Aldridge was playing both Thomas & Davis by himself. Texas' other big man is like Pittsnogle, no post game at all, just a shooter like Songaila. I wouldn't read too much into it. Aldridge is still a top 3 pick and a better prospect than Tyrus Thomas, who needs 2-3 years before he can contribute at the NBA level. The Bulls need someone that can step in and play now. Also, Deng is not a scoring guard. He's an all purpose, well rounded, perimeter guy. He's perfect where he is.
I wouldn't trade anyone at this point. There is no need to subract when they're in a perfect position to add. They have 2 lottery picks, a boatload of cash, and the better of their pick vs the Knicks' pick next year. As I see it, they have 3 holes to fill and 4 opportunities to fill them (the fourth of course being the option to trade next years' pick to do something in the 06 offseason).
I'd draft Aldridge with the Knicks pick. I'd draft a legitimate 2-guard like Brandon Roy, Rodney Carney, or Ronnie Brewer w/ the Bulls pick. Then do everything you can to lure Harrington to town (Nene would be a decent, cheaper, plan B if somebody else snatches Harrington).
The only reason I'd trade someone would be chemistry issues. ie: if Gordon and Skiles are in fact having problems getting along, then perhaps you need to move Ben before it get's ugly. But so far, I have no reason to believe those rumors are true.
Your 2006-2007 Bulls would look something like this:
PG Kirk Hinrich SG Ben Gordon SF Luol Deng PF * Al Harrington C Tyson Chandler
pg chris duhon gf ** roy/carney/brewer sf andres nocioni pf darius songaila fc *** lamarcus aldridge fc michael sweetney c malik allen
* free agent ** bulls draft pick *** knicks draft pick
But what the hell do I know? I'm just some pud on a message board. We'll see what Pax has up his sleeve...
_________________ "There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."
|