Posts tagged ‘Luol Deng’

This topic has been discussed ad nauseam. Nonetheless, I’m certain Nick and I will have to dedicate numerous shows to the topic all summer. Why not bite the bullet now . . . from Dime:

SHOULD BEN GORDON GET PAID?

Remember last summer when Ben Gordon said that he wanted “Luol Deng money” from the Bulls? (It’s kind of ridiculous that such an expression exists.) If he was asking for $70 million then, his pricetag could have only shot up since his 22.8 ppg seven-game stretch against the Celtics. As of right now, there’s no way that Chicago could afford to give him that kind of money. So is it worth restructuring the books to make room for BG?

While BG’s 42-point game and his clutch shooting throughout the series justifies an extension, his game is a double-edged sword. He’ll shoot through slumps at inopportune times. (Gordon went 10-35, 28.6% FG during the final two games of the Boston series.) He’ll take ill-advised shots that can burn his team. But just when you’re fed up with his antics, he’ll flip the switch and look like one of the top 10 shooting guards in the League.

If Chicago thinks that his offensive output is a crucial cornerstone of their bright future, they’ll need to make some moves. They probably can’t afford to keep Kirk Hinrich at $26.5 million over the next three years. In the short term, they’d also have to try to move Jerome James or Tim Thomas‘ expiring deals, both of which will come in next year right around $6 million. If that happens, they’d probably be able to sign Gordon in the $10 million per year range, which is actually still a drop under what Deng is raking in.

But does that fit with the Bulls’ long-term plan? In building around Derrick Rose, they don’t need too many guys who fall in love with their own dribble. The Bulls really like John Salmons, who figures to be a bit cheaper than BG and can provide some of the same explosive scoring at times. They’re stuck with Deng’s big deal, and will have to play him at the three – at least to make themselves feel like that money isn’t totally going to waste. If they let Gordon walk, they’ll have more wiggle room to go after a scoring big man when Brad Miller’s contract expires at the end of next season.

Why do we have to rehash this argument every summer? Sick of it yet? Oh well, here’s Mike McGraw’s take . . . from the Daily Herald:

As the Bulls’ season came to a close Saturday night, the prevailing personnel question heading into the off-season is whether leading scorer Ben Gordon will return or depart as a free agent.

Neither side has complete control of the situation. Gordon is free to leave, but he may not have many options with only a few teams expected to be under the salary cap.

One thing the Bulls should do, though, is not let the luxury tax get in the way of doing what’s best to for the team to keep moving forward – whether that’s re-signing Gordon or making another move to improve the team. Here are five reasons why:

• Most importantly, the Bulls owe it to their fans, who have filled the seats at the United Center and helped make the franchise the most profitable in the NBA this decade, according to an estimate by Forbes Magazine.

• Paying the tax would be only a one-year proposition, because the Bulls will have around $25 million in expiring salaries next season between Brad Miller, Tim Thomas and Jerome James.

• As much as the Bulls would like to make a taller lineup work with John Salmons at shooting guard and Luol Deng at small forward, that’s a risky proposition. Salmons is coming off a nice season, but it’s the first time he’s averaged more than 12 points in his NBA career.

Plus, there is no telling whether Deng’s stress fracture in his tibia will continue to be a problem. If Gordon leaves and Deng is unavailable at the start of next season, the Bulls are down to Kirk Hinrich at two guard and Salmons at small forward, without much in reserve. If everyone turns up healthy and playing well, the Bulls will have options in the trade market.

• If a trade opportunity comes along at next year’s deadline, whether it’s for Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire or anyone else worth acquiring, the Bulls will need some depth to have enough pieces to make a deal.

• The Bulls only have themselves to blame for being close to the luxury-tax level, thanks to the Ben Wallace signing that didn’t pan out beyond one season.

For the past several years, it was set in stone that the Bulls would not let their payroll grow beyond the luxury-tax threshold, which triggers a dollar-for-dollar tax on any excess salary.

They’ll probably need to pay the tax in order to re-sign Gordon, and some team insiders believe there is a possibility that could happen. The team certainly finished the season on a high note, taking the defending champion Celtics to seven games in one of the most dramatic playoff series in NBA history.

