With speculation focused on free agents such as Jason Richardson, who would command most or all of the $5 million midlevel exception, or Vince Carter, who might consider signing for the veteran's minimum if the Suns waive him, another possibility for Bulls shooting guard is getting overlooked: C.J. Watson. Bulls management talked last season and through this offseason about playing Watson more off the ball in 2011-12, which would lead them to pursue veteran help to back up Derrick Rose at point guard. One possibility could be T.J. Ford. Bulls management has liked Ford in the past, and he's represented by Arn Tellem, who's also Rose's agent. Tellem long has had a strong relationship with Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...-1129-bulls-chicago--20111129,0,4588495.story
The Bulls options aren't that good. JRich is a tall SG, but he's 31 and his stats dove when traded to Orlando. In fact, his shooting % and height are the only things that stand out as being better than what Watson gave us last season (per 36). Looking beyond the stats, JRich is a dunker when he gets near the rim, and I don't remember Watson taking it to the rim much at all. Watson gives us a 2nd quality ball handler on the court who's also a pretty good assist man (6 APG per 36).
I would be reticent to sign Jason Richardson unless you can get him at a bargain (and hopefully that's what this story about CJ Watson is about). I'd rather the Bulls work the phones with Asik and especially Gibson and if that doesn't pan out, try again at the trade deadline. And, no, I don't see any chance C.J. Watson sees extended minutes at the two guard. Watson dominates the ball on the dribble, which is fine in some circumstances, but alongside Derrick Rose that's not going to work.
