Bulls Draft Diary

by china423 on Jun 28, 2006 10:08 AM CDT

With the NBA Draft tonight at 6:30 im looking forward to seeing what the Bulls will do with the #2 and the #16 picks in the first round. I like our young team and i like where John Paxson has them headed with only being a player or two away from being serious contenders in the playoffs for a few years. I like Tyrus Thomas' upside and LaMarcus Aldridge's inside scoring ability is what the Bulls desperately need. I also heard reports they might try to trade their picks for the likes of Shawn "the matrix" Marion. So itll be interesting to see what happens. Let me know what you think b-ball fans.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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My personal opinion only...

... I think the Bulls should draft Adam Morrison.

Yes, he's a little weird-looking, and yes, he's got diabetes, and yes, he's not exactly everyone's image of a first-round pick.

But he does know how to play the game and how to win and he DOES have talent. It's a little bit of a stretch, but I think they'd never regret it.

by Al Yellon on Jun 28, 2006 10:17 AM CDT reply actions

weird, diabetic, and looks

aren't the real downside, the guy doesn't play any defense. But the Bulls lack the scorer, and he would definately provide that. If they think they can get a big man with 16 they could do both. Although I am still hoping Wade decides to "come home" at some point.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Al

The Bulls don't need another SF. We have Noc and Deng. We need a C and SG.

I'm hoping for a trade.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Kevin Garnett

would look nice in red.

by Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions

A huge rumor:

There is probably no truth to this, but here it goes:

This is the trade: Gordon,Tyson,Sweeney,2nd pick,16th pick for Garnett,Hassell,madsen,6th pick.

The Wolves would have to throw in their first (of three) 2nd round pick. We'd use it to draft a big guy (hopefully Boone out of UConn). We'd draft the best SG/PG at #6.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

No way...

...too many bodies, too complicated a trade, and too much resistance in Minnesota management to trading KG.

The Bulls are close, people. Find a good player at #2 (ROY!), someone big with solid potential at #16, sign a big man in free agency (Al Harrington, anyone?), and then wait for the Knicks to fail and land us the #1 overall pick next year.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2006 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm

actually against the Bulls signing a lot in free agency. If anything, we need to re-sign Songalia and maybe get Pryz to first year heavy deals. So when Noc and Hinrich are free agents next summer, we won't have to worry about cap space to sign them. Then we put them in first year heavy deals and can keep Deng and Gordon the year after that.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Where...

...is this Garnett rumor coming from?

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Jun 28, 2006 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Some

guy claims to have an insider, it's in a lot of basketball blogs. It hasn't been in any publication, other than the whole "the bulls would love to have KG" and "does KG want out" stuff.

I doubt there's any truth to it at all, but if it happens, it would be great.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

With the 6th pick

the Bulls could draft Brandon Roy. I'd rather not have another project in Thomas. The Bulls can easily contend with another big-man in the front court that can rebound and score.

by jman on Jun 28, 2006 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Roy

might not be there at #6. We could get Gay or Williams out of UConn though.

I really don't want Thomas either, if we go big, I'd rather it be Aldridge.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Rumor...

...has it that Aldridge was quite intimidated by Scott Skiles during their dinner together. If he's intimidated by a retired point guard, I see no chance of the bulls picking him.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Jun 28, 2006 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Skiles

That just means he likes you.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously also..

the Bulls are being molested in that trade.. YES Garnett is GOOD but I wouldn't give Gordon Chandler and Sweney for just him.. So it isn't going to happen..

I would not be opposed to acquiring Marion for 2 and 16 as long as the Bulls could get a 2nd rounder to grab a C.

by cubsfan2883 on Jun 28, 2006 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not a bad deal

Chandler sucks and the bulls would be free of his huge contract and sweetney is a little soft in the low post. I would however be a little reluctant to give up Gordon. If this deal were for real and the bulls bit, it just means Pax was going after Aldridge all along. Even at 30 Garnett remains one of the top 5 all around players in the NBA. Saying he's good is rather an understatment.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Jun 28, 2006 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I like Morrison, but...

