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Showing posts with label NBA Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA Draft. Show all posts

Monday, January 13, 2014

Chicago Bulls Trade Rumor: Joakim Noah To The Phoenix Suns?

In the wake of the blockbuster trade that sent Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bulls are reportedly seeking another trade that would create more salary cap space and speed up their rebuilding effort.

Joakim Noah, as a trade chip, could bring back several 2014 draft picks if the Bulls choose to rebuild.
According to NBA Insider Chad Ford of ESPN, the Bulls are apparently not done making moves, as they are currently in talks with several teams about the possibility of trading Noah, veteran point guard Kirk Hinrick and even Carlos Boozer (despite his big contract).

"Don't think so. Lots of talk about those two as well as Boozer. I've said this in several of our last Tank Ranks, management has made the decision to tank this season. Coach isn't on board, but they can keep taking cards out of his hand to play," Ford stated during a chat session on ESPN Sports Nation.

Noah, who is averaging just 11.1 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, has carved out a name as one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. His tenacity on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most sought-after big men in the league.

Picks For The Future

Without a doubt, the Bulls can easily shop Noah to any contender and receive a handful of veterans in return, if their only desire was to clear up salary cap space.

However, dealing JoNo would put the Bulls in full rebuilding mode, and the rebuilding process would only be undertaken with a plan to replace the loss of Deng, and possibly Noah. This would involve getting a serviceable youngster in the deal or through the NBA Draft.

With this summer's NBA Draft predicted to be the deepest in a decade, the Bulls would do well getting a collection of 2014 draft picks in exchange for Noah.

The Phoenix Suns have four first-round picks in the 2014 NBA Draft, and they have allegedly expressed their intentions of trading some of these picks in exchange for another star that will help them contend in a very rigid Western Conference playoff race.

The Suns already have an explosive backcourt tandem in Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic, but Noah's defensive presence could make the team a force to reckon with in the Western Conference, according to basketball analysts.

One possible trade scenario could have the Bulls sending Noah to the Suns in exchange for two first round picks, Emeka Okafor and one of the Morris twins , Markieff or Marcus, with filler in order to make the money work.

The Bulls and Suns have roughly a month left to pull off this trade as the trade deadline comes to a close on Feb. 20.

If you were the Bulls' GM, what would you think about trading Joakim Noah for a pair of first round picks in this summer's NBA Draft? Tell us in the comments below!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Chicago Bulls Must Be More Aggressive in Seeking Blockbuster Trade

While the now Brooklyn Nets, formerly of New Jersey, made the big moves that secured them the re-signing of superstar free agent Deron Williams and the Miami Heat seem to have secured the services of ring-chaser Ray Allen, the Chicago Bulls have been quiet in the free agent and trading markets.
While a bold trade kept top free agent, Deron Williams, with the Nets, the Bulls have been gunshy in addressing their biggest problems this off-season.

It has been over two months since the injury to Derrick Rose that completely reshaped the Bulls' fortunes for the immediate and near future. And without having consummated any draft day blockbuster deals, the Chicago Bulls are now quickly entering the void between being a championship contender and being a rebuilding team, i.e. mediocrity.

While a large part of this will be due to the injury to of Derrick Rose, the Bulls are also guilty of having a flaw. While complete as a team, they are still a team centered around a single, spectacular, superstar player. So, although they want to reject the model of building a team around multiple superstars, the Bulls are still reliant on its superstar talent in order to compete at the championship level.

Despite wanting to keep this great group of guys together, the Chicago Bulls must do whatever it takes to get superstar talent. The Rose injury, while costing the Bulls the 2012 NBA Championship, is really a great opportunity to undertake a minor rebuild, while expectations are low, to sell players at their peak to obtain young superstar talent, and to build a dynasty.

The Seattle Supersonics are the most recent example; they parted with their two "stars", Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, and built a new team through the draft in a 5 year complete rebuilding project. Draft picks that were acquired turned into Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kendrick Perkins (via trading Jeff Green), and Serge Ibaka-- nearly the entire starting lineup of the team that they took to the 2012 NBA Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Oklahoma City Thunder turned All-Stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis into much of the starting lineup for their 2012 NBA Finals team.
And while many teams are now trying to duplicate the Oklahoma City Thunder model, the Bulls hardly require a complete rebuild. Some savvy moves to parlay their high-value, high dollar players for young talent (on rookie scale contracts) and draft picks would help the Bulls not only to get below the salary cap (thereby avoiding the luxury tax and associated penalties) but to stretch their window for winning championships.

