2 yrs, prob 8 mill total

Financially, I have no objections. They wouldn't have done this if the '08 lux tax and/or extensions for Gordon & Deng were at stake. I do worry about playing time for Tyrus & Noah, though. We're 10 deep now, which is great if we have any injury problems, but our rotation has logjams again and guys aren't going to get their minutes.

Maybe this means Noah is having shoulder surgery? That would be shitty.

They need to make a move then. If he needs the surgery, get his ass on the table and get it done. The longer you wait, the more it fucks up our season. Don't want to see another Frank Thomas incident.

I think Smith starts and plays 20-25 minutes a game, and then Thomas will now get about 20 minutes a night off the bench. Noah, if he's able to play will get 10-15 minutes backing up Wallace. Everybody wins except Vicotor K!

Actually, all the youngs lose out on this one. This will have a domino effect, costing minutes for Tyrus, Noah, and probably even Nocioni. Smith makes the team stronger, but it comes at the expense of developing our lottery picks.

As far as minutes for Tyrus and Noah, I agree, but, especially in Thomas' case, maybe they are thinking that it isn't the best idea to entrust the starting job to such a raw player, and at least start him off the bench ?

I'm not a big Joe Smith fan because I worry that we are starting a veteran just to start a veteran, and he may not have much left in the tank so I'm really hoping Thomas continues to improve, and maybe take the starting job at some point during the season.

I'm also worried that the Noah injury is more serious than they are letting on, and while he may be able to avoid surgury, perhaps they are thinking his rotator cuff is enough of a question to have somebody else in here who knows what he is doing because Noah would be limited.

Overall, as long as Smith has something left in the tank, it's good veteran insurance, but I'm hoping that Thomas can take that position as he continues to improve.

The Bulls are a better team w/ Smith than w/out him, but prepare yourself for some aggravating box scores during the season. When you see Tyrus play 6-8 minutes at times, remember how excited you were about the Joe Smith signing.

Buckets - I just said in my earlier post that I'm not a big Joe Smith fan, and I hope that Thomas eventually takes the starting job so I wouldn't characterize that as enthusiastic about the signing. The only thing I like about it is our depth is improved, and MAYBE it will end up being important if Noah's injury is still a problem or Thomas isn't quite ready for bigger minutes.

What you are saying about Thomas' minutes being up and down scares the hell out of me because Smith can be a veteran crutch for Skiles because of dependability/leadership. Hopefully, Thomas' skills continue to improve to the point where Skiles can't take him off the court.

I think Joe Smith is going to start - at least opening the season. Thomas could earn the starting job through strong play or if Smith can't stay healthy (I think he played 56 games last season).

BD, I'm sure that would make Pax and Skiles very happy and all of us too. If that happens then the Smith signing looks really good. I think Bucket said Thomas has been working hard in the off season and is playing well in the summer league, for whatever that's worth.

_________________
We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

I think this is a great move. It's only a two year deal, shouldn't cause too much of a logjam.

I like that TT can still be brought along slowly. He is still very raw.

Plus, I can see Skiles going with a small frontcourt at times. Smith at the 5, with Thomas at 4.

Are you kidding me? I want my PF shooting 50% or more. I can see my point guard shooting 41% but not my PF that should get a lot of looks on the block.

Nas, I did end with "for whatever that's worth". Which, according to you, is not much. I am just glad to hear is is working hard to get better. That's what you want from young guys. Maybe if Chandler had done that in his second or third years, he would still be a Bull.

_________________
We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Smith is an old 32. Lotta NBA Miles on that guy. Maybe we see a revivial on him.

_________________
""I am now done at the Score."
Mike North, June 24, 2008

To be clear, I'm not against this signing. I'm just very nervous about this signing. We're not going to win a title this year, with or without Joe Smith. If used properly, he'll have value on the floor, as a mentor, and as an expiring contract next season. All three of those things are important, but none is more important than the development of Tyrus & Noah. For that reason, I am cautiously optimistic.

This is a very reasonable analysis. Good thoughts !

Whatever happened to the Bulls strength and conditioning coach who seemingly transformed the bodies of Pippen and Grant in a little over a season? That guy did a spectacular job. I would love to see the same outcome for Thomas.

Mark Pfeil. He retired years ago.

But you're right, GD, Tyrus could use about 20 more pounds of man-weight.

Could the Bulls be shopping Noah? They should try and package him with Duhon and try to get a 6'6-6'7 swingman who can attack the rim from the perimeter or are they hoping Thabo will fill that role?

i think luol and noche should fill that role. Thabo could be lookin for more time in the backcourt, especially when duhon exits.

fuck.... bull fever just hit me. this is the most important season for this franchise in many years.... and i cant wait to see how deng, gordon and kirk do this year- i have a feeling things are going to fall together pretty quickly, unlike last year.

No, they’ll probably get their asses whipped on the circus trip right out of the gate. 2-3 wins, something like that.

I was listening to a talk show (can't remember what) and they had the Eastern conference pre-season rankings as the Pistons, Bulls and then the Magic third!? what is this guy thinking. i know they have some good players there but come on. There is no supporting cast and how they could leave Cleveland off that list is beyond me. Anybody have an opinion on who the top four or five may be? I'm also interested in how the Celtics will be this year with their two guard all star and no big men lineup. And what about the Wizards and Heat? i know the Heat are old but they have to be a better pick than the Magic right?

_________________
Andy Rooney= biggest PUTZ of the dead

i guess we do have to wait until every body signs and is closer to the season but did you forget about NJ. they should at least make the playoffs over the hawks don't you think? New York is also going out on the limb but i guess there really is not a lot of competition in the east. the east needs to continue to steal players like Lewis who will be a much bigger star in the east than the west.

_________________
Andy Rooney= biggest PUTZ of the dead

I'm telling ya, the raptors are gonna be good.