...I gotta go with either Aldridge or Roy here.

Personally, I'm a Roy believer - he's got big size for a guard (which the Bulls need), scoring touch, and plays good defense. Sure, the Bulls need big men, but some of that can be addressed in free agency, some with the 16th pick (albeit the 16th pick may be more of a project), and some next year when tanking Isaiah Thomas and the Knicks secure the Bulls the first pick in the Greg Oden draft.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2006 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

Ditto...

and I've said the same over at http://www.blogabull.com/ : Another fine SportsBlog Nation member!

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Thoughts...

The one pick I would be VERY disappointed to see the Bulls make would be Tyrus Thomas. The kid's played ONE season of college basketball, and has shown no offensive game whatsoever. Haven't they learned about this enough from Tyson Chandler?

I agree with both above thoughts. I think Morrison is a player, and I would take him if available. He's a guy that is going to score in this league no question about it.

I also agree about Brandon Roy. I think he is going to be a stud in the NBA. He has all the game, offense and defense, although I don't know that he is worth the #2 selection..

by ontheuptick on Jun 28, 2006 10:30 AM CDT reply actions

agreed

they are just starting to recover from drafting on potential.

If I had to keep the pick (I'd do my darndest to get rid of it for an established player), I'd take Aldridge. They could really use an inside scoring threat.

If i were the GM, I'd draft Morrison, trade Chandler and Gordon for a nice big guard, and sign Ben Wallace.

by tomas21 on Jun 28, 2006 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Thomas

is too small. He can't be a C, which is exactly what we need. It will most likely be Aldridge or Roy (if we decide to address our SG needs first). If we take Thomas, it will be to trade him.

If we take Roy #2, we might have problems finding a decent big man at #16. Sene is said to be going from #14-21. If he's gone by #16, we have Armstrong left. Other than Armstrong, anybody big guy we take at #16 will be a reach.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

rumor has it

they're looking at sheldon williams.

by tomas21 on Jun 28, 2006 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd

be fine with Shelden Williams as long as he can play center. He'll make a great PF, but if he can only play PF, we'd be stuck putting Chandler at center.

Part of me wants to take Bargnani.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Bargnani

Despite his height doesn't project to center either. I think he will be a burn out. Although not that I have put it in writing he will end up being Dirk the Second.

"You know what God told the cubs. Don't do anything until I get back!" Pete Rose

by Will71081 @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions

He'll be a PF

If Chandler gains 30lbs, he'll be fine at center. If we sign Pryz as a FA, then we would be fine having Bargnani as a PF. Chandler would split time as PF and C, like he did last year.

It all boils down to Chandler not being dedicated in the off season and a waste of $60mil.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm thinking he's more

Darko the second.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I really don't care

as long as its not JJ Reddick

I'm already standing on the edge looking down after having to root for all these ex-Dukies the last few years, that might push me off

Whatever

by flyball on Jun 28, 2006 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

I

hope we get Redick. Williams would be great if he were two inches taller.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

seriously

I'm hanging on to my Bulls fandom by a thread

if they draft him I'll be a Trailblazers fan by midnight

Whatever

by flyball on Jun 28, 2006 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Redick

might fall down to #16. I wouldn't be surprised if we took him, assuming we take a big man with #2. He'd need to work on his defense (big time), but he's a Skiles kind of player.

We'd take Williams if we had a lower pick. He'll be a great player despite his height. I'm just not sure he can play C. Williams is said to have a huge wingspan and standing reach, so he might be able to play C. If we trade down, we'll most likely take him.

What do you have against Duke players?

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Bulls could conceivably..

...get the top 2 college players last year in Morrison and Reddick. I like Morrison and wouldn't be upset at all with him at #2. He's an upgrade over Nocioni for sure who has the intangibles that Noc doesn't have. Well, I wouldn't say doesn't have, but he's definitely has a higher ceiling and I love his heart and that's the biggest key to Defense, so I think once he puts on some weight, will be an adequate Defender. He's NBA ready and could conceivably play alot as a 2.

