Paxson May Be Interested in Mihm

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CHICAGO - The Bulls have said time and again they need to acquire an inside player this summer via the draft, a trade or free agency.

Unless they deal the No. 2 pick they got in Tuesday night's draft lottery, there will be a lot of talk about the Bulls drafting Tyrus Thomas of Louisiana State or LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas to fill their needs inside.

But don't count out guard Brandon Roy of Washington.

Roy is a 6-foot-6-inch shooting guard who wrapped up his senior season leading the Huskies past Illinois en route to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.

At a news gathering Wednesday at the Berto Center, Bulls general manager John Paxson said he would give heavy consideration to drafting the best player available rather than filling a need.

"Sometimes you make a mistake if you just go for need," Paxson said. "My instincts are you favor taking the best player available and you let the other things sort themselves out."

No player stands out as a big-time star capable of swaying Paxson decisively but Roy has a few things going for him.

As far as readiness, Roy is viewed as the most complete guard in the draft. He's someone who can help a team right away, which should continue to raise his stock by the time the June 28 draft rolls around in New York.

"He can contribute immediately," ESPN analyst and former UCLA coach Steve Lavin said of the Pac-10 player of the year. "He's the readiest at both ends of the court."

Roy, taller than any player in the Bulls' backcourt last season, averaged 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season. He shot 50.8 percent from the field, 40.2 on three-pointers and 81 percent from the line. He has experience and maturity Thomas and Aldridge lack as underclassmen.

All the speculation about potential picks will be rendered meaningless if the Bulls opt to trade either or both of their first-round picks. They also own the No. 16 selection.

Paxson believes he has a shot at acquiring a veteran post player through a trade unless the Toronto Raptors beat him to it with the No. 1 pick. Charlotte has the third selection.

"The teams with the top three picks, we're all kind of in the same position," Paxson said. "We all have young nucleuses, we all have flexibility with salary-cap space.

"Is there a guy out there we just love and want to throw in our mix or can we use it in a way that significantly helps our young core get a lot better immediately?"

Paxson is likely to watch Jermaine O'Neal's situation in Indiana closely. Indiana is coming off a disappointing season and has one of the league's highest payrolls. O'Neal will make a little more than $18 million next season.

If the Lakers were willing to deal Chris Mihm, Paxson probably would consider making a run for the 7-footer if he didn't have to give up too much.

"With the luxury tax issues, there will be teams looking to get rid of a player, even if they like him, if they're in a situation where financially they have to make some moves," Paxson said. "We'll be receptive to those types of things. We'll have to be open-minded."</div>

Anybody against trading Mihm/26th pick for Duhon/16th pick?

http://www.mercurynews.com:80/mld/mercuryn...ts/14660308.htm

 

I think this is a no brainer for us. We get a better pick and a PG that will be an immediate starter. The only thing I question is Duhon's back. Is it ok? Trading Mihm doesn't bother me. He's easily a top 15 center, but that doesn't say much. There are very many dominant centers in the league. Mihm's a BIG defensive liability, physically weak, and he picks up fouls quick.

At the 16 pick, we could draft Reddick, Ager, Farmer, Shawne Williams, and possibly even Rajon Rondo if he falls. We could build him up for the future, let him learn a thing or two from Duhon. A future with Bynum and Rondo would be sick.

PG: Duhon / Smush (Rondo)
SG: Kobe / Laron Profit
SF: Walton / (Ager, Reddick)
PF: Odom / Turiaf
C: Kwame / Bynum

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting LO7:</div><div class="quote_post">Duhon doesn'ts sound good to me when he had surgery on his lumbar spine Wednesday morning to fix a herniated disc. He was released from Rush University Medical Center later in the day and was resting at home. He is expected to undergo two to four weeks of rehabilitation before resuming his basketball workouts. The injury had taken a toll on Duhon late this season and last. If KG's emotional ass has grown enough balls to demand a trade, he ain't going to stand for being traded to the Bulls, or any other team for that matter. KG wants a ring- he and Kobe can get it. It still just smacks of pure fantasy, but if he is getting traded, it will be to LA.

*Trade Mihm & the #26 to move u?!</div>

I respect that opinion. But I have confidence that Chris Duhon can come back. And when healthy, he's a better PG than Smush Parker.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Duhon alone is better than Mihm. Why would we move down in the draft?</div>

That's not true. Mihm is a top 15 center, maybe even top 12. He can give you a consistent 13 and 7. The Bulls need big men help. They have plenty of guards. Hinrich, Gordon, and Pargo. Paxson wants a solid big man, and Chris is easily what you want. Chris can also hit the jumper, so if Aldridge did fall to you, he could spread the post.