It's a summer league game. They make preseason games look like NBA Finals games. Ask Marco Belinelli and Devean George how dominating summer league translates into the regular season. Im more concerned about the Bulls lack of defense then Rose. Rose will be good, you could see that. The Bulls defense was awful, half of Beasleys points were basically uncontested.

The Bulls roster doesn't require adjustment; it needs to be blown up.

Who is the certified All-Star the Bulls will acquire without giving up Deng?

I don't know. I was saying if they could bring one in, I think they could contend for the division next season. Either way I think they will be in the playoffs again next season if Del Negro proves to be even an average NBA coach. Conversely, what moves would you make if you were in their shoes? How would you "blow the team up"?

Well it's easy to say that the Bulls "should" acquire a perennial All-Star without giving up Deng, but far less easy to achieve. You call my desire to acquire Beasley so he can be paired as a 1-2 combo with Rose a pipe dream, but it seems like you're the one selling ocean front property in Nebraska.

I also dispute the idea that making the playoffs without having a definable core in place is a laudable goal for the Bulls. Two years ago they achieved this feat but remained galaxies away from a championship because they had no stars. With Rose on their roster, they are likely closer to to a title, but--assuming Deng remains their second best player--will remain at least one impact player short of being a legitimate contender.

I am not sure what Miami's contract situation is, but I also assume the Bulls will have to take any bad ones that Miami has. To me, this is OK because the drafting of Rose basically means the Bulls are on a five-year plan anyway.

I have already told you that my first choice would be to focus on acquiring Beasley so I can put a core into place. I have been on the record with this idea since before the draft.

I have no idea what you're talking about re: the playoffs. My point had nothing to do with the difficulty of achieving that objective. I was simply questioning the desirability of making the playoffs while lacking a bona fide core, something the Bulls did two years ago. I do not equate making the playoffs with having a true championship core. Apparently you do.

Regarding your points about Jefferson and Gasol, they are interesting ideas to kick around, but I think they're the kind of players who make you good while possibly preventing you from being great. Starting with a core of Beasley and Rose lays the foundation for greatness.

So right now the best option seems to be to try to develop Luol, Thablo, Tyrus, Noah, etc. Try to move Kirk and/or Gordon. Hughes large contract will expire in 2010, which could possibly be the best FA class in recent memory. So keep the core of lottery players we have now. Hope Luol develops into an All Star quality player, which he has certainly shown potential to be if healthy. Then use that cap room in 2010 to try to sign one of the marquee names, and Rose will be going into his third year by then. With Rose, Noah, Luol, possibly Gordon, possibly Tyrus, and most likely some other role players as a core, adding another All Star could definitely make them title contenders. In my opinion, that is a much more plausible scenario then "blow the team up", since there doesnt seem to be the necessary options to do that.

They arent gonna get Beasley. It just isnt gonna happen. I dont even know if there is a conceivable scenario under the cap that a trade could work for both teams. Under the slim chance there is, Pax has already shown he is not creative enough to make this happen. It would have gotten done on draft day if it were going to. Plain and simple, the Bulls are not getting Beasley. Considering that, I dont see another plausible "blow up" scenario.

Also dont put words in my mouth. I never said making the playoffs = championship quality team. However, given a choice between 35 win seasons and 45-50 win season, Ill take the latter every day. The fact of the matter is there is too much talent on this team to lose enough games make it in the top 3, and Im not gonna bank on a 1.5% chance again. So right now the best option seems to be to try to develop Luol, Thablo, Tyrus, Noah, etc. Try to move Kirk and/or Gordon. Hughes large contract will expire in 2010, which could possibly be the best FA class in recent memory. So keep the core of lottery players we have now. Hope Luol develops into an All Star quality player, which he has certainly shown potential to be if healthy. Then use that cap room in 2010 to try to sign one of the marquee names, and Rose will be going into his third year by then. With Rose, Noah, Luol, possibly Gordon, possibly Tyrus, and most likely some other role players as a core, adding another All Star could definitely make them title contenders. In my opinion, that is a much more plausible scenario then "blow the team up", since there doesnt seem to be the necessary options to do that.

Regarding your points about Jefferson and Gasol, they are interesting ideas to kick around, but I think they're the kind of players who make you good while possibly preventing you from being great. Starting with a core of Beasley and Rose lays the foundation for greatness.

Are we debating what Paxson will do, or what Paxson should do? Your plan is obviously the one Paxson is following, but I'd hardly call it a good one. I'd much rather have Rose and Beasley than Rose and Deng as I try to build for the future, plain and simple.

Well shit TM I'd rather have Rose and Kobe but I like to be realistic about what I hope my team will do.

Geez man, I guess you really like Beasley, huh? If the Bulls had him (and Rose) they'd be "laying the foundation for greatness"? You already admitted they needed a #2 scorer but you're against Jefferson or Gasol? I agree Beasley will be a good player, probably even great but you seem to be crowning him already and making him a hall of famer after one summer league game. Obviously you'd have to give up a hell of a lot to get Beasley where I'm sure you could get someone as productive for a lot less