Next up are the Chicago Bulls with the 16th and 26th overall picks.
Post play seems to be an issue for the Bulls, but with Ben Gordon possibly leaving, they will need someone with some kind of firepower from the perimeter. Also, feel free to hop on over to TUP to see what the guys are talking about with the Bulls' draft options.
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2009 Free Agents
- Aaron Gray (Restricted)
- Jerome James (Player Option - Unrestricted)
- Ben Gordon (Unrestricted)
- Lindsey Hunter (Unrestricted)
There is a rumor that the Pistons have offered Ben Gordon 11mil a year already, but I don't really see Joe Dumars giving him that much money when he has a full backcourt already. Plus, he isn't that dumb to get caught before free agency starts. I still see Gordon leaving for more money this summer though.
Depth Chart (Pre-Draft)
PG: Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich
SG: Anthony Roberson
SF: John Salmons - Luol Deng
PF: Tyrus Thomas - Tim Thomas
C: Joakim Noah - Brad Miller
Draft Picks (Mock Picks)
- 16th overall - James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest - Johnson is a bit of a project, but he has a lot of potential. He isn't as athletic as Tyrus Thomas, but he makes up for it with his extra strength.
- 26th overall - Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina - Ellington would be able to come in and get some solid minutes in his rookie season. He can shoot the lights out and his perimeter defense is solid.
Depth Chart (Post-Draft)
PG: Derrick Rose - Kirk Hinrich
SG: Wayne Ellington - Anthony Roberson
SF: John Salmons - Luol Deng
PF: Tyrus Thomas - James Johnson - Tim Thomas
C: Joakim Noah - Brad Miller
Players on Trade Block
- Kirk Hinrich
- Luol Deng
Hinrich has been part of trade rumors for the last few seasons, so I only assume he will be at the center of those talks again. Deng had some injury issues last season, but he still has plenty of talent to warrant some interest in a trade. Don't know if the Bulls would pull the trigger on it, but the possibility needs to be looked at.
Final Analysis
After a thrilling playoff series against the Celtics, this young team will look to build on their success. I think the Playoffs are in sight again. Depending on their matchup, they could possibly be looking at the second round this time around.
Comments
Where do you think they will need to move up to get Henderson?
I don't see Blair lasting until 16, but Clark is a possibility.
I think they have been trying to work something out with the Nets at #11. I know the Nets have that Bobby Simmons contract that they'd like to get rid of and the Bulls have liked him before. They could trade 16 and 26 to the Nets for #11 and Simmons, maybe. I think the Nets could take Blair at 16. Teams are scared because of his knee surgeries.
If the Bulls take Simmons and then do get Henderson, is this the second unit:
PG: Hinrich
SG: Henderson
SF: Simmons
PF: Tim Thomas
C: Brad Miller
Well, probably not.
Top Five Second Five
PG: Rose Hinrich
SG: Salmons Henderson
SF: Deng Salmons
PF: Miller Thomas
C: Noah Miller/Noah
They really don't run a five in, five out rule as they try to pick up extra minutes for Salmons when they can. Simmons might grab 10-15 mpg at the SF or PF spot when they go small. Mostly he's there because his contract expires after the season.
It sounds like they are either moving up to get Henderson or waiting it out for Blair/Clark/etc. Salmons will move to SG if Deng is healthy. They have a pretty fluid lineup anyways.