Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011
12:02 p.m.
By Mark Schanowski
CSNChicago.com
With Derrick Rose putting up an MVP-worthy season at the age of 22, some NBA observers are wondering if the Bulls might be ahead of schedule in their plan to build a title-contending team. Even with the long-term injuries suffered by Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, the Bulls have the 3rd best record in the Eastern Conference, and already own victories over both Boston and Miami. Question is, could they beat either of these teams in a best of 7 series? What do you think? Please post your comments in the section below.
Noah surprised reporters by announcing hes hoping to return to action before the NBAs All-Star weekend, which starts on February 19th. That would give the Bulls almost two full months to get their team fine-tuned for the start of the playoffs. Amazingly, the Bulls have gone 15-6 since Noah went out with a torn ligament in his right thumb, which leads everyone to wonder just how good this team can be at full strength. Kurt Thomas has done an excellent job of holding down the center position in Noahs absence, but once Joakim returns, the Bulls will have the kind of frontcourt depth and versatility that few teams can equal.
Of course, there is that nagging lack of production at the shooting guard position, but dont look for the Bulls to make a major move before the February 24th trade deadline, unless Detroit decides to buy out Richard Hamilton, which isnt likely. With the league facing a difficult round of collective bargaining in the off-season, the Bulls and most other teams dont want to be stuck with long-term salary commitments for past their prime veteran players.
If David Stern and the owners are successful in instituting a hard salary cap in the new collective bargaining agreement, many teams could be forced to trade or release players just to get their rosters to comply with new league rules. And, with the Bulls planning to offer Rose a contract extension before next season, they need to make sure their roster isnt overloaded with long-term, big money deals. Adding another 8 million plus per year contract like Hamilton, Jamal Crawford or Stephen Jackson could actually prevent the Bulls from working out a new contract with Rose, and obviously, that would not make any sense for the future of the franchise.
So, the next time you wonder why Keith Bogans and Ronnie Brewer are failing to provide the offense youd expect from the shooting guard position, just remember building a championship roster isnt normally done in just one season. The Bulls decision makers know they need to add another reliable shooter to the mix, but because of the labor issues, it probably wont happen this season. Rest assured, Gar Forman and John Paxson are making their calls around the league, trying to find creative ways to improve the roster. But the reality is, any big move isnt likely to happen until next year, when the Bulls will have more roster flexibility.
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Now, that doesnt mean the Bulls couldnt add another shooting guard before the trade deadline. Moderately priced players like Anthony Parker and Courtney Lee might be available, as well as guys in the 5 to 7 million range like Mikeal Pietrus, J.R. Smith and Leandro Barbosa. The problem is, any team talking trade with the Bulls is likely to ask for Taj Gibson as part of the package coming back. And, with the injuries suffered by Boozer and Noah this season, plus the inexperience of Omer Asik, it would be tough to give up such a valuable frontcourt reserve.
Its always difficult to be patient, especially with the Bulls exceeding pre-season expectations at this point. But if the Bulls could potentially add another All-Star caliber player at next years trade deadline, or in the summer of 2012, maybe patience is the best course right now.
As always, we appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Should the Bulls wait until they have the cap room to make a major upgrade at the shooting guard position, or would you like to see something done before February 24th? And, can the Bulls contend for a championship this season, or do they still need more talent and experience? Please post your comments in the section below.
Ill see you Friday at the United Center when the Bulls get another litmus test against Dwight Howard and the new-look Orlando Magic.
Mark Schanowski hosts our Bulls pre- and postgame studio coverage with 15-year NBA veteran Kendall Gill. You can also watch Mark on SportsNet Central, Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 and 10 p.m.