The Bulls still need some help to become an elite team. But if the same group returns next year, it’s reasonable to assume they could move their victory total into the upper 40s and challenge for a top-four seed.

Gordon is free to leave, he but won’t have many options in free agency. At this point, Detroit, Memphis and Oklahoma City are the only teams that seem certain to have salary-cap room. Gordon isn’t an ideal fit for any of them.

“Well, you only need one team, right?” Gordon said Sunday at the Berto Center.

He also said he’s not pursuing a change in management. The relationship between Gordon’s agent, Raymond Brothers, and the Bulls appeared to be rocky the last two summers when they failed to agree on an extension. Gordon calmly addressed the situation in response to a Daily Herald question after Saturday’s Game 7.

“At the end of the day, it’s a business,” Gordon said. “I’m able to put my feelings aside and if there’s animosity, the organization needs to be able to do the same thing. We’re not kids in the playground arguing over a basketball. This is a business and we need to sit down and figure something out. If there’s nothing to figure out, move on and do something else.”

Last year, Gordon turned down an offer believed to be worth around $54 million over six years. After a deadline set by the Bulls passed, Gordon changed his mind, but the Bulls wouldn’t budge.

Still, the team was very impressed with the way Gordon handled himself this season and if the tax was no issue, they would gladly re-sign him.

If the tax is the only issue, the Bulls should get it done.

Ugh.

Alright, I must admit, I have yet to purchase a single Christmas gift.  Only 6 more days?!  Really?  Wow, the Holidays really crept up on me this year!  So in the interest of further procrastination, I’ve decided to dedicate my quickly dwindling “gift shopping time” to compiling a few gift ideas for your everyday Bulls fan.

It’s a tough call.  Do you go the authentic Jersey route (replicas are wack and entirely out of the question)?  Maybe, but they’re expensive, and often suffer from a short lifespan.  For example, my Tyson Chandler jersey is buried deep in my closet next to my Jalen Rose (if only Derrick Rose had opted for #5).  Any day now, my Hinrich jersey will be packed into a box for storage, and that Deng jersey might not be too far behind.  Derrick Rose seems like a pretty solid bet, but how many of you own never-to-be-worn again Jay[son]Williams jerseys (knock on wood a million times)?

Throwbacks are an option: the MJ and the Pip are obvious classics, but it might be even cooler to rock Grant’s #54 or Van Lier’s #2!  But I’ll admit, these retro J’s often cost a fortune, and many shoppers are required to stay within the confines of the Secret Santa Salary Cap. 

So, I suggest acquiring some player-neutral gear.  However, be wary of any neutral garments sold by the official NBA Store . . . you don’t want the recipient of your gift to be mistaken for Bulls strength coach (or, even worse, Jim Boylan)! 

Very Bad

I’ve linked to a few solid options from MooseShirts.com.  Check out the following Tee’s: Upper Playground’s “Pit Bulls”, Playing for Keeps’ “Skull”, Upper Playground’s “We Fly High” and  New Era’s “We Fly High” Hat.  Please, don’t hesitate  to email Nick or myself for our respective shipping addresses!  I own a couple of these, so gift receipts are encouraged.  Happy Holidays.

Pardon my politicking, but it there’s any day it’s acceptable on a Bulls blog, today would be the day. Right?  I received this in my inbox this afternoon from diehard Bulls fan Dan Bruhl.  Thought I’d pass it along.

Dan Writes:

I know you’re never supposed to talk about religion, poop, or politics as it may offend people, but here’s a few reasons for Bull’s fans to go out and vote for Mr. Barack Obama . . .

“I’ve never known anything about politics before, never got involved. It was just too over my head, and it seemed like I could never do anything about it. I felt like my voice wasn’t to be heard or anything. And for whatever reason, Obama makes you understand that you do have a voice and what you do effects this country, no matter how major or minor.” ~ former Bull Tyson Chandler [Link]

“Obama. Yes, because he’s a Chicagoan. So that’s who I gotta go for. If I didn’t vote for him, I probably wouldn’t be able to go back to Chicago. So he’s got my vote automatically.” – Bull’s number #1 pick Derrick Rose [Link]

“I think Derrick Rose is the man.  I think he is Jason Kidd with a jump shot.  I think he’ll be a great point guard in the NBA and he’s from Chicago.” ~ Barack Obama [Link]

