Okay, I'll stop getting my panties in a bunch over Thornton because I think you're right about the Hornets matching. Conceptually though, I'd rather have a proven player first, but if we can't get that I still think we're a big player away from beating the Heat and should go for players who who have that p . . . p . . . p . . . potential. I'm tired of being pleased with an average team -- we need to demand more.
Im not sayin he cant play on a contending team. This past season he averaged 22 min per while playing all 82. Both are highs for his career. He played 42, 34, and 64 for his first 3 seasons while averaging 14.8, 8.1, and 17.4 min respectively. And he's only started 14 games out of 222 played. I think he can be a serviceable starting 2 if he had the chance, thats all I'm saying.
I don't take the rumors with a grain of salt anymore. This off season has shown to me that there are a legitimate network of posters who are affiliated with franchises on the boards, and perhaps more importantly, a network of posters who are able to identify who is real and who is posing. The thing that flipped me is that there have been two big rumors about the acquiring shooting guards: a move for Mickael Pietrus and a move for Rip Hamilton. As I mentioned before, if you look at the cap the really limiting factor for the Bulls apparently is not our cap space this year but the fact that any big signing of a player will push us into the luxury tax two years from now. I've been over all of the starting shooting guard salaries, and the only two players in the league that are on two year contracts are Pietrus and Hamilton. A third rumor -- Jarryd Bayless and Pryzabella for Deng -- was independently confirmed in the Portland Press. So, unless there are people who post primarily for other teams who are intimately familiar with the Bulls cap situation, then you have to imagine that there is heft behind these rumors.
I don't think he puts the Bulls in the realm of contending for a championship; and I think there are moves available right now that would, if management was willing to pay the luxury tax in two years.
How much does Rip have left in the tank? And I had pietrus on my fantasy team and he was aggravating as hell with his inconsistency. I mean I agree we're a 2 away from contending, but I think if we add a piece along with Deng (who we'd prolly have to trade to get a 2) we'd be set. Because if we trade Deng we then have to find a start 3 for the team that can produce.
I agree. It all goes back to Iggy for me. His contract doesn't make sense for Philly. The Bulls have to be able to get him for some mix of picks and trade exceptions.
Well we can see that me and you both are in the same boat as far as getting iggy. I really think that Philly would want AT LEAST gibson or somethin. Idk much about Jason Smith, is he any good?
