I. Season Summary
- Here we go again… The Bulls started the season with
some hope. After finishing 21-61 in 2001-02, the Bulls improved to 30-52
in 2002-03, and appeared to be moving in the right direction under Coach
Bill Cartwright, after he replaced Tim Floyd. Dealing Ron Artest and Brad
Miller to the Pacers in return for Jalen Rose and others seemed to suggest
that the franchise was willing to endeavor to emerge from the eternal
rebuilding process and take a step towards competitiveness. Even prior to
the 2003-04 season, however, it became clear that the Bulls would remain
cursed. Prior to the season, Jay Williams rode his motorcyle into a tree,
shattering his pelvis. Not long into the season, Cartwright was gone,
Rose was on the way to Toronto, and former Bulls Artest, Miller played in
the All-Star game, while former Bulls reserves Trenton Hassell and Fred
Hoiberg played roles for the playoff-bound Minnesota Timberwolves, as
Elton Brand continued to collect double-doubles for the Clippers. The
Bulls ended the year 23-59, with fiery Scott Skiles at the helm and more
questions than answers.
II. Draft History (last 10 years)-
2003: Kirk Hinrich (Kansas University, 7th pick)
2002: Jay Williams (Duke University, 2nd pick)
2001: Tyson Chandler (Dominguez HS, 2nd pick acquired in trade for Elton
Brand), Eddy Curry (Thornwood HS., 4th pick)
2000: Marcus Fizer (Iowa State, 4th pick), Dalibor Bagaric (Europe, 24th
pick)
1999: Elton Brand (Duke University, 1st pick), Ron Artest (St. John's,
16th pick)
1998: Corey Benjamin (Oregon State, 28th pick)
1997: Keith Booth (Maryland, 28th pick)
1996: Travis Knight (UConn, 29th pick)
1995: Jason Caffey (Alabama, 20th pick)
1994: Dickey Simpkins (Providence, 21st pick)
Who they should have taken draft history (it's always easier with 20/20
hindsight):
2003: Can't complain too much about the Kirk Hinrich selection, even
though I was a fan of TJ Ford
2002: ROY Amare Stoudamire and Caron Butler were on the board. 2nd
rounder Roger Mason was selected 4 picks ahead of Carlos Boozer.
2001: Blew this draft by trading the rock-solid Brand for the potential
of Tyson Chander. Curry was a fine pick at #4, even though Jason
Richardson would have looked good in a Bulls uniform. Zach Randolph went
15 picks later.
2000: ROY Michael Miller was selected 1 choice after the Bulls took
Marcus Fizer at #4, but the real crime is that the Bulls drafted 6
players, including the acquisition of Jamal Crawford at #8, all of which
were selected prior to Michael Redd, who was drafted #43.
1999: Can't complain about the selections of Brand and Artest, only
about the fact that the team traded them both away
1998: Rashard Lewis was taken 4 picks after the Bulls selected Benjamin
1997: Stephen Jackson was selected 15 picks after the Bulls chose Keith
Booth
1996: Othella Harrington was the selection made following Travis Knight,
who was immediately waived so that the Bulls wouldn't have to give him a
guaranteed contract. The habit of drafting and parking Euros overseas was
not yet in vogue in 1996
1995: Michael Finley was picked at #21, one pick after the Bulls took
Jason Caffey at #20… oh the humanity!
1994: Wes Person was taken 2 slots after the Bulls took Dickey Simpkins
at #21
III. Management/Coaching:
Too early to evaluate the tandem of Paxson and Skiles, but this
offseason will go a long way towards establishing their credibility or
lack thereof. Paxson took steps to create an identity for this team,
firing Cartwright and moving the me-first Jalen Rose out of town, but has
a long road to atone for the myriad of sins committed by Jerry Krause
since breaking up the Bulls dynasty of the 1990's. Paxson was seemingly
forced to draft a point guard last season, after Jay Williams' motorcycle
accident left the team in a bid, but the selection of Hinrich seems to
have been a positive step.
