OT: Bulls Draft

by Chadnudj on Jun 27, 2007 7:43 PM CDT Comment 63 comments

Okay Bulls fans, who do you think we get?

I figured someone needed to post some type of draft poll, since many of us have multiple Chicago team (I'm a Bears, Cubs, Bulls fan, in that order; I grew up in Florida, so no hockey for me) allegiances.

So two questions:

Who do you think the Bulls get?
Who do you HOPE the Bulls pick (in case your opinion differs from Paxson's)?

My answer to #1 and #2 is the same - Joakim Noah. All he did was win in college, and he would have been top 3 last year. If he slips to the Bulls, imagine their potential starting 5 (Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Wallace, PJ Brown?) and stud bench (Duhon, Sefolosha, Tyrus Thomas, Nocioni, and Noah). That's like 2 teams that could compete in the East. I'm praying the rest of the NBA stays this stupid...

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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I think Li...

falls, and the Bulls get him at 9. I hope Memphis comes to there senses, and takes the pick and Tyrus Thomas with a sign and trade for Paul Gasol.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 27, 2007 7:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I suppose...

...I should add that Yi (I think that's his name, not Li) is the guy I absolutely DO NOT want the Bulls to take. Too much of a project, doesn't fit their style of play, no experience against good competition....this team is close to winning the East (and maybe shocking a team from the West) now.

And I'm not all that big on Gasol, either. I'd much rather see them mortgage some talent for Kevin Garnett, instead but that's appearing unlikely.

by Chadnudj on Jun 27, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

and we'll have to agree to disagree. Chinese league or not, I'll take an international competitor over an American undergrad ANYDAY. Yoakim Noah. Yawn. Spencer Hawes. Double yawn.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 27, 2007 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know

reading about him i actually did think hed fit their style real well, but i dont want him either, one thing the bulls have done real well is draft winners from big progams, tyrus from lsu, deng from duke, duhon from duke, hinrich from kansas...im with you, id love to keep that winning attitude and readiness for the nba with a pick of noah. he seems to fit the bulls style perfectly, and i couldnt imagine having him and tyrus on the floor together.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Jun 27, 2007 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

C'mon...

And then do what? Spend another season treading water because you can't score in the paint? If I thought I could get at least Horace Grant-esque performance, I'd say fine. But I really think Noah is a good couple of years from giving you something useful.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 27, 2007 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What happened to Yao?

He played against the same people?

PIE!!!

by LilLPLancer23 on Jun 27, 2007 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not exactly...

...Yao had international experience against the highest level (i.e. Olympics) which Yi does not have. Yi's been playing well against the under-19 international game, which is to be expected since he's probably 22....but there's no way that competition on that level is anywhere near what Noah (or Hawes, or either Wright) saw at the NCAA level.

Plus, if you remember, it took a year or two for Yao to develop into the player he is now.

Noah brings a lot more energy, better experience, and will be enough of a low post scoring and defensive presence to make the Bulls vastly better. The Bulls as constituted are always going to be getting their scoring from the 1-3, so all we really need is a threat of someone downlow who helps us (or certainly doesn't hurt us) on defense.

Noah brings all that. Plus, off the bench as a replacement for Wallace (or taking the P.J. Brown slot at 4 alongside Wallace) he really improves our rebounding and interior defense, something Skiles and Paxson will love.

If we get Hawes, I won't be disappointed. But not Yi....he's too far away from ready to help, and he's not really a low post threat (he does his damage from around 20 feet, according to the scouts).

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sign and trade?

Who/where does the sign and trade come in? Ty Thomas is only in his 2nd year and Gasol is still under contract for a few years???

by boomer on Jun 28, 2007 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

PJ..

Brown, if you can convince him to not retire. Or Andres, who is actually a free agent this off-season.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 28, 2007 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pao Gasol

not Paul Gasol. Anyways, his brother is a 7 footer in the draft, why not just draft him and keep Tyrus instead?

by boomer on Jun 28, 2007 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All about Hawes

kid from UW is the lost post scoring threat we need. he's a back-to-basket bruiser. I'd love Horford to fall that far, but no chance of that

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jun 27, 2007 8:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree...

...with you on Horford; god would I love to see him in a Bulls uniform....

Hawes may be the answer, but I like Noah's experience and energy.

But I have to disagree with your signature. Jesus would have much better taste....

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going

with Hawes. I guess we'll find out in less then 24 hours.

Men who whine are so unattractive. This place is full of them.

by sue369 on Jun 27, 2007 9:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Julian Wright?

Hometown kid, raised and went to HS in Chicago. Only 6-8 so probably more a SF than PF but is supposedly a great athlete; good inside scorer, defender and rebounder. Comes from Kansas so could possibly work well with Heinrich since both come from the same program.

