http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/apr/09/its_official_wright_enter_nba_draft/?sports

good news for the bulls...

I'm a big fan but the Bulls need an inside player.

GD, I don’t want him on the Bulls. I want him getting picked ahead of the Bulls.

If the Bulls go big, aren't they setting themselves up, historically, for a busted pick ?

I think last week B/B read all the lottery pick big men when showing why Oden should go #1, and it seemed like 90% or greater was just a bust.

I'd love to add another big man because we need to work another player into the rotation with Brown a free agent plus not very good, and Wallace another year older. I know Tyrus Thomas will become a regular rotation player next year, and Nocioni can play at PF at times so adding a 6-10 PF would be the logical choice. I'm just worried with the increased possiblity of adding a big stiff who doesn't add much.

Buckets - I'm not sure who the Bulls could get with the mid-level exception at a PF/C spot. Obviously, iit wouldn't be anything more than a 20-25 minute player, but what would your thoughts be on adding a decent veteran role play, and going into the draft with the idea of taking the best player available, preferable someone in the 6-7, 6-8 range. With the way the league is going, I wouldn't be against having another athletic freak like a Tyrus Thomas is who can grow into a power spot, or even another wing player who can run the floor.

I know this goes until all conventional wisdom, and there's a 95% chance that the Bulls with somewhere in the 6-10 range in the lottery, will take a PF/C, but just thought I'd throw that idea out there.

Lastly, where do you see Horford (from Florida, I butchered his name) going. He's the one big guy, outside Oden/Durant, who'd I'd love the Bulls to get. I think this guy is ready to come in, and be a contributor right away, and will be a 16 and 8 kind of player in this league.

if the Bulls end up with a pick between 8-12, the best available player will most likely be at the wing position. A position, as you all know is quite full on the Bulls roster. Any big man available would be a project that wouldn't help the Bulls right away, they don't want another project.

Therefore, I PREDICT (say it like ya mean it) they will most likely use their pick as a trading chip to acquire a big man (ala Jermaine O'Neal, Kevin Garnet, etc.). I'm not saying it will only take the draft pick, obviously they will have to sweeten the pot. However, they are deep enough now to make this next step.

The only way they would keep their pick is if they landed one of the first to selections (highly unlikely).

The problem that I see with that is they don't have the big expiring contract that they had this year in P.J. Brown.

They could do a sign and trade with Nocioni, and the draft pick, but that would probably also leave them short of a big man like you mention.

lets just hope the Pistons take care of business tonight. My stomach can't take another last-second Eddy Curry three pointer.

Tell me about it....Please Detroit, take care of business!

Yes and no. Centers definitely have a higher percentage of busts, but look through the last 10-15 drafts. Half the players in round 1 turn out to be dogshit, and that's including all 5 spots. Plus, the B&B bit you're referencing only included pure 5's, not any of the superstar FC's in the game today.



There won't be any gems available for the MLE. You're looking at guys like:

Melvin Ely
Primoz Brezec
Chris Mihm
Jamaal Magloire

As for the draft, I'm a big fan of Horford, so my plan B would be trading up a few spots to land him (plan A being a Greg Oden miracle). Not sure that could be done without touching the primary rotation, though. We'll know more once we see what the Knicks give us, and who our possible trading partner(s) would be.

Can't say that I agree with your other point, though. Unless they plan to move Nocioni, I don't see any way to take on another combo forward. Durant is the only F in this draft that I'd take with no regard for the rest of my roster.

I'd probably look at the PG position if the elite bigs are off the board. Duhon will walk after next season, and considering Deng & Gordon will both have poison pill contracts in 07/08, you may hear Hinrich's name tossed around in plenty of trade rumors between this summer and next February.

so is Adrian Griffin

Of course I don't think he's AG. They don't even play the same position. I was just commenting on your "he's a Pax guy" remark. I think he's a poor man's Nocioni, actually. Keep him. We don't need another try-hard guy off the bench. We need someone that can score down low. And his name is Al Horford.

Nas, I liked Horford long before the tourney. And if you're in love with Hansbrough, don't let me get in your way. As long as he never puts on a Bull uniform, I couldn't care less how much you like him, or how many threads you start to show game logs of him against whomever we pick.

On a side note, given a choice between Hansbrough or Hibbert, give me Tyler 6 days a week and twice on Sunday. Outside of that, you can still keep him.

I've been cheating on you, Nas. This isn't the only place I talk Bulls.

I just meant Bulls talk in general. I read other forums, but I'm not posting anywhere else. ESPN, realgm, etc, doesn't interest me. Too many people posting there and threads get buried before they ever get started. Plus the realgm moderators are borderline psychotic.

The banter will pick up during the playoffs and once we're past the NFL draft.

any word about the other underclassmen at Kansas?

I dont know if Roy's crazy substitution system hurt Hansbrough, but certainly he took a step back this year. Going from ACC freshman of the year to the 2nd or 3rd best player on his own team.

Don't get too far ahead of yourself. I proposed the same scenario last year before the draft...spinnin had the same reaction. He is a very consistent poster.

I still like Hansbrough as well. I think he would be a fine pick in the lower part of the lottery.

Hibbert is still my guy.

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if the Bulls go big, it will probably be a European/Asian export.

although, I LOVE Corey Brewer

I think Yi will end up going higher than most people anticipate. Nearly every GM with a lottery pick was scouting him in China, during the NCAA tourney. Unless they all came back disappointed, I expect him to go off the board pretty early.

Hansborough is Mark Madsen. He could use one more year at UNC to refine his low post game. He's got great hustle but might be limited in his abilities long term.

i vote no more white guys.

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@audioidkid

If we end up with the 10th or 11th pick, I would be fine with Spencer Hawes. I’m not as high on him as I was a few months ago, but I still feel he’d be excellent value in the bottom half of the lottery.

That's what everyone said would happen after the end of the Bears season; people here just don't like to talk Bull.

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The landowner effectively owns part shares in millions of part-time slaves called, "taxpayers." -Roy L
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I love Brewer too, but where are the Bulls going to put him? Between Deng and Sefalosha, you pretty well have players wherever you'd be playing Brewer. Though, I think he has an excellent chance of being an all-star.

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You can't see me because of internet.

The landowner effectively owns part shares in millions of part-time slaves called, "taxpayers." -Roy L
A Personal Relationship with Jesus?

Just for shits and giggles, Chris Ford from ESPN predicts the Bulls will take Roy Hibbert.

I think I might like that pick.

Trade Gordon. I know it sounds crazy, but you can get a lot for him. Plus, he is going to be wanting a Max deal after next season.

We have a very small backcourt, start Thabo at the 2 next year.[/code]

If Gordon is dumb enough to think he’s worthy of a max contract, and there is a team even dumber that is willing to give it to him in a sign & trade, I’ll gladly drive him to the airport. I like Ben, but he shouldn’t get much more than Kirk’s 5 for $47.5. 5 for $55 tops.

Bucket,
I just realized what I love about your avatar.
The Legend actually tried to block it!!!
Today's players would most likely get out of the way for the fear of being posterized.

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“Mmmm. Move over, eggs. Bacon just got a new best friend - fudge.”