IV. Roster and Contract Info (thank you Patricia Bender)-
Chicago Bulls Date # of total
Player ..........................signed years salary misc FA
Jamal Crawford ........ 9/25/00 4 $8,261,497 rc '04
Ronald Dupree ........ 1/7/04 1 minimum '04
Marcus Fizer ......... 9/26/00 4 $11,989,354 rc '04
Kendall Gill ......... 8/20/03 1 minimum '04
Linton Johnson ........ 2/28/04 1 minimum '04
Jannero Pargo ......... 3/15/04 1 minimum '04
Paul Shirley ......... 3/4/04 1 minimum '04
Tyson Chandler ........ 8/1/01 4 $15,469,822 rc '05
Eddy Curry . ........... 8/1/01 4 $12,534,242 rc '05
Scottie Pippen ........ 7/20/03 2 $10 million '05
Antonio Davis ......... 7/20/01 5 $60 million '06
Chris Jefferies ........... 9/30/02 4 $5,103,536 rc t-opt '06
Eddie Robinson ........ 7/18/01 6 $31,020,000 '06
Kirk Hinrich .......... 7/15/03 4 $10,242,268 rc t-opt '07
Jerome Williams ........... 7/18/01 7 $40.8 million p&t-opt '07
V. Players
Center:
Eddy Curry - Eddy Curry arrived in the league in 2001 with the moniker
"Baby Shaq." Although in the years since, we have seen more "Baby" than
"Shaq," Curry showed continued improvement in the 2003-04 season, the
third year in which his scoring and rebounding totals have improved
(6.7/3.7 to 10.5/4.3 to 14.7/6.2). Like Shaquille, Curry is often the
biggest, strongest man on the floor. Unlike O'Neal, however, Curry
doesn't possess the combination of power and quickness that has enabled
the Lakers big man to dominate on both ends of the floor. By any measure,
6.2 rpg for a guy who goes 6-11/285 is a mediocre total. Continued
improvement would place Curry among the best centers in the Eastern
Conference, but much depends upon his offseason conditioning. He will be
a free agent following 2004-05, so there is a good chance that he'll come
into camp in shape and ready for a great year.
Antonio Davis - Davis and his $60mm contract were acquired as part of the
deal that sent Jalen Rose to Toronto mid-season. Davis is a hard worker
who can fill in at center and power forward and give the Bulls reliable
rebounding and defense. Offensively, he's limited to put backs, but is a
capable veteran reserve, albeit at a higher price is justified at this
stage of his career
Power Forward:
Tyson Chandler - Since acquiring Chandler with the 2nd pick in the 2001
draft, in exchange for Elton Brand, the Bulls have waited for the talented
youngster to live up to his promise. The athletic ability and promise
that were the rationale for the deal have been seen only sporadically, as
injuries have marred each of his 3 seasons. He appeared ready to make a
quantum leap in 2003-04, but back problems limited him to 35 games, of
which he started only 8. As he'll be a free agent following the 2004-05
campaign, he is reported to be working out hard in the offseason, putting
on muscle and getting his back healthy for the coming year. When healthy,
he has shown the ability to be a top-flight rebounder and shot-blocker,
although not a consistent scorer. If the best draft pick available at #3
turns out to be Dwight Howard (Okafor would be a pipe dream), it's not
inconceivable that Chandler will be dealt.
Marcus Fizer - Fizer has given the Bulls backup minutes at both the small
and power forward positions during his 4 years on the squad. Is a classic
tweener, who does nothing well enough to justify returning as a free
agent, if he finds better offers elsewehere.
Jerome Williams - Another part of the Rose to Toronto deal… Williams is a
role player on a team of role players. Has never averaged double figures
in scoring or rebounding, yet his agent was able to get him a $40mm
contract. Bulls would be glad to package him in a trade, but this will be
challenging to accomplish. Active defender and rebounder.