Rumblings continue about the Sacramento Kings dealing Tyreke Evans for Luol Deng because they were unable to secure a small forward in the draft. After an All-Star season, Deng's value is high right now, and the Bulls should be able to get a draft pick and/ or the inclusion of another young player to make the money work.

With Rose lost for much of the coming season, a move to get younger would also serve an additional purpose. It would be a low-risk way of letting the young players develop and learn Coach Thibodeau's system. In addition, a minor rebuild carries with it lowered expectations for winning, and by missing the playoffs, the Bulls could strike gold again in the lottery. The Bulls could get under the luxury tax while acquiring and developing young talent into the stars they will need to topple the Miami Heat, and others.

The Bulls' front office has been smart in building this Chicago Bulls team while also maintaining attractive trade assets. Now is the time to sell.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

State of the Chicago Bulls: 2012 NBA Draft Edition

NEWARK, NJ. The Chicago Bulls went with a familiar formula of drafting a solid player from a strong college program, selecting 6' 2" University of Kentucky Point Guard Marquis Teague with the 29th Overall Pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
University of Kentucky PG Marquis Teague was selected #29 Overall by the Chicago Bulls.

Teague is a lightning quick creator who, along with #1 Overall Pick, Anthony Davis, and #2 Overall Pick, Michael Kidd-Gilcrist, started for the 2012 National Champions, University of Kentucky, under John Calipari. The Bulls selected another Calipari-coached point guard #1 Overall in 2008-- Derrick Rose.

Marquis Teague averaged 10.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in 2011-2012 for the Wildcats.

Marquis is the younger brother of the Atlanta Hawks Jeff Teague.

Following weeks of speculation that the Bulls might consider a bold reboot due to the expected loss of next season due to Derrick Rose's knee injury and rehab, the Bulls front office blacked out the press in the days before Thursday's NBA Draft.

With the selections before them made, the Chicago Bulls' brain trust allegedly made a bold move of sorts. The Bulls, surprised that Teague (who was listed by ESPN as the #19 talent in the draft), was still available at #29, took a flying leap by selecting him, despite not having had Teague in for private workouts. It was a big gamble for a front office that has been derided in recent days as too conservative, however only time can tell if GarPax made the right selection.

Several players were connected to the Chicago Bulls as the combo guard that would be had at #29 Overall who would also be expected to fill both the huge shoes of the 2011 NBA MVP, Derrick Rose, during his rehab and to fill the starting shooting guard spot next to Rose when he returns. John Jenkins was one player that the Bulls were thought to be targeting, however the Atlanta Hawks ended up selecting Jenkins at #23. With their other targets, the Bulls would have had to reach for second rounders with their #29 First-Round Pick.

<a href="http://www.linkedtube.com/98-tc5nD65k887234e4d7caf0b492e4b39be4faa0a8.htm">LinkedTube</a>

While not the bolder, riskier reboot of last season's top seeded team in the NBA Playoffs that many were expecting following trade rumors that centered around Chicago Bulls' starters Luol Deng and Joakim Noah, GarPax took a small risk on a player with National Championship pedigree, and with Rose's extended absence, Teague will have the precious playing time needed to develop. And if Teague develops into a player like brother, Jeff, fans will have a lot to be excited about. Overall, Bulls' management is content with their only pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.

Tell us how you would grade the Chicago Bulls 2012 NBA Draft selection of Marquis Teague! 



Tuesday, June 26, 2012

With NBA Draft Approaching, Time Running Out For Chicago Bulls Reload

NEWARK, NJ. The 2012 NBA Draft will take place this Thursday night, and will begin with the New Orleans Hornets selecting Anthony Davis with the first overall pick.

After that, there is little certainty about where players will go, just as there is little certainty about what the Chicago Bulls plans are regarding Draft night.