“I actually can relate to the Bulls,” the Democratic presidential candidate said following his remarks where he called for more fuel efficient automobiles. “They’re a young team. They’ve never been there before. Sometimes they’re going to make a few mistakes. But I think they’ve got great promise.” ~ Barack Obama [Link]

“He talks the whole time. He’s never quiet.” What are some of the things he would say? ” ‘You can’t guard me!’ Just random talk. He knows the game. He’s like a point guard out there, and so he’s always telling guys where to go, what to do, very vocal.” Who won? “Oh, I won – he may be running for president, but I’m not going to let him win, not going to take it easy on him. I don’t take it easy on anyone.” ~ former Bull Chris Duhon [Link]

“I want to congratulate Luol Deng on being honored with this award. In a world rife with conflict, one of our most important obligations is to look after the innocent victims of war, including those who are forced to flee their homes as refugees – and few understand this better than Luol. His dedication to bringing hope to millions of children living as refugees in Sudan and around the world is an inspiration, as is Luol’s own life itself. Both on and off the court, Luol sets a standard of excellence and service that all Americans can look to for inspiration.” ~ Barack Obama on Deng’s UN Refugee Agency’s Humanitarian of the Year Award [Link]

“However, as far as I am aware Barack Obama would be the first United States President who is an avid hoops fan. Basketball is a huge part of Mr. Obama’s life, he plays all the time on the campaign trail. He is so passionate about playing that on “Super Tuesday” reports indicate that he made sure time was allocated for him to play! The Senator along with his “Body Man” Reggie Love, play with Secret Service Agents every day since he has been running for President.” [Link]

Barack Obama drains a 3 without warming-up and is interviewed afterwards and also a sweet Barack mixtape . . . 

Barack Obama Makes 3 Pointer!

Barack Obama Mixtape

And of course his Greatness is listed as a contributer to Barack’s campaign . . . [Link]

I hope, whatever your political leanings, Bulls fans all go out and vote today.  Make history!

-Dan Bruhl

It has been almost a week since KG uncontrollably roared like an “I Am Legend” alpha male zombie into Michele Tafoya’s post-game microphone. The Boston Celtics capped an historic turnaround season by hoisting the trophy. They shattered the NBA record for best single-season turnaround, catapulting from 24 wins one year to 66 wins the next, a 42-game swing.

So, am I, a die-hard fan of a pathetic Bulls team that won 16 FEWER games than the season prior, a bit envious of the Celtic’s historic rise? No. Actually, just the opposite…I’m relieved NOT to be a part of it! You see, it is no mystery how the Celts elevated from forgotten bottom-dweller to SportsCenter darling…they bought it.

Alright, maybe technically-speaking they didn’t “buy it,” but it certainly feels that way. Garnett and Allen, two-thirds of the “Big Three,” were added this season via Blockbuster Trade and P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, Eddie House, and James Posey were all signed this season for this specific title run. Sure, you can defend the acquisitions by crediting Danny Ainge as a masterful GM, but that is the same logic New Yorkers use to defend the world series rings purchased by the free-spending Yankees.

Call me crazy, old-fashioned, or naïve, but I’m glad Paxson did not sell our homegrown players for all-stars like K.G., Kobe, or Gasol. Doing so would be pretty much equivalent to Rhys Ifans, the potbellied, snaggle-toothed Welsh actor, undergoing full-body cosmetic surgery in a quest to knock Matt Damon off the “People’s Sexiest Man” throne. (Ifans is pictured here prancing around half-naked in the film Notting Hill. Unsightly.)

You see, as diehard Bulls fans, we don’t merely root for red jerseys; we become invested in and cheer for the players themselves. I’m proud that Deng, Noah, Hinrich, Gordon, Thabo, Nocioni, and (soon) Rose are all homegrown drafted Bulls. They may need a tuck or a lift here and there, but definitely not an extreme makeover. Eventually, when they win their title, Bulls fans will find it infinitely sweeter and more rewarding because we will have watched them grow and persevered with them through the most trying of times.

After all, that Welsh actor, he opted NOT to “purchase” George Clooney-like looks…and now he’s dating Sienna Miller! There is hope Bulls fans.