Just throwing it there, for some reason Hawes reminds me of that Bryant 'Big Country' Reeves for some reason and I think that Noah excelled because of players around him.

by DTJchris on Jun 27, 2007 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's the same player as Deng

by NO100 on Jun 28, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they should take the best player available

Regardless of need. Then you use that pick and other pieces to deal for an established player that meets your needs. The draft is good this year, but there's no one around at the 9 spot that's guaranteed to make an impact next year, and the Bulls badly need an impact big to get them over the hump.

by SuperContext on Jun 28, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Point

And I hope they do deal this pick. They have so many young palyers and they are close to being really, really good. A solid low-post scorer would make all the difference in the world.

I wish there was a way to make a package to Minnestoa for Garnett.

by NO100 on Jun 28, 2007 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think with baseball that's true

but with Basketball (I think) it's a bit different. Like say the Rockets for instance some how some way had the first pick in this draft. Since they already have a Center, they would probably pass on Oden and go with Durant.

Yes, granted, it's kind of like picking between a Ferrari and a Porsche and either way they would win, but see what I'm trying to say?

by DTJchris on Jun 28, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree in that scenario

But only because Durant would make a huge impact right away (arguably he would make a bigger impact than Oden for any team, but that's a different discussion).

I don't think in basketball you ALWAYS take the best player available - for example, the Atlanta Hawks should take a PG at the three pick, because they have a need there and there are guys available that can make them better right away.

But for the Bulls, I don't see any rookie who will be available at the 9 making them instantly better. Not Yi, not Noah, not Hawes. For some teams, that isn't important. But the Bulls window to win is now - they only need one more piece. Now, they could take a flyer on someone and hope that Tyrus and Thabo take the next step and put them over the top this year, or they can try to package their nine pick and some other non-core guys to get an established big.

I trust Paxson to do what's right on this. If he thinks there is a realistic chance of getting a player that fits via trade, he'll do it. If not, he'll draft someone with an eye toward keeping them long-term. It really all depends on the trade market, and thats something that requires some inside knowledge to really evaluate.

by SuperContext on Jun 28, 2007 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hawks should take Horford...

and nab law at 11.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wright...

...I read that Wright did not want to come to chicago b/c he did not want to deal with home-town distractions. Will try to find source.

by cubswin14 on Jun 28, 2007 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing....

...as how Curry was ruined by this, I would agree (and hope Chicago doesn't pick him)....

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had not heard that

but it makes sense

by DTJchris on Jun 28, 2007 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Being from Kansas...

the local papers are all over Wright for this draft. He said that playing in Chicago would have a lot of pressure and may lead to distraction, but that he'd ultimately welcome it as a destination.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah...

is a draft pick that makes NO sense. He'd be the right fit for the right team, but not this team. Do the Bulls really need another defense-oriented post player who will NEVER significantly score more than 10 points a game? Between Thomas, Wallace, and Brown, the Bulls have enough low post players that can't score. The only way that pick would make sense is if Brown was sent somewhere (very possible) or if Wallace was traded (definitely possible down the road).

I'm from Kansas, and I make the same argument for the person who suggested Julian Wright. They're both great players, but not the right fit for the Bulls.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 27, 2007 11:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So who should they take?

by DTJchris on Jun 27, 2007 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

P.J. Brown has an expiring contract, and if they do indeed decide to package that in some sort of trade, then the Noah pick wouldn't be horrible. I think Chicago needs to find a post player with some scoring skills; Hawes seems like a legitimate choice here, but it might be wiser to pick the best available (which could be Noah) and look to package Wallace and P.J.'s expiring contract for a post who can score.

I just think Noah fills an already crowded frontcourt for the Bulls. He's a good player, but offers little scoring capabilities.

Chad Ford threw out trading P.J.'s contract and the No. 9 pick for Z. Randolph of Portland. If I were Chicago, I'd do that in a heartbeat. Randolph is a lowpost scorer who demands a double team, but is weak on the defensive end; a perfect complement to the Thomas/Wallace combo.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a pretty good idea

PJ's contract idea to Portland for Randolph. Hasn't there been issues with Randolph though on the Mental end? I could be mistaken because Portland has had some nutjobs the past few years.

The only PF the Bulls should take in the draft is Horford, (which is to say impossible because there's no way will be there) and so if there is a way to trade the pick to get that low post scorer they need, then by all means, they should do it.

by DTJchris on Jun 28, 2007 1:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randolph...

has been a certifiable nut since his days in high school back in Indiana. Constant off-court issues, past fights with teammates, generally known as a very disruptive team presence, and a mantourage that is rumored to rival Tank Johnsons. You take him at your peril.

by Damen Jackson on Jun 28, 2007 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definite character issues...

but bad character breeds bad character, and the cast that was once assembled around him was downright frightening. I think if he's placed in the right situation, then things will get better. Still, a risk for sure.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care how Pax does it, but...

we need to emerge from this offseason with a legit low post threat. That has been a serious problem for the past couple years. I also wouldn't mind a slightly larger backcourt since our guards got abused in against Detroit.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike on Jun 28, 2007 7:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

But what...

