<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It was difficult to understand why the United Center crowd booed Knicks coach Isiah Thomas last week. After all, he took Jamal Crawford and Eddy Curry off the Bulls' hands, though Curry has been a revelation of sorts since Thomas two weeks ago declared that the Knicks are Curry's team. Like Thomas doesn't have enough problems. But Curry has scored at least 20 points in six straight games, and is averaging 23.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in that span. Still, only two NBA teams have a poorer record than the Knicks, which could make Irwin Mandel at least the shadow NBA executive of the year. You may not have heard of Mandel, who has been with the Bulls 35 years, longer than any other team employee, and wears a green eyeshade while computing on his crank-operated adding machine. He's the team's accountant, which these days also means salary-cap analyst. Every team has one, and they usually sit in on all trade meetings and say, "No, you can't do that" and "Did you hear the one about the accountant and Anna Nicole Smith?" Most general managers are former players. Ever wonder why there are so few plays called out higher than five? These guys are not that great at math. Thus, the Irwins of the NBA. So they were all sitting around just before the start of training camp last season, and the Bulls were determined not to start camp with Curry inactive because of the battle over his apparent heart condition and a new contract. Tensions between Thomas and the Bulls had gotten to a point where the sides weren't speaking directly and were going through agents. The Bulls were desperate to make the deal but didn't want anyone on the Knicks' roster and already were slated to get the Knicks' first-round pick in 2006. NBA rules have prohibited teams from giving up consecutive first-round picks since Ted Stepien 20 years ago crippled the Cleveland franchise by trading off No. 1s for years. As a way around the rule, Mandel suggested a swap of first-round picks, believing that despite Curry's prowess, the Knicks would have a poorer record than the Bulls after the 2006-07 season. Though the Knicks have been better, they still could have one of the worst records in the NBA this season. The Bulls then could swap first-round draft picks and perhaps get one of the top picks in what many scouts are saying could be one of the best drafts, especially for big men, in the last decade. And that right could be the deal-making big chip if the Bulls get in trade discussions for an elite player like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis or Pau Gasol.</div> Source
If we land the top pick, I want to keep it and get Greg Oden. The man is going to be a beast and I think he'll have an immediate impact in this league. He was impressive in his college debut using only his left, imagine what happens when he gets his right hand back. He's going to be an unbelievable player, and if the Bulls get the opportunity to get him, I would surely hope they do it.
<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If Oden comes out. He seems keen on college from what I have heard.</div> Money talks...he don't have the money like Noah did last year.
Yep i hope that the knicks win 17 games this year. We get the #1 pick. we lose tyrus but gain Greg Oden or a bargaining chip to get a proven all star. Id love to keep Greg. Hes a beast!!! Dropped 17 with one hand in 20 minutes. Hinrich/duhon Gordon/thabo Deng/Nochioni Brown/Sweetney Wallace/Oden Hell of a roster. and still one of the youngest teams in the nba. Go Bulls!!!
<div class="quote_poster">Bulls=Amazing Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Is P.J. coming back next year?</div> Its up to him. If hes willing to take a drastic paycut he could sign a 1 year deal because his contract is up after this year.
<div class="quote_poster">I-Miss-MJ Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why do you keep saying we lose Tyrus if we get Greg O?</div> Because we get to choose between the 06 pick or the 07 pick we cant have both. that was the deal.
Well if I remember..I watched this interview once and Oden said if the opportunity comes along he's not going to be stupid and pass it up. That's just to the best of my memory. So who knows if he comes out or not..
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Because we get to choose between the 06 pick or the 07 pick we cant have both. that was the deal.</div> We had the Knicks first pick this draft and we get the option to swap picks next draft.
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Because we get to choose between the 06 pick or the 07 pick we cant have both. that was the deal.</div> ??Are you mental?? Do you think you'd have to give Tyrus to the knicks or something? You get the 06 and have option of swapping 07....if it was really one or the other then you would have used it already to get Tyrus right....I don't think that you would be able to change your mind later the next year.
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Because we get to choose between the 06 pick or the 07 pick we cant have both. that was the deal.</div>That's not how it works AT ALL. Tyrus Thomas is ours to keep until he's out on the market and someone else takes him from us. What we get this year is the option to swap first round picks with the Knicks if we want. They don't get to just take Thomas from our roster, that's now how that works.
