I would love to get Deng. I expect him to bounce back strong this year... If we got him and Hinrich for Blake/Outlaw/Pendergraph? It'd be a great move. Ed O.
I feel the same way. Deng is a possible young, impact talent. At this stage in the game, it's not possible to get surefire young, impact talents.
Deng has had other injuries in the past and this article by a writer that covers the Bulls in Chicago is not a ringing endorsement for Deng. I'll pass. http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagot...y-forces-the-bulls-to-do-the-right-thing.html And here is an excerpt: Luol Deng’s leg injury isn’t as bad as feared, which is good news for Deng, but bad news for people who think Deng is a $71 million marshmallow. This has nothing to do with how hurt or how injured Deng is. I’m not questioning that. No, this has everything to do with Deng’s mental approach and his physical presence on the court. Specifically, the lack of both. Or either. Or all of the things that make him a $71 million thief. Deng moped about money last season. Then he got all the money this season and proceeded to mope about his game with Derrick Rose handling the ball. Fun. I don’t know if Lu-owwie Deng has become gunshy because of all the injuries, but he ought to spend some of that $71 million on a life coach who will tell him he’s not a spot-up shooter. Run, cut, go hard to the hoop, and Rose will get you the ball -- if you’re worth getting the ball to and if the so-called coach actually leaves the team’s only Franchise Player in the game, that is.
LOL. I liked Deng, a lot prior to all of his injuries but I'm leary of picking up his atrocious contract not knowing if he can stay healthy and contibute at the level he did prior to signing that contract.
I don't think that many productive 24 year-old former lottery picks are going to be available without some question marks surrounding them. Deng has played in over 81% of his team's regular season games since he was drafted. Maybe he's a wimp now, but I think it's probably more likely bad luck on the injury front. Ed O.
Channing Frye was also a lottery pick that was extremely productive as a rookie - before his injury. The injury totally changed Channing's game and his productivity has gone down dramatically. I fear Deng my be a similar situation - only with a $71 million contract attached. The guy quoted above may be a hater, but how would you feel if we were locked into Channing Frye for $71 million? BNM
If this trade was made, I hope your right because I was a huge fan of his game. maybe he was not used correctly by del Negro last year, don't know for sure. But the times I watched him on wgn or ESPN, he seemed to lack confidence and did not drive the lane like he did in the past. Something was different about him for sure. Who knows, maybe a change of scenery is all he needs to get it all back.
Deng puts up Caron Butler type numbers when he's healthy. The last two years he's been in a suit more than a Bulls uniform. He's too much of a health risk. Combine that with his $70 million contract, it's not a wise move.
LOL, if your referring to me, I'm no hater. Just giving my opinion on a potential pick up and why I think it might be best to steer clear. To me, getting Deng is boom or bust. If its bust then we are stuck with him and his contract. If its boom, then we have dramatically improved our team. Is KP willing to take the risk????
Don't forget he ended his 1st season on the IR as well when he fractured his wrist. Hes been in the league for 4 years and 3 ofthem had long stints on the IR. Thats why I say pass as well but I don't deny he has or at least had mad game.
I agree with the sentiment, but the second statement is not exactly true. He played in 49 games last season and 63 the year before. His PER peaked at 18.7 (very Caron Butler like) three seasons ago. Since then, it's declined to 17.0 and 14.7 (very Travis Outlaw like - slightly worse, actually). BNM
I do not like Deng's contract one bit - but - since we will be over the cap going forward anyway - and we do get Hinrich which is a big upgrade in our perimeter defense - for what amounts to a couple of nice role-players and a prospect - I think it is worth the risk. Even if it is not going to get great with Deng - at least you get an upgrade with Hinrich. If he does recover - it becomes a great steal.
Yup, truely boom or bust with regards to Deng. Assuming this went through, then what of Webster since we know that Batum will get the back up minutes. I guess Webster would be on the block since we couldn't play all 3.
I think getting Tyrus Thomas would make more sense. Off the bench, with his shotblocking, he could be our birdman. Then we can focus on getting our starting SF via free agency.
Actually, I like this idea as well and I thought about it but I think in Thomas' eyes he thinks he should be a starter and I don't know how he will feel being a back up PF to the guy he was traded for. If he didn't mind though, those 2 would make a solid rotation.