...is a "legit low post threat"? Yi isn't a banger that is going to score points in the paint (his main weapon is a 15-20 foot jump shot, and he's way too light). Both Julian and Brandan Wright seem to project more as SFs (and both have the same weight/size problem as Yi). Hawes may be the answer, but he's only played one season in college (and don't say his one season is similar to Oden's or Durants).

If we're talking a "threat", then I think Noah does it for you. He's not going to put up 25 point games, but he'll get a bunch of rebounds (something the Bulls could use more of, for second-chance points), defend the low post (which would neutralize Detroit), and average a respectable number of PPG (I'd say 10-14). Combine that with what the Bulls already have (including the continuously improving Tyrus Thomas, another potential low-post threat) and I'd say the Bulls could be favorites in the East.

As for the guards, I'm not too worried - I think Thabo showed in the playoffs that he will soon develop into the big backcourt player that could neutralize Detroit's advantage (plus, it looks like Billups may be leaving).

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Thomas and Noah...

aren't "low-post threats." They will NEVER command a double team (something Ben Gordon, among others, desperately need to get some easier shot) and never consistently knock down a 14-18 foot jumpshot. I don't believe rebounding is a key issue for the Bulls. Didn't they just spend 70 million dollars (complete made up figure) on a guy who can barely draw iron on a free throw to solve the interior defense and rebounding problems?

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But....

...hitting the 14-18 foot jump shot is NOT what a low post threat does. That's what Deng does (and very well, I might add). On the Bulls, Thomas and Noah don't need to hit 14-18 foot jumpers - they need to be bangers that catch the ball in the low post and get a lot of layups/draw fouls/hit within 10 feet on postups/hooks, or else rebound and get easy put-backs.

For that, Noah is perfect. His weaknesses (jump shot) would be hidden on the Bulls (where the perimeter shooting is strong). He could focus on defense and scoring in the close post, and drawing double teams so he could kick it out to Gordon/Deng/Hinrich for open jumpers.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still think...

the Bulls need a post who can score. Not necessarily one who can hit jumpers, as you said (I just threw that in), but one who has a few post moves and can draw a double team on the block. This would be ideal because the Bulls have such great jumpshooters. You put a Randolph on the post, and you have Deng, Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, and Duhon all spotting up for when the inevitable double team comes.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the post scorer

all the players in the draft that we would draft have the same problem thomas had last year. Potential but far to thin. The answer is a bigger, stronger Tyrus Thomas that shows up at the beginning of the season ans earns the starting PF position. BUt the draft i would like to see Noah back up. With him and Nocioni coming off the bench. Other teams back ups wouldnt have a chance in out playing or out running them. Look up put duhon at 1, Ta-BO at the 2(i no not the right spelling but i like how that looks), Nocioni at the 3, Noah at the 4, and PJ/sweetney at the 5. This teams back up players could easily keep them close in a game. and play very good defense i mite add. Sorry for my rant. I am so excited for this team. DONT BREAK UP THE TEAM.

by Kchance on Jun 28, 2007 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed...

....Noah to me brings SOOO much to the table for the Bulls, potentially. Either as a starter at the 4, or (if Tyrus Thomas does bulk up and show the flashes of talent we saw in the Miami series) as the backup at the 4/5.

But you're definitely right - the backups alone (Duhon, Thabo, Nocioni, Brown, Noah; or Duhon, Thabo, Nocioni, Thomas, and Noah if P.J. Brown is the starter) could make the playoffs in the East.

I just love idea of sitting Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Wallace, and Brown and watching our full bench come out and run the other team off the floor. I hope Paxson likes this idea too (assuming, of course, that Noah falls....)

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Final point is legit...

There is a chance Noah will be off the board by then.

I still think that P.J. needs to be packaged if Noah is to be drafted. Noah doesn't need a lot of growth time (as Tyrus did this year); what he'll need is minutes, and with Thomas demanding more, there won't be enough to go around. Big Ben has proved in the past that he will whine if he doesn't think he's playing enough.

You really think those backups could contend in the East? The Bulls have developed a great and deep bench, but who scores the points in that group? It ain't going to be from the front court, and Duhon certainly can't create his own shot. I haven't seen enough of Thabo to make a judgment, so I'll refrain. That leaves Noc, who is coming off an injury. A solid scorer, but enough to carry an entire unit?