One rumor has the Chicago Bulls sending Luol Deng to Sacramento for Tyreke Evans and the #5 Overall Pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Trade rumors have been going back and forth, reaching a fever pitch. Luol Deng and/or Joakim Noah have been linked to deals with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Golden State Warriors.

The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to be looking to acquire a lottery pick along with either an established player or, possibly, a trade exception.

Even Luol Deng has commented that he is unsure about whether he will be traded in one of the many trade scenarios to surface.

Despite Deng being selected for his first All-Star game this last season, the Chicago Bulls have maxed out their salary cap and may be penalized under luxury tax rules starting next season, and while Chicago Bulls ownership is willing to pay the luxury tax for a championship team, Derrick Rose's season ending injury and subsequent rehab seems to promise that the Bulls will not be at the same championship level that they had been playing at for at least several months into the 2012-13 NBA season.

Amidst the numerous trade rumors, the Chicago Bulls' front office has been quiet. However, the Chicago Bulls front office under John Paxson has made a draft night deal in 6 of 8 NBA Drafts, so it might be more surprising if the Bulls do not pull off a deal.

With the Chicago Bulls' future hanging in the balance until Draft Night, fans can only hang on for the ride and think, "In GarPax We Trust".

Monday, June 11, 2012

2012 NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Here are the official 2012 NBA Draft Combine Measurements released by the NBA:

