In regards to Jay Mariott's column today about rebuilding the Bulls, it's an interesting column if it wasn't so full of contradictions.

Here it is, if you haven't read it:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/756954,mariotti012408.article

Mariotti says that the Bulls could attempt to clear cap space in order to sign Kobe or Wade as free agents in upcoming off-seasons, but at the same time wants to make bold moves to turn around the team for next season. You can't have it both ways unless you get extremely lucky, and I'm pretty certain that Mariotti doesn't understand salary cap rules. By clearing cap space, I'm assuming that he's talking about trading Ben Wallace and his massive contract away (2 more seasons at around $30 million). That sounds great, but you have to find someone who wants him and his massive contract. Then you have to match salaries (I believe it is within 15%) so basically we'd be taking back somebody else's garbage because, after all, who's going to trade a high priced player on a good team ? So, being realistic, maybe we can trade Ben Wallace and a spare part for Larry Hughes and a spare part. We wouldn't be getting any better for next season, and we'd also had failed to clear space.

At the same time, he also stated (and keeps repeating in other columns, which doesn't make it any more true) that the Bulls low balled Luol Deng and Ben Gordon in pre-season contract offers, yet apparently believes that these two players, who we all agree are paramount to our success at a team, deserve more money at the same time all while arguing that the the team stinks.

In addition, if the Bulls are low balling two of their own, why would a guy like Wade or Kobe want to sign here if we are doing that ?

Finally, the impression I get from Mariotti's column is that the Bulls should overpay to sign their key players (Deng/Gordon) on a team that is underachieving (and quite possibly just stinks), create cap room time at the same time, somehow get better for next season, and think about having money/cap space set aside to sign a super star in a few years......

Typical Jay Mariotti, and that's my rant for today.

My Dear Friends,
You could easily argue that Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich are the three most overvalued players in the league.
The Bulls fans emotional attachment to players such as these gentlemen is not much different from the chubby Cubs fans have for Matt Murton.
No one on this team is untouchable. Not a one.
Your Dear Friend,
Bullspeakink J.A.C.K.

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My Mother was a witch...she was burned alive
Thankless little bitch, for the tears I cried
Take her down now, don't wanna see her face.
All blistered and burnt, can't hide my disgrace.
Am I evil? Yes. I am.

Yeah, I most definitely do not agree that Gordon and Deng are "paramount to our success as a team". Gordon is a sixth man, and may actually be a barrier to the Bulls' success, given his defensive weakness and inability to dribble. Deng is at best the third best player on an NBA title contender. Both players are replaceable.

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OMG I KNOW

He's a white guy from the Red Sox system, so he must be great!

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Gordon and Deng are paramount to the Bulls success. You can throw Hinrich and Ben Wallace in there if you want, but it matters what these guys produce (or don't produce) nightly.

It seems as if you are arguing that those guys shouldn't matter as much, and I totally agree with you on that, but, on this current team, they are our best players, and responsible for where we are now.

OK, I guess I didn't understand your original point. I agree with what you say.

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I heard analysts arguing a few days ago about who had the bleaker future, Miami, NY, or the Bulls. They actually all agreed that the Bulls have the brightest future, and I think thats bullshit. Miami has a way brighter future, they are cruising to a top 5 pick, have a good GM in Riley, have one of the best players in the NBA, and will clear up a ton of cap room when the Daddy goes away. Its almost inarguable that they have a better future. It would just be nice to see an All Star playing hoops in chicago again.

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

I agree. As long as Miami has a star in Wade, they are always going to be closer to a championship than the Bulls. They need to get younger, and get rid of some of these over the hill players, but, as you mentioned, after Shaq leaves, they should have some money to spend, plus a chance this upcoming draft to add a young piece to go with Wade.