Reddick will be there at 16 with his herniated disc and untimely arising question marks. I don't think the bulls will or should pick him at 16, but they could. He'll be there.

There's so many things the Bulls could do with this pick, it'll be interesting and looking forward to it.

Gay is another possibility too. I wouldn't be upset at all with him either.

by escapegoat on Jun 28, 2006 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Noc

is only going to get better. Look at what he did towards the end of last season, look at his playoff numbers. If we drafted Morrison, we'd end up getting rid of Noc most likely. He'd be great in a trade, but I think Noc will end up being a star (a la Ginboli and Parker). Noc will come out next season and put up great numbers.

Morrison could play as a 2, but they are better 2's out there. If you want a 2, draft Roy.

Rumor has it Gay has an attitude problem and isn't a Skiles kind of player. A lot of people have said that Foye will end up being the best player out of this draft, it just might take a few years.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Foye...

...Another intriguing possibility. I've read alot about him but only seen him play a couple times. Would they take him at #2 though or could they trade down and get him around 5 or 6?

Trading that pick is another realistic possibility and wouldn't surprise me at all if they do trade it.

Man, what a terrible trade by the Knicks to even put the Bulls in this situation. I just found out a couple days ago that not only did the Bulls end up getting this years #2 from the Knicks, but NEXT year, the Bulls have the option of trading their pick to the Knicks as well. So, when and if the Bulls have the better record next year and would have the natural lower pick, they can swap it to the Knicks who'll more than likely have not only a higher pick, but most likely will have another lottery pick!! HAHA.......WTG Isiah, brilliant. Couldn't happen to a nicer man or team!

by escapegoat on Jun 28, 2006 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

EDIT:

I've known all along that the Bulls had the Knicks pick this draft but just found out they get the Knicks pick next year as well....anyway,.

by escapegoat on Jun 28, 2006 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Root against the knicks all year

The bulls getting the #1 pick next year would be HUGE. Greg Oden is coming out then and he would put the bulls into contention for the next 10 years.

Chicks dig the bunt out.

by akcubfan on Jun 28, 2006 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

word

oden is the big-man version of lebron--one of the most acclaimed high schoolers ever. i'm all against drafting high schoolers (or college freshman) after the tyson/curry debacle, but i'd be thrilled to make an exception for those two.

by tomas21 on Jun 28, 2006 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Well sort of..

they get the option of switching picks with no protection next year.. so if the Bulls finish ahead of the Knicks (record wise) they could switch with the Knicks giving the Knicks their pick for the Bulls pick.

by cubsfan2883 on Jun 28, 2006 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions

Foye

rumor has it Foye could be gone as early as #3. We couldn't really trade down then. If we take Foye, it will be with #2. I'd be surprised to draft someone and then have someone else draft Foye, then trade with them for Foye. It could happen, but I doubt it. It also depends on where Morrison goes. He'll most likely be taken at #3 if he's still there. So Foye could fall to #4-6 if Morrison gets taken by the Bobcats. If the Raptors take Morrison, the Bobcats could very easily take Foye.

If we trade the pick, it will be during the draft. We'll pick someone and then ship him off to another team as part of a deal for the player they draft.

Yeah, Isiah made a huge mistake in the trade last year. It was great for us though. Imagine being able to steal their #1 pick and then get Oden. Even if we got the #2 pick, we could get Noah out of Florida. If they fall down some, we could get McRoberts (Duke) or Hansborough (UNC). So hopefully it works out in our favor.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Duke

I went to Maryland and was in Cole Field house for the most depressing sporting moment I've ever seen live (up by 10, 55 seconds left, lost in overtime) but really it was a combination of "Not Our Rivals" chant, Dickie V. and the 2001 post season, the loss in the ACC championship and Final Four that pushed me over the edge.

there hasn't been a Duke player so disliked at Maryland since the Carlos Boozer days, and his mom sued the school

Whatever

by flyball on Jun 28, 2006 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I hope....