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

in time

i see thabo being a consisant scorer. Im not saying 30 a game. But enough to hold his own.

by Kchance on Jun 28, 2007 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prediction...

The Bulls get Hawes at #9.

Best Case Scenario: Trade up and nab Thornton.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Correction...

Horford. Not Thornton.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But...

...what do they trade to move up? The Bulls have a young core - I just don't see them trading up to get another young player, even if it is Horford (although depending on the price, I'd LOVE that move).

If they trade, it's to either move down/into next year (because they don't see anything at 9 that they really want/need) or for a veteran big man (although other than Jermaine O'Neal, Stoudamire, and KG, I don't like much of the "talent" that's out there).

I think the pick is Noah (if he's there) or Hawes, if the Bulls keep the pick.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it happens...

but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. P.J.'s contract is about the only piece they have to trade away...unless they are in the O'Neal, KG, and {gasp} Kobe sweeps, in which case almost all pieces are in play.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

if the TWolves are ok with trading Garnett for Al Harrington and the number 5 pick, couldn't the Bulls put together a package as attractive as that? Wouldn't the two Bens, PJs expiring contract, and the number 9 pick be more attractive than Harrington and 5? And wouldn't Heinrich, Deng and Garnett be a core that would immediately be the East favorites for the next 3 or 4 years?

I don't get why we hear all kinds of Kobe talk, when Garnett is exactly what the team needs. And we heard talk of him for the last 3 years until he is finally available, then nothing.

by jazzypete on Jun 28, 2007 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I really don't think...

that's a legitimate deal. Al Harrington plays for the Warriors, and the Celtics hold the #5 pick. I think you mean Al Jefferson. The supposed deal was the #5, Jefferson, and Gerald Green for KG. And the Bulls, without shopping Deng, couldn't put together something that attractive. The Wolves are looking to get young for KG; Ben Wallace wouldn't suit them at all, and I don't think BG, P.J., and the #9 gets it done.

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I say

DONT BREAK UP THE YOUNG GUNS!!!!

by Kchance on Jun 28, 2007 3:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope the Bulls have no draft picks tonight

I hope they trade for someone with them...

Bring Back Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2007 3:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

haha just joking and while

I would like to have Kobe Bryant on this team, we would give up to much for him. A lot of drafts are saying we will get Spencer Hawes...never heard of the guy actually..can't say he's good or bad but I think we could do better..I think a darkhorse candidate the Bulls should go after would be J. R. Reynolds, The senior from Virginia. Very underrated, especially with Singletary on that team..

Bring Back Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2007 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a (grad school) Hoo...

....I would agree but Reynolds lacks size, a problem with the Bulls' backcourt. Still, in the 2nd round, depending on what's there, maybe not a bad pick (particularly if they parcel Duhon away somewhere)

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean like take him with our

second 2nd round pick.

Bring Back Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2007 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And...

it's Noah.

Is it true he makes points two by two?

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by zambranofan on Jun 28, 2007 7:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Woohoo we got Noah

He is lucky there is good shopping in Chicago!

by GoCubbies34 on Jun 28, 2007 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

hey...your wish came true

hopefully mine for Reynolds does, but thats more of a stretch..

Bring Back Matt Murton!!

by Chanman25 on Jun 28, 2007 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Bulls crack me up..

I don't mind the Noah pick...he would have been a great pick LAST year. Still....I think its funny how the Bulls staff thinks "Offense? We don't need no stinkin' offense!" :)

Go Riverhawks!

by Neifi Puppy on Jun 28, 2007 7:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think you'll be surprised....

....with the Bulls jump shooters, Noah will get his points, simply because all he'll have to DO is post up and score down low.....I LOVE this pick.

by Chadnudj on Jun 28, 2007 8:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he's to much of a hothead

for me

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jun 28, 2007 8:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes...

....but he's OUR hothead. Kind of like we HATED Rodman when he was with Detroit, but when he joined the Bulls? Awesome.

by Chadnudj on Jun 29, 2007 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've made my argument already...

but it isn't a horrible pick. He's a solid player, although I can't stand him. Missed out on Randolph though.

Still think the Bulls need someone with a post game...but not a bad pick.

Maybe some more perimeter defense with the 2nd round picks. Possibly Afflalo?

MARQUIS! YES, MARQUIS!

by thekansasian on Jun 28, 2007 8:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2nd Round

Looked solid to me. Aaron Gray could potentially give you minutes/low post scoring at center. JamesOn Curry gives some size and depth to the backcourt.

by Chadnudj on Jun 29, 2007 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

draft Derrek Lee

seasons are apart....and he could've played at UNc if he wanted to. That'd be intense. D Lee playing Baseball and Basketball for Chicago, he'd be a God

If Jesus went to college these days, he would go to Notre Dame

by NDcubsfan on Jun 28, 2007 9:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs