Nas is correct. Noce is their own player, they aren't required to use exceptions when signing him. They can keep Noce and use the MLE on someone else.

Derek Fischer is reportedly leaving the Jazz to spend more time with his ailing daughter

Now, that leaves Utah with a need at backup PG. Maybe CD can be used as trade bait?

Gimp, I’ve been on the PJ, Noce, and Duhon (plus picks & cash) for AK47 train all by myself. Welcome aboard.

Bucket,
I've been on that train alone for 5 months.
Welcome.

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

I just don't know how much closer that gets us to an NBA championship. Plus, how would we have enough to re-up with BG and LD next off-season?

Mustang, your post was pre trade deadline, when we still had PJ's expiring. At that time, I wanted more, and we had the ability to do more. Now, things are different, and we're bargain hunting.

Gimp, we can pay as much as Jerry will green-light. It can be done under the tax, but would require both LD & BG to back-load their contracts, and would require a great deal of craftiness in filling out the bottom of your roster. For one thing, we'd have to find a new home for Adrian Griffin by this year's trade deadline.

Out fo left field.
Why not Webber?

He can be very productive playing PJ's minutes

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

He actually requested to go to bigger city with better medical facilities. This explains why they qualified Dee Brown the other day.

Here's the quote from the Utah owner:
“Derek will pursue an opportunity as a free agent with a team in a city that has highly specialized medical facilities in order to get the best possible care for his daughter. Derek has contributed greatly to the Utah Jazz organization and we are reluctant to see him go, but understand the importance of putting his family first,” said team owner Larry H. Miller.

Classy move by the Jazz.

Watchya talkin about.
I've never been wrong.
Just ask my wife

I've always liked Kirilenko's game, and thought it was an opportunity for the Jazz to unload him back in January.
I don't think the Jazz will give up on him just yet.
He may be available again at the trade deadline.

edit:
Bucket, I never take anything on here personally.
You didn't have to take down that post.

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

Actually, it had more to do with Nas than you Mustang. I wasn’t worried about offending either of you, I know you guys have a sense of humor. I’m just kind of busy today and didn’t want to wage war with Nas. He’s self-employed, so he has a lot more ammunition during business hours.

Cool.
Back to the Bull.

I know Webber can't run anymore, but he still scores and gets boards, and the Detroit press has him not coming back to the pistons.
Could his ring chasing path bring him to Chicago?
It would really sting if he found his way onto the Cavs.

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

Webber makes me twitchy, sort of fear the banana in the tailpipe on this one. Keep in mind that he had a short run in Detroit. A stretch to get back into playoff shape, and then the playoffs themselves. Turning out that effort through an entire season is a different beast. Not sure he would fit here, but I’m sure Pax & his peeps have discussed the notion.

I was told there was a guy here who knows his apples about the NBA. Spinnin Bucket do you already work for me? If not, we might have a job for you. Dont let the goons get you down. I have chunks of guys like Nas in my stool.

Hasn't Webber turned into more of a high post player now and we're talking about needing someone down on the block? I don't see that happening.

Nice SNL reference.

Yeah,
He played 77 games including the playoffs, and averaged 30 minutes which was probably 5 too much. If the Bulls brought him in and gave him PJ's 20-25 minute per game they would create some interesting matchup issues with Webber's outside range. I also think that with Webb & Big Ben they would have two of the best passing big men around.
If he can be had for the MLE, I'd be happier with his production than that of Joe Smith, Chris Mihm or Darko's perpetual potential.

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

Joe Smith is old and bad...I'd love to get Darko, but I'm guessing he'll be moved in a sign and trade, and the Bulls will settle for someone like Chris Mihm, who is ok but is coming off the injury, and still leaves us a scorer short in the paint.

It seems to me that outside of a Smith/Mihm signing, this is it. Nocioni could get moved if some team offers a ridiculous contract, but if the Bulls match an offer, or just sign him ourselves, it appears that this is our team for next year.

Very well might be, BD. If none of the FA's entice them and they're unable to make a trade, you could definitely roll out with:

PG - Hinrich
SG - Gordon
SF - Luol
PF - Tyrus
C - Wallace

G - Thabo
F - Noce
FC - Noah

I would like to see them come out a little stronger than that, but either way, they'd be improved from last season, just on growth and the acquisition of Noah.

I hope you are wrong... though you aren't often. I just think it's playing it way to safe to go to war with that lineup.

Plus, I'm concerned about Noahs rotator cuff. Sounds like another lingering injury, just like Noc.

Playing it safe is Pax's middle name. Don't by shocked by inactivity.

I won't, but I would be terribly disappointed.

Thanks, Nas. I forgot about the Bird exception and completely misread the Tribune article. Not a good day for me.

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I agree - by doing nothing more than they have already done, they are a better team because we expect Nocioni to be healthy, and Hinrich/Gordon/Deng/Thomas to all improve while adding the rookies. They can probably compete for the Eastern Conference Championship by those players just getting better.

Saying that, you'd think that with Ben Wallace still productive, but maybe not much beyond another year, or two tops, that they would be looking to add an inside scorer through a trade. Maybe they will, and it's early, but I just don't think adding Chris Mihm or Joe Smith really does anything to help the team besides adding 6 fouls off the bench.