<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> The Bulls got their man. League sources confirmed the Bulls reached agreement on a two-year contract with Joe Smith late Friday, the veteran forward who had been their No. 1 target in free agency. Financial terms weren't available, but the Bulls had the midlevel salary-cap exception of $5.36 million at their disposal. As recently as Thursday, general manager John Paxson had expressed pessimism the Bulls would land any of the veteran big men they had been targeting. Those included the Nets' Mikki Moore and the Lakers' Chris Mihm. Smith is slotted to take the place of P.J. Brown to start alongside Ben Wallace and Luol Deng in a frontcourt that suddenly is loaded with reserves Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. Smith averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds in 65 games with the Nuggets and 76ers last season. 76ers general manager Billy King had called re-signing Smith an off-season priority. But the Bulls wooed Smith with a possible starting role and a serious approach that stressed the opportunity to play a prominent role in a winnable Eastern Conference next season. A face-to-face meeting at the Berto Center with Paxson and coach Scott Skiles that took place earlier this month was said to have made a strong impression.</div> Chicago Tribune I hope it's not the full MLE. But, I don't really know much about Smith, does anybody know what he brings to the table? In the article it says he's a good midrange shooter, but is he any good defensively?
I don't like Joe Smith, never will either. Hopefully he can bring something to the table, but I just don't see him being of much help down the road.
Smith is a decent power forward, but I'm glad the Bulls signed him...more future cap room for the 76ers.
<div class="quote_poster">A.F. Venom Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Smith is a decent power forward, but I'm glad the Bulls signed him...more future cap room for the 76ers.</div> Same.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jul 15, 2007 3:38pm ET Bulls Signed Smith; Is Gordon and Deng Next? Brian Hanley of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES writes, "After coming to terms with veteran forward Joe Smith on a two-year contract, Bulls general manager John Paxson reiterated his commitment to signing Luol Deng and Ben Gordon to long-term extensions. Both players could command upward of five years and $50 million each in a new deal." Check out: Chicago Sun-Times | Joe Smith | Chicago Bulls Website </div> http://www.nba.com/news/428594.html
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">''We have been very conscious that Luol and Ben Gordon are priorities for us,'' Paxson said Saturday. ''So the fact that we were able to sign Joe to a two-year deal was good for us. People who want to think we are vulnerable in the future with those two guys are mistaken. [Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf] was counseling me with Joe's situation and gave me the go-ahead. He understands the next step with Lu and Ben. Jerry wants to win and is giving us the chance to make decisions to help us do that.'' Smith, a 13-year veteran, averaged 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season in 54 games with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is expected to be at the Berto Center on Tuesday for a physical and to sign his contract. The Bulls hosted Smith, the No.1 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1995 draft, at the Berto Center on July 5. The Bulls had the league's mid-level exception of $5.36 million as a maximum to offer Smith. They also had considered New Jersey Nets free agent Mikki Moore, who agreed to a contract with the Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers free agent Chris Mihm. ''Joe fits what we are trying to do,'' Paxson said of the 6-10, 225-pound Smith, who agreed to terms Friday night. ''He is a pro in how he approaches the game, and I felt he played very well for Philadelphia last year.'' Paxson sees Smith has a ''good complement'' to Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.</div> http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/...-bull15.article
I liked Joe Smith when we had him in Philly and I was a little bummed when he lost him, but like what was said in the other forum, he really didn`t suit the team in our future. I thought not only did Smith bring a solid jumpshot for us, but he did grab some boards for us and showed he was hardworking.
<div class="quote_poster">dotmotion Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">maybe he would have a breakout season... lol hes an upgrade from pj brown though... maybe</div>How is a 32 year old going to have a breakout season? His prime is long gone, as are his days of being a 15/8 player. I'll be happy with him giving us solid stats (8/6) as a 6th man.
Upgrade over P.J., a decent veteran presence. Short-term deal, can't hurt us too bad. We need all the production from the 4 we can, I expect him to start at the beginning of the season with Tyrus possibly taking over halfway through.
I some what don't agree that Joe Smith is that much more of an upgrade. He is better overall yes, but I'v seen some games were P.J. Brown played well. However, I would much rather have Joe Smith then Brown, because I tend to find Joe Smith a more consistent player and Brown.
<div class="quote_poster">Moo2K4 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How is a 32 year old going to have a breakout season? His prime is long gone, as are his days of being a 15/8 player. I'll be happy with him giving us solid stats (8/6) as a 6th man.</div> Mikki Moore had somewhat of a breakout season and he's 32.
<div class="quote_poster">Moo2K4 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">How is a 32 year old going to have a breakout season? His prime is long gone, as are his days of being a 15/8 player. I'll be happy with him giving us solid stats (8/6) as a 6th man.</div> Actually, he averaged 11/8 his last 20 games of the season with the Sixers. He's definitely an upgrade over PJ Brown in my opinion.
<div class="quote_poster">Riot Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Actually, he averaged 11/8 his last 20 games of the season with the Sixers. He's definitely an upgrade over PJ Brown in my opinion.</div> Hes basically a younger PJ brown who can play more minutes. How do we lose in this signing? Plus we just lost the 9 mil a year contract of PJ freeing up capspace. and on top of that its only a 2 year deal. Plus he could have a great year with us and become trade bait in a deal. I see the logic in this signing its a no lose . I think this may be our last move. If nothing big comes available the smartest thing would be to stand pat. weve got a great young team that gets better every year. We all know that Ben and deng will be even more dangerous next season. if we make a trade or not I still love this team as is.
Joe Smith is an interesting player, in that he doesn't inspire the hatred that some "bust'" number one picks seem to. He certainly didn't deserve to go that high, but when people talk angrily about high draft picks that underperform, you never hear about Joe Smith. Even asking most Warriors fans about Joe Smith, you'd probably get little more than a shrug, and a "yeah, he was okay." I have no reason to assume he won't continue to be okay.
<div class="quote_poster">Iggy Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Mikki Moore had somewhat of a breakout season and he's 32.</div>He also had arguably the best PG in the league on his team in Jason Kidd. Kidd got him a bunch of easy shots underneath the hoop for a lot of layups and dunks. That would be why Mikki Moore had a great year. We'll see how well his game translates in Sacramento when he doesn't have Jason Kidd setting him up for everything.