NamePlayer Height w/o ShoesPlayer Height with ShoesPlayer WeightWingspanStanding ReachBody FatHand LengthHand Width
Acy, Quincy6' 6.5''6' 7.75''223.87' 2.75''8' 10.5''7.19.5011.00
Barnes, Harrison6' 7''6' 8''227.86' 11.25''8' 6''9.69.008.50
Barton, Will6' 5''6' 6''174.46' 9.75''8' 7''4.19.009.50
Beal, Bradley6' 3.25''6' 4.75''201.86' 8''8' 3''6.08.509.00
Brown, J'Covan6' 1''6' 2.25''202.46' 5.25''7' 11.5''12.57.758.25
Buford, William6' 4''6' 5''214.66' 9.5''8' 6''11.38.7510.00
Crowder, Jae6' 4.75''6' 6.5''241.26' 9.25''8' 3''9.09.5010.50
Cunningham, Jared6' 3.5''6' 5''187.66' 6.5''8' 2''3.68.259.00
Davis, Anthony6' 9.25''6' 10.5''221.87' 5.5''9' 0''7.99.008.50
Denmon, Marcus6' 2.25''6' 3.25''188.26' 5''7' 10''6.68.259.75
Drummond, Andre6' 9.75''6' 11.75''278.67' 6.25''9' 1.5''7.59.509.50
English, Kim6' 4.5''6' 5.75''192.06' 6.5''8' 3''4.38.508.75
Ezeli, Festus6' 9.75''6' 11.5''264.27' 5.75''8' 10''5.59.0010.75
Gordon, Drew6' 8''6' 8.75''239.06' 11.5''8' 8.5''9.18.509.75
Green, Draymond6' 5.75''6' 7.5''235.67' 1.25''8' 10''11.39.009.50
Green, JaMychal6' 8''6' 9''217.47' 2.25''8' 9.5''9.89.259.25
Harkless, Moe6' 7.25''6' 8.75''206.67' 0''8' 7.5''5.39.2510.25
Henson, John6' 9''6' 10.5''216.07' 5''9' 3.5''8.69.2510.00
Holloway, Tu5' 10.5''5' 11.75''186.86' 5.5''7' 10.5''8.58.7510.00
Hummel, Robbie6' 7.25''6' 8.5''218.06' 8.5''8' 5.5''9.48.509.50
James, Bernard6' 8.75''6' 10''229.87' 3''9' 0.5''5.09.009.25
Jenkins, John6' 3.25''6' 4.25''212.06' 8.5''8' 3.5''7.19.009.00
Johnson, Orlando6' 3.75''6' 5.25''223.86' 11.25''8' 3''7.09.009.50
Johnson-Odom, Darius6' 1.5''6' 3''212.06' 7''7' 10.5''7.08.758.75
Jones, Kevin6' 6.25''6' 7.5''251.27' 1.5''8' 9.5''11.29.007.75
Jones, Perry6' 10.25''6' 11.25''233.87' 1.75''8' 10.5''4.69.259.50
Jones, Terrence6' 8.25''6' 9.5''252.07' 2.25''8' 9.5''7.79.0010.00
Joseph, Kris6' 6''6' 7''215.06' 11''8' 7.5''8.69.009.00
Kidd-Gilchrist, Michael6' 5.75''6' 7.5''232.87' 0''8' 8.5''7.09.0010.25
Lamb, Doron6' 3.25''6' 4.75''199.46' 6.75''8' 3''6.78.508.75
Lamb, Jeremy6' 4''6' 5.25''179.26' 11''8' 5''4.58.759.25
Leonard, Meyers6' 11.75''7' 1.25''249.87' 3''9' 0.5''5.79.2511.00
Lillard, Damian6' 1.75''6' 2.75''188.86' 7.75''8' 0''5.98.759.75
Machado, Scott6' 1''6' 2''205.86' 4''7' 9.5''5.88.509.50
Marshall, Kendall6' 3.25''6' 4.25''198.46' 5.5''7' 10.5''7.88.509.00
Melo, Fab6' 10.75''7' 0''255.07' 2.5''9' 1.5''9.29.0010.00
Middleton, Khris6' 6.75''6' 8.25''216.26' 10.75''8' 9''7.89.009.00
Miller, Darius6' 6''6' 7.5''233.46' 9''8' 6.5''7.58.508.75
Miller, Quincy6' 8.75''6' 10''218.77' 1.25''9' 1''7.89.2510.25
Mitchell, Tony6' 5.25''6' 6.25''216.46' 10''8' 3.5''5.78.5010.00
Moultrie, Arnett6' 9.5''6' 10.75''232.87' 2.25''8' 10.5''7.79.259.25
Murphy, Kevin6' 5''6' 6.25''194.06' 6.75''8' 4''5.88.508.50
Nicholson, Andrew6' 8.5''6' 9.5''234.07' 4''8' 10.5''7.610.0010.75
O'Quinn, Kyle6' 8.5''6' 10''240.87' 4.75''9' 3.5''8.09.5010.00
Plumlee, Miles6' 10.5''6' 11.75''252.47' 0.75''8' 8.5''11.49.259.00
Rivers, Austin6' 3.5''6' 5''202.86' 7.25''8' 1''6.28.5010.00
Robinson, Thomas6' 7.75''6' 8.75''244.27' 3.25''8' 10''5.09.7510.50
Ross, Terrence6' 6''6' 7''196.66' 7.25''8' 5''3.28.7510.25
Satoransky, Tomas6' 6.5''6' 7.5''200.66' 7.25''8' 4''5.28.509.50
Scott, Mike6' 7.25''6' 8.75''240.86' 10.75''8' 8.5''10.68.509.00
Sims, Henry6' 10''6' 11.75''241.27' 4''8' 11''7.79.2510.00
Sullinger, Jared6' 7.75''6' 9''268.27' 1.25''8' 11''10.79.259.75
Taylor, Jeff6' 6''6' 7.25''212.86' 6.25''8' 3.5''4.28.259.75
Taylor, Jordan6' 1''6' 2''192.86' 3''7' 8''5.58.259.50
Taylor, Tyshawn6' 2.75''6' 4''177.06' 6.25''8' 1.5''4.28.758.75
Teague, Marquis6' 1''6' 2''179.86' 7.25''8' 2.5''6.38.257.75
Thompson, Hollis6' 6.75''6' 8''206.06' 9.5''8' 7.5''68.259.75
Waiters, Dion6' 2.5''6' 4''221.06' 7.25''8' 2''8.58.509.50
White, Royce6' 7''6' 8''260.67' 0''8' 8.5''10.69.5011.50
Wroten, Tony6' 4.75''6' 6''203.26' 9''8' 5''5.28.009.00
Zeller, Tyler6' 11.25''7' 0.5''247.47' 0''8' 8''6.49.009.75