<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">According to a couple of NBA general managers who have contacted representatives of Bulls restricted free agents Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler, Chandler may have become a more appealing acquisition because of his superior defense and lingering questions about Curry's health. ''There is no doubt that both Curry and Chandler are two talented big men,'' Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight said. ''We wanted to draft Chandler when he first came out [as the No. 2 pick in 2001].'' Curry, the No. 4 pick in 2001, was the more appealing prospect last summer because he lost 30 pounds and came into training camp in the best shape of his career. Chandler was coming off a season in which back injuries limited him to 35 games. For most of last season -- a contract year for both players after the Bulls opted not to sign either to an extension -- Curry drew the most praise because he was the team's leading scorer and often looked unstoppable in the low post. But with 13 games left in the regular season, Curry was sidelined by an irregular heartbeat for the rest of the season. During that period, Chandler, who also reported in his best shape, intensified his effort and improved his production to offset Curry's absence. Chandler averaged 10.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots in the 12 games he played after Curry was sidelined, helping the Bulls win 10 of those games to finish with a 47-35 record and their first playoff berth in seven years. Chandler playing 80 games overall and averaged 8.0 points and 7.7 rebounds. The Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic have expressed interest in Curry and Chandler, whom Bulls operations chief John Paxson said he intends to re-sign. Although Curry went through extensive testing and finally got medical clearance last week from Los Angeles cardiologist David Cannom to play again, his testing is far from over.</div> Source
Honestly right now I feel like neither has proven they are max worthy, but Chandler has the better overall game. Tyson can use his size to block shots, rebound, and score he had a couple 20 and 20 games over his career. Curry is a player who is dominant on offense in the post, and in my opinion was this seasons MVP for the team for losing the weight, and anchoring them in the post. However, his rebounding ability is not up to the level that you would like only averages around five a game. Also his shot blocking ability is not nearly as good as Chandlers? be it because of his weight or just not having the same killer instinct to go after the ball. If I was a team needing a player who could come in gives me a low post threat, and score some points for me I would go with Eddy Curry. If I wanted a player who I could wait for his offensive game to develop a little, and that plays good defense, blocks shots, and gets rebounds I will go with Tyson Chandler. Another thing that makes me wonder about Curry is he lost 30 pounds, but that was in a contract year we do not know if he will continue to be a hard worker though I think he will, and have defended him on this. Chandler has been a hard worker through out his career that should give him an elevated level of credibility.
I would take Chandler over Curry as well. Curry is a rare, talented offensive option down low who has legit size to dominate, but as long as Chandler's back isn't acting up, he's a defensive stud. He rebounds, blocks shots, plays passing lanes, etc. He's a stopper. Put him on the opposition's best interior offensive player and he's gonna be a headache all night. I love the way he plays, and I think he's a better value than Curry, even though Curry may become a special player.
I have a feeling the Bulls will have to max both players out to keep them. When you see Michael Redd being signed for a max deal and other teams with money willing to overpay for young talent, the market price is raised for Curry and Chandler. I agree, I don't think either player is worth the max deal, but they will receive it from someone. For the Bulls, I think they have to seriously think about doing a sign and trade for Eddy Curry and only offering Chandler a max deal. If LeBron and the Cavs really want Eddy Curry, make them pay the price and take on the risk of his heart not acting up for the rest of his career. I think that's a huge risk, especially for the physical demands of basketball, and the fact Eddy Curry is a big individual. I'd ask for Gooden, Varejao, and a future 1st round pick for Eddy Curry. If Atlanta wants him they can send over Al Harrington, Tony Delk, and two 1st round picks. The way I look at it is the Bulls might as well get something for Curry now, while his stock is still high. The team has plenty of players to score, and they could demand for size in return. The worst case scenario the Bulls have to be concerned with is Eddy Curry receiving a guaranteed max contract and then watching him breakdown for the next 6 years because of a bad heart.
I'd also take Chandler over Curry... for all the purposes that people have mentioned above... What I was thinking was trying to get both players to sign with the Bulls, but doing a sign and trade with Eddy Curry. At least get something in return for him departing.
honestly i dont know which one i would rather take. But i like the trades shapecity mentioned for curry trading him to the cavs for gooden, varejo and a first round pick. it would give us gooden and chandler as our frontline, a young player in varejo off the bench, and a first round pick. The atlanta trade is nice im not a big fan of al harrington but getting 2 first round picks from the hawks which will probably be high picks would be good.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting miamiballa12:</div><div class="quote_post">honestly i dont know which one i would rather take. But i like the trades shapecity mentioned for curry trading him to the cavs for gooden, varejo and a first round pick. it would give us gooden and chandler as our frontline, a young player in varejo off the bench, and a first round pick. The atlanta trade is nice im not a big fan of al harrington but getting 2 first round picks from the hawks which will probably be high picks would be good.</div> That would not work, because neither is big enough to be successful at the center spot. Chandler has the height, but on offense playing with his back to the basket against bigger players he is not nearly at the level a starting center should be at note just look at the NBA playoffs for reference. Then Gooden is not a center so he would not be able to play the position he does not have the strength in my opinion or post moves.
