2012-13 Chicago Bulls
Draft Grades, Needs, Free Agents, Season Preview
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
2011-12: 50-16, 1st in Eastern Conference
2012-13 Predicted Conference Finish: 7th
2012-13 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/Nazr Mohammed/Kyrylo Fesenko
PF: Carl Boozer/Taj Gibson/Vladimir Radmanovic
SF: Luol Deng/Jimmy Butler/Marko Jaric
SG: Richard Hamilton/Marco Belinelli
PG: Kirk Hinrich/Nate Robinson/Marquis Teague
Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau (3rd season)
Chicago's offseason was:
... an attempt to keep the boat afloat. The Bulls scraped together some bodies to try and replace Rose at the point; bringing back Kirk Hinrich, signing the well-traveled Nate Robinson, and using a late first-round pick on Kentucky's Marquis Teague. Chicago ultimately played a game of Extreme Makeover: NBA Bench Edition.
The Bulls decided to let Omer Asik walk, wisely refusing to match the 3-year, $25 million offer sheet the Rockets insanely threw his way (dude is scheduled to make almost $15 million during the 2014-15 season. WHAAAAAAAAT?) Nazr Mohammed, Kyrylo Fesenko, and Vladimir Radmanovic were all signed to 1-year, league-minimum deals. Chicago also dealt Kyle Korver and bid adieu to Ronnie Brewer, replacing them with Marco Belinelli and digging up Marko Jaric from somewhere. All in all, Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler are the only returning reserves from a year ago.
2012-2013 will be a success if:
... Rose is fully healed and able to return before the postseason. Realistically, the Bulls will have to fight and claw their way into the Eastern Conference playoffs without Rose, so a best-case scenario sees him making a complete recovery, getting his legs under him late in the season, and reaching full strength once the playoffs begin.
To even have a chance, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Rip Hamilton must stay healthy, while Carlos Boozer has to start living up to the massive contract he signed a couple of offseasons ago. Kirk Hinrich needs to be more than just serviceable at the point, while Taj Gibson's development needs to continue.
2012-2013 will be a disappointment if:
... Rose suffers a setback. It would be surprising, but not shocking, if the Bulls didn't make the playoffs. However, it would utterly disheartening if Rose has forced the issue and tried to come back too soon, risking even more damage to his knee. Making it back by March is the unconfirmed goal for Rose, but maybe taking his time and just sitting out the entire season is in the best interest of both himself and the franchise.
Looking Ahead to Next Summer:
With Rose, Boozer, Noah, and Deng eating up $59 million in cap space, there isn't a ton of flexibility. Taj Gibson will become a restricted free agent, so the Bulls have a decision to make in terms of how much they want to spend on him. Using the amnesty clause on Boozer will certainly be a possibility if he remains to be less than stellar and would free up needed cap space. Richard Hamilton has a $5-million team option on his contract, which will likely not be exercised since Rip is well past his prime.
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 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
2011-12: 50-16, 1st in Eastern Conference
2012-13 Predicted Conference Finish: 7th
2012-13 Projected Depth Chart:
C: Joakim Noah/Nazr Mohammed/Kyrylo Fesenko
PF: Carl Boozer/Taj Gibson/Vladimir Radmanovic
SF: Luol Deng/Jimmy Butler/Marko Jaric
SG: Richard Hamilton/Marco Belinelli
PG: Kirk Hinrich/Nate Robinson/Marquis Teague
Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau (3rd season)
Chicago's offseason was:
... an attempt to keep the boat afloat. The Bulls scraped together some bodies to try and replace Rose at the point; bringing back Kirk Hinrich, signing the well-traveled Nate Robinson, and using a late first-round pick on Kentucky's Marquis Teague. Chicago ultimately played a game of Extreme Makeover: NBA Bench Edition.
The Bulls decided to let Omer Asik walk, wisely refusing to match the 3-year, $25 million offer sheet the Rockets insanely threw his way (dude is scheduled to make almost $15 million during the 2014-15 season. WHAAAAAAAAT?) Nazr Mohammed, Kyrylo Fesenko, and Vladimir Radmanovic were all signed to 1-year, league-minimum deals. Chicago also dealt Kyle Korver and bid adieu to Ronnie Brewer, replacing them with Marco Belinelli and digging up Marko Jaric from somewhere. All in all, Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler are the only returning reserves from a year ago.
2012-2013 will be a success if:
... Rose is fully healed and able to return before the postseason. Realistically, the Bulls will have to fight and claw their way into the Eastern Conference playoffs without Rose, so a best-case scenario sees him making a complete recovery, getting his legs under him late in the season, and reaching full strength once the playoffs begin.
To even have a chance, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Rip Hamilton must stay healthy, while Carlos Boozer has to start living up to the massive contract he signed a couple of offseasons ago. Kirk Hinrich needs to be more than just serviceable at the point, while Taj Gibson's development needs to continue.
2012-2013 will be a disappointment if:
... Rose suffers a setback. It would be surprising, but not shocking, if the Bulls didn't make the playoffs. However, it would utterly disheartening if Rose has forced the issue and tried to come back too soon, risking even more damage to his knee. Making it back by March is the unconfirmed goal for Rose, but maybe taking his time and just sitting out the entire season is in the best interest of both himself and the franchise.
Looking Ahead to Next Summer:
With Rose, Boozer, Noah, and Deng eating up $59 million in cap space, there isn't a ton of flexibility. Taj Gibson will become a restricted free agent, so the Bulls have a decision to make in terms of how much they want to spend on him. Using the amnesty clause on Boozer will certainly be a possibility if he remains to be less than stellar and would free up needed cap space. Richard Hamilton has a $5-million team option on his contract, which will likely not be exercised since Rip is well past his prime.
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George
03-26-2013
04:13 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.173
(total posts: 1)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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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2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2011 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
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