Small Forward:
Eddie Robinson - Robinson was signed as a free agent after the 2000-01
season, when the Bulls were finding a hard time finding free agents
willing to take their money. He agreed to a 6 year, $31mm deal, and has
been stealing from the Bulls ever since. Robinson has great athletic
ability and makes an occasional highlight reel play, but those rare
occasions don't come close to offsetting his otherwise lackadaisical
attitude, lack of interest in defense, and limited offensive game. After
Skiles arrived, Robinson barely saw the floor.
Scottie Pippen - Pippen must have had some pictures of Paxson in a
compromising position to justify bringing back this has-been for 2 years
at $5mm each. After being signed to bring some leadership to a young Bulls
team, Pippen mailed in 23 efforts in between frequent knee injuries. It
would be best for the Bulls if Pippen officially retired, so that they
could be relieved of the $5mm salary cap burden that he is owed.
Chris Jeffries - The last piece that came over in the Jalen Rose trade,
Jeffries failed to show why he merited a first round draft choice in 2002.
The Bulls are stuck with him through 2006.
Shooting Guard:
Jamal Crawford - After moping about his move from point guard to shooting
guard, Crawford actually provided one of few bright spots for the Bulls in
2003-04. For the 4th consecutive season, Crawford improved his scoring
(17.3ppg), rebounds (3.6rpg) and assists (5.1apg). At the 2-guard spot,
he gives the Bulls a 2nd playmaker and ballhandler to relieve pressure
from Hinrich. Although his shot selection leaves much to be desired, he
provides perimeter scoring for a team that is hard pressed for it.
Crawford is a free agent, and it is important for the Bulls to resign him,
as they have so little scoring punch
Kendall Gill - Brought in as a free agent to fill a roster slot, and ended
up giving the Bulls 35 starts. At this stage of his career, he appears to
be coasting a bit, and gives his best hustle when going to the bank to
cash his paycheck. Most likely won't return.
Point Guard:
Kirk Hinrich - After Jay Williams was hurt in his offseason motorcycle
accident, many felt that John Paxson was forced to draft Hinrich to fill
the point guard slot, and not because he was the best player available at
the 7th slot in the 2003 draft. Hinrich was a pleasant surprise to those
who doubted his ability, however, winding up on the 1st team NBA
All-Rookie Team. Hinrich's 6.8 assists per game were tops among rookies
and 8th in the NBA, while his 12.0ppg were 4th among rookies. Hinrich
was a sound playmaker, and a good long-range shooter (39% on 3's). He
should continue to improve in his second season and capably handle the
Bulls point guard needs for seasons to come.
Jannero Pargo - Signed in March after being waived by the Lakers. Pargo
was a pleasant surprise for the Bulls. Although he's not a strong primary
ballhandler, he can fill it up, as he displayed during his 13 games as a
Bull, when he averaged 13.5 points per game. That stretch included a
string of 8 straight in double figures, with highs of 34 and 9 assists in
a home loss to Milwaukee. Pargo was only signed through the end of the
season. He'll receive some interest in free agency, but the Bulls would
like to bring him back.
Jay Williams - The 2nd pick of the 2002 draft was officially waived by the
Bulls in February, after he and the team reached an injury settlement.
The Bulls have publicly expressed that they would like to see Williams
ultimately return to the team, but don't appear to expect him to wear
Bulls uniform again. Williams' tragic motorcycle accident may have ended
his once-promising career.
VI. Team Needs
The Bulls appear to be well set at the point guard position with Hinrich
and Curry seems to have the center position spoken for. The rest is up in
the air. If Jamal Crawford returns as a free agent and Tyson Chandler
comes into camp injury-free, then the Bulls will have only 1 gaping hole
in their line up, at the small forward position. Filling the 3 spot with
a dependable player who can provide some scoring punch, either through the
draft or free agency is a must. After that, needs will depend upon how
the free agency situation shakes out. The emergence of Ron Artest as an
Indiana Pacer really hurts to Bulls fans, perhaps as much as watching
Elton Brand give him 110% effort each night for the lowly Clippers.
