two late first-round picks, I figured the ideal situation for Chicago would be to add a wing player who can maybe contribute off the bench and a foreign player who they could stash overseas and bring over in a couple of years. Many feel Nikola Mirotic has lottery talent and he could pay huge dividends in a couple of years even though the Bulls had to trade up to get him. I obviously think the world of Jimmy Butler and had the Bulls taking him in my mock draft, so his selection makes a ton sense since he can bring defensive versatility for a head coach that preaches defense. (Team Grade: LOVE IT!)
Live 2011 NBA Draft Grades:
23. Nikola Mirotic, F, Montenegro
The Bulls dealt up with from No. 28 to get the 23rd pick. Mirotic will not be coming to the NBA for a few years because of a contract situation with his overseas team. Chicago has two first-rounders so if makes sense for them to grab a lottery talent who they can stash overseas for a couple years. (Pick Grade: Makes sense)
30. Jimmy Butler, F, Marquette
Right team. Wrong pick. I had Butler going to Chicago at No. 28. As a Marquette alum and die-hard fan, I love this pick for Chicago. Tom Thibodeau preaches defense and Butler is a 6-8 versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and will work his tail off. Don't be surprised if he works his way into the rotation. (Pick Grade: LOVE IT!)
*** 2011 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
 5
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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2010-11 Season Summary:
After an offseason in which the Bulls failed to land LeBron, Wade, Amare or Bosh with all their cap space, Chicago was still expected to be an improved team in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng provided a solid young core that was enhanced with the additions of free agent signings Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. However, nobody imagined the Bulls would finish with the best record in the NBA.
Derrick Rose's MVP season was the catalyst for that drastic jump. He became one of the most dynamic players in the league which allowed the Bulls to play at a high level despite missing Noah for 34 games and Boozer for 23 games. His combination of size, speed and explosiveness, as well as his improved feel for the game made him nearly unstoppable when he attacked the basket. His outside shooting remains his Achilles' heel, though he did raise his three-point percentage from 26.7 to 33.2 percent.
With Rose getting all the attention, Deng quietly put together a very solid season and served as Rose's wing man. When Boozer got healthy, he finally gave the Bulls a scoring four though his struggles in the postseason were rather worrisome. Noah did what is expected of him; played with a high motor on the defensive end and attacked the glass.
The role players were serviceable for the Bulls. Taj Gibson was solid in filling in for the injured Noah and Boozer, and was a very valuable backup post player. Korver stretched defenses with his three-point shot. Keith Bogans, Brewer, C.J. Watson, Omer Asik and Kurt Thomas all played their roles as well.
Besides Rose, a big reason for Chicago's 20-plus-win improvement was their defensive effort preached by first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls went from the 13th-best defense in the league allowing about 99 points per game to the second-best defense, surrendering just 91.3 points a night.
2011-12 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/Omer Asik
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson/Brian Scalabrine
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
SG: Richard Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
PG: Derrick Rose/C.J. Watson/John Lucas
NBA Free Agents:
PG-Jannero Pargo (UFA)
Offseason Transactions:
Bulls acquire 23rd pick (Nikola Mirotic) for 28th and 43rd picks.
Bulls sign SG Richard Hamilton to 3-year, $15 million contract.
Bulls waive SG Keith Bogans.
2011-12 Team Salary: Approximately $66.7 million
NBA Offseason Needs:
1. A Creator: Outside of the insanely effective driver in Rose, the Bulls do not have a player who can really create off the bounce. Korver is a shooter, Bogans a defender, Deng has a nice mid-range game, and Brewer is an athlete, but none of those guys are consistent threats in taking their defenders to the bucket. With only their mid-level exception available, it might be hard for Chicago to find an impact wing player in free agency though. Still, there are some decent veterans who would probably be willing to take $5-6 million a year to play for the Bulls and have a legit chance of winning a NBA Championship.
2. Boozer Bounce Back: Boozer was so inconsistent in the postseason that Thibodeau regularly went with Taj Gibson in crunch time to give them more a defensive look. If Chicago wants to get over the hump, Boozer needs to stay healthy and play like he did in the regular season once playoff time rolls around. His frontcourt scoring is imperative to the team's success alongside the limited offensive weapon, Noah.
3. Lock Up Rose: Rose is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent next summer. Once the lockout situation gets figured out, Chicago needs to do everything in its power to sign Rose to an extension. I don't think there is a real worry about the Chicago native leaving his home city, but I am sure management and fans will breathe much easier having Rose locked up for another five or six years.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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