Didn't want to sidetrack the Wallace/Gooden/Hughes discussion, but the fact that Nas said Gooden could be our PF for the next however many years got me thinking --- OK, so theoretically we're set with Gooden at PF (despite have Thomas)

We're on the hook for awhile with Hinrich, so kind of by default you're set with him at PG

So where do you go from there? Do you still try and sign Gordon and Deng?

What's the biggest need they have then and how do you address it?

To me until they get to Hughes' last year and either package the expiring deal and land a big fish (believe that is the big FA year) or let it come off the books they're going to be nothing more than mediocre

If Deng is completely healthy and you have confidence that injuries wont be a lingering concern(huge if) then you pay him. This summer you either need to try trade Hughes or sign and trade Gordon. At worst, you dont resign Gordon.

Kirk and Hughes will most likely be your backcourt. Obviously we need the next 29 games to see if this can work or not.

If Deng isnt your guy, then you need to get a SF obviously, although good SF's are probably more plentiful than any other position.

Dont discount the idea that Tyrus Thomas could be your starting PF as early as next season if he can play well and with some level of consistency. I think Noah will continue to play well. I think he will end up being a good option as a starting C, as long as theres enough offensive weapons around him.

I still hope the Bulls make a huge splash in the summer and get a real All Star in here for once.

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That's a pretty big if. I'm not ready to say he's a bust or isn't a bust, but I just haven't seen a whole lot out of him that's impressed me. Yeah, he can dunk. Great. Just seems to be he doesn't have great instincts and just reminds me a lot of Stromile Swift- someone with freakish athletic talent who doesn't have the true basketball ability. But like I said, I'm not ready to declare anything yet, hopefully he gets some more PT so that we can actually judge that.

Yeah Ive been underwhelmed by Ty in general; also, but he has shown flashes, which is why I added the level of consistency stipulation. His 4th quarter a couple weeks ago against Golden State was simply dominant. He controlled everything the Bulls did on offense and defense, and went into a tough place to win and got a win. I hope we see alot of him over the next 29 games as opposed to Gooden. We know what Gooden can do. He has little upside. I want to know as much as possible about Noah, Tyrus, Gray, etc. by April.

Someone mentioned this earlier, but its a bit of a shame that we get Hughes, who will certainly start, right when Thablo seemed to be doing very well in his new role. I hope we can get him minimum 20 mpg the rest of the way too.

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Well along similar lines, Paxson stating that this lets them get a look at their young frontcourt players, but I'm guessing Gooden is going to get at least 30 min. a game

What about Kobe?

Much like Iverson, KG, Pau, etc. he wasnt available over the past couple seasons.

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Being one of the biggest KG fans, I would actually argue KG is not a go-to guy, in general

Wow, if Kobe wants to leave this summer he is officially the biggest bitch in history. How more fucking picky can you get. He has another All Star, another sure thing All Star in Bynum, a very deep bench, a great 3rd/4th option in Odom. The Lakers probably have the most talent in the NBA right now one given team. I cant see Kobe leaving there ever. Pau is actually younger than Kobe. They are gonna be the team to beat over the next 5 years I think, unless New Orleans adds another dangerous 2 guard.

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Man, how things change...last couple years against Phoenix it's been Kobe vs. the World. Now all of a sudden Bynum develops and they add Gasol, and they're the team to beat for the next 5 years

Actually gives you a little hope, maybe Tyrus can develop into something after all

I wouldnt say its quite that simple. Farmar has been great this year also. There bench has played as well as anyone in the league. Fisher has been the solid veteran role player he was brought in to be. They have the perfect coach for a situation like this. Im as shocked by Bynum's emergence as any single player in the league. I never thought 12 months ago that this guy would be playing All Star caliber ball in less than a year. Now if he would only develop an offensive move that doesnt result in him dunking, he could be very dangerous...

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Why, that's pretty much all Stoudemire does

Drew Gooden's contract expires after next season. I wouldnt be so sure he's here for the long haul. I'd say its 50/50 they resign him right now, gotta see him in a few games first obviously.

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What do you think his ceiling is, Nas? 15/10? 20/10?

Not sure what kind of potential he has , but I agree $7m/year isnt bad for a player like him. If he wants to resign for something like 4 years/$28 million after next season I would be pretty happy with that.

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Im not sure why you think that. In the past 5 seasons or so his numbers have been what they have been, 12-8 with no steals, blocks, or asissts really. I dont see why you would expect that to jump to 15-10. Hopefully you are right though.

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I dont see why he will get more opporunities. He certainly hasnt proved that he deserves them over the past 5 years. He's an ok role player, he's not someone who is ever going to take more than 12 shots a game over the course of a season. He doesnt have the offensive repetoire to be able to create his own shot. I see him being the same guy he has been for his entire career, 12-8, with some 20-10 games sprinkled in along the way.

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Hopefully

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