VII. Selection
- Luol Deng - In his one year at Duke, Deng showed the
qualities that will make him a solid pro for many years. He has a solid,
if unspectacular game, with the ability to score inside and out, handle
and share the ball, and defend. Having overcome tremendous adversity
throughout his upbringing, Deng is a mature and focused young man with an
enviable work ethic. While high schoolers Josh Smith and Shawn Livingston
may have higher ceilings, both are much higher beta selections, while Deng
is a more certain selection for a team that can use his benefit of skills
at the small forward position and his impeccable character.
VIII. Other Players Considered
Andre Iguodala - With a chiseled body, tremendous athleticism, and good
basketball instincts, Iguodala is reminiscent of Corey Maggette.
Unforunately, when he shoots the ball from distance, it often looks like
intentional grounding. A strong two-guard who can defend, battle inside,
and finish on the break is an asset, but it is questionable whether
Iguodala will be able to develop into the type of consistent scorer that
would make him a top-flight pro guard
Josh Smith - More athletic than Deng, but more of a question mark.
Smith's athletic ability is unquestioned, and for that reason, it may
fairly be stated that he has more "upside" than Deng. He also possesses a
silky smooth lefty jumper. Smith is a raw talent, with an emphasis on
both the talent and the RAW. His ballhandling ability, defensive
intensity, and consistency of effort and focus need improvement to make
the leap from high school to the association. The Bulls have a young team
already, and will be unwilling to wait out another long learning curve for
any high schooler who is anything short of the next Lebron James
Josh Childress - Tayshaun Prince's contributions to the Pistons season and
run to the finals showed that skinny guys can play a part on a team, if a)
they can score and defend, and the b) team has other beef along the front
line. Childress and the Bulls fit both criteria. With long arms, quick
feet, and fluid athleticism, Childress will be a fine NBA player, but not
one with the fire and intensity to take over games and carry his team.
Shawn Livingston - Reminds me of a young Penny Hardaway (before his skills
declined), as a true point guard at 6'7". Livingston has exceptional
ballhandling and passing skills, and with added strength and time, could
be a genuine Magic Johnson - type point guard. Although it would be a
shame to pass up the next Magic Johnson merely because the team already
feels well set at the point with Kirk Hinrich, Livingston's slender frame
and erratic J justify the decision to pass on him. By the time Livingston
is ready to achieve his All-Star status, he'll also be ready to test free
agency.
IX. Other moves
As a first order of business, the Bulls need to resign Jamal
Crawford and then extend Eddy Curry to lock up important parts of their
nucleus. Competitive teams are built by getting a foundation in place,
and then letting those key players grow together, rather than rebuilding
year after year after year. Whether Chandler is part of that nucleus is
largely a question for the doctors. If his back is sound, he could be
another piece of the Bulls long-term picture. If it appears that he'll
spend his career battling injuries, then it would be best to look for
opportunities to move him now, rather than letting him walk as a free
agent after the season.
In free agency, there are a number of players who would make sense to
pursue. Although Kobe Bryant would be the perfect replacement for Michael
Jordan (a decade after the fact), that seems so unlikely as to be a
laughable idea. More realistic options could include Chicago natives
Antoine Walker and Quentin Richardson. Both provide outside scoring and
the opportunity to step into key roles for their hometown team. Lower
tier free agents who could help would include Stephen Jackson and Manu
Ginobili.
The rumor mill has churned with ideas of the Bulls moving the #3 pick,
along with either Curry or Chandler, in packages to either Memphis in a
deal to include Pau Gasol or to Seattle for package including Ray Allen.
Al Harrington of the Pacers is also a player whom the Bulls may be eying,
but the #3 pick would be a steep price… of course, if you could package
one of those unseemly contacts to create some cap room, you never know…
X. What Will Really Happen -
I expect John Paxson to work hard to find a
taker for the #3 pick, rather than adding another teenager to the mix. If
someone trades with the Bulls, it will most likely be because Howard has
dropped to #3, which would mean that the Hawks would be willing to part
with #6 and perhaps another 1st round pick, or another team may be
enamored enough with Livingston to dangle a package in front of Paxson.
More likely is that the Bulls will be picking for themselves at #3 and
make the safe selection with Luol Deng.
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