K.C Johnson @KCJHoop Pending passed physical, Bulls have traded Kyle Korver to Atlanta. Could be sign-and-trade w/Hinrich
If true, we got the smelly end of the stick. But maybe we got a 2nd round pick to use on a low cost player for future seasons.
The Korver trade is via Minnesota into Atlanta's traded player exception, meaning Bulls get 2nd-round pick from Minny and save $500K. https://twitter.com/KCJHoop/status/223865587338715136
Only way I can make sense of Minn. involvement in Korver trade is if Ellington is going to Chicago. https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/223892853468839936
I am beginning to think I may owe Denny and K4E a big apology for my glass half full optimism all these years. Not that Korver was really all that but this can't be justified for 2nd rounder other than a penny saved is a penny earned. He is more valuable on the court than a 2 round pick unless we strike Sleuth like gold. K4E hadthat C. SPACE av and I am begining to think a tribute uniform to that great foreign player Allabut De Benjamins may indeed be in be in order.
The key is whether we got a TPE and therefore room to sign another guy for up to 5? mil. Korver without Rose is like hot sauce without the steak. I guess.
We light our torches from the Kerosene floating on top of the Chicago River and march on the Stadium at sunset, with pitchforks in hand. You with us?
We could create a real one if someone would track down an old Corey Benjamin jersey. It really sucks to see this team dismantled. I liked the bench mob. 500K for Uncle Jerry.
You know, I have no issue with the move. I love second round picks, especially high second rounders which seem to field better players than many lower first round picks. Just look at this year: Jeffrey Taylor looks like a relentless defensive-minded starting shooting guard or small forward. The Bulls could have used him. I'm expecting similar production from Doron Lamb. Korver was never able to get his shot off in the playoffs for two years straight. I'm ready to move on.
Steady, TB. You're right about Korver not being all that. He had 2 roles with the Bulls - primary scoring option on the second unit and outside threat (and defensive liability) down the stretch of games. Hamilton was supposed to take Korver's role in crunch time. He didn't because of injuries and a lack of trust on the part of Thibodeau. Korver was never a good fit for the primary scorer role...you won't find too many players who score as many points as Korver does who is less able to create his own shot. He can be defended relatively easily, and when he is, he's wise enough to know his limitations and simply doesn't shoot. This is good for his efficiency stats, but doesn't get the team any points. Korver doesn't force things and for a primary scoring option, this isn't a completely good thing. Down the stretch of games, we've all discussed the need for a second "creator." Korver certainly ain't it. I happen to believe that Hamilton can be. Lots of fans thing the second creator must be a one-on-one player. I don't. It's someone who can hit open jumpers, or if that's covered, can put the ball on the floor and threaten the defense. Hamilton can do this. Mayo or Lee certainly could too. If the Bulls 2nd unit has someone like Butler, Gibson or Teague (or some vet min PG) as the primary scoring option, I'll grab a torch and join you boys. Same's true if they trade Hamilton and don't get another legit SG for Hamilton (or using Korver's trade exception). Net, I'd save the torch fuel until things are a bit more played out.
When he was on the court at end of games, it was for lack of anyone else, he is a guy we want to draw fouls and shoot free throws, and his defense wasn't all that bad. He certainly tried to play defense, at least. And 82games.com stats are pretty darned good: Opponent Counterpart 48-Minute Production SG PER Against 8.5 SF PER Against 11.6 Transplant, TB#1 raises a point you didn't really address in your post: Is Korver for a 2nd rounder anything but a penny pinching move?
I would point out that Korver is a shooter, not a scorer. I think we talk about having a 2nd scorer and playmaker out there. As a scorer, Korver gets 13.0 PPG per 36. He's just a deadly 3pt shooter (.435) and takes 2/3 of his shots from there.
I kind of did, but I'll do so more directly...I don't know. Many fans think that the ideal is to have 13 players on your roster who are good enough to start. In reality, each player needs to have a role with which he's comfortable. For example, Scalabrine isn't very good, but practices hard and is OK with being the last man on the bench. Good 12th-13th guy. If the Bulls plan is to play Hamilton at SG down the stretch of games and to replace Korver on the second unit with a more versatile wing scorer (Butler at the other wing), Korver has no role but deep bench. You don't do that to a respected veteran like Korver...you try to work a trade. I'll wait until all the cards have been played before I make a call on penny-pinching.
Finally some closure: Korver goes straight to ATL for cash. So the Bulls get $5 mil trade exception. https://twitter.com/McGrawDHBulls/status/224989899273678849
It's not a joke. WSCR 670 was carrying rumors about the Sox looking to acquire help down the stretch, on the same day that Korver was shipped for cash considerations. What are the chances that they two stories are connected? Pretty darn good if we're being honest with ourselves.