...they stay away from Aldridge. For some reason he's now being projected as a number #11 or 12. I personally hope the bulls package one or both of these picks to aquire an inside presence or a big time scorer. If Pax thinks he's going to sign Al Harrington from Atlanta(Who has said he really wants to play for the bulls) then I hope he keeps the picks.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Jun 28, 2006 12:13 PM CDT reply actions

Harrington isn't a low-post presence

he's a small forward.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Please Roy...

The more I think about it, the more Roy HAS to be the pick for the Bulls. Look at who has thrived with Skiles and Paxson's system:

Solid defensive players (Heinrich, Deng, Duhon, Nocioni)
Guys with a lot of college experience (Heinrich, Duhon, Gordon)
Guys who produced in big time college programs (Heinrich, Gordon, Deng, Duhon)

Of the possibilities, Roy fits best, with Aldridge and Morrison close behind (although Morrison has never been known for his defense). I'd say pick Roy, sign Al Harrington in free agency, pick a big guy with potential at 16, and start hoping the Knicks tank it so we land Greg Oden and start a dynastic run for the next 10 years.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2006 12:27 PM CDT reply actions

PLUS...

...if the Bulls drafted Roy and he became a star, wouldn't it be awesome to hear the following vaguely familiar words in the United Center again:

"At 6 foot 6, playing guard, from the University of Washington....Brandon RRRRRRROOOOOOOYYYY!!!!!!"

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2006 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Ronnie Brewer

If Brewer falls to 16th I think the bulls need to take this guy. He's probably comparable to Pippen with long arms and quickness.

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Jun 28, 2006 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Brewer is expected

to drop no further than 10 he in other words won't be available for the Bulls to take.

by cubsfan2883 on Jun 28, 2006 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I was hoping that

the Bulls would be able to package Duhon and the 16th pick to Boston to get Brewer, but that ship has sailed.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

That

was never a real rumor to my understanding, just a suggestion.

It would have been a good deal for both teams. Duhon would have had to approve the trade (he has the veto right until August 1st I believe), but probably would have. He'd get a lot more minutes and have a chance to shine.

He'll be a great player.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jun 28, 2006 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Probably, but it was one of those rare rumors that

made sense. We'd have had to have taken on Dickau's contract or something for the legal stuff to even out, but, he'd be getting 10-15 minutes a game (hopefully) and we wouldn't need to re-sign Pargo.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions

bulls get

tyrus thomas from blazers

by china423 on Jun 28, 2006 6:56 PM CDT reply actions

Not yet

And I hope it doesn't happen.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 28, 2006 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Aldridge

Looks like he was your guy (or first guy).

He's got potential, but in 2-3 years, he's either going to be blending in as a big guy who can get you 12-16 points a night, or you're absolutely going to hate him. If you saw him in the elite eight, you'll remember the guy from LSU scared him into taking outside jump shots. That doesn't bode well for him playing against other big guys in the NBA.

But thank God he left college early. The Longhorns killed OSU last year. I wasn't sad to see any of their guys go.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Jun 28, 2006 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

Nevermind

Looks like you're not stuck with Aldridge after all. Thomas may be a better fit with the Bulls.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Jun 28, 2006 11:09 PM CDT reply actions

The Bulls needed

a big man with some semblance of a low post offensive game, and a big 2 guard who cand defend and score.

We got one of those.

"Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!" -Homer J. Simpson

by Whitebacon on Jun 29, 2006 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions

A bad draft all around...

they got a skinny tweener with no position (Thomas), a tall guard with no 3 pt shot who can defend very well (Sefolasha) and a crummy SF who will ride the bench all year long (Khyapa). and gave up something to get Sefolasha.. They ended up giving a 2nd rounder to get Khyapa too.. not a well planned out draft. They could have traded down with the Blazers earlier obtained a 2nd rounder and then sent that second rounder to the 76ers in order to move up the 3 spots they needed to draft Sefoasha.

by cubsfan2883 on Jun 29, 2006 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions