http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...ago-20130519_1_horns-free-agent-tom-thibodeau Evaluating how the Bulls fulfilled their roles in 2012-13 and which way things are pointing for next season May 18, 2013|By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune reporter Derrick Rose 2013-14 salary, status: $17,632,688. 100 percent return. Has such a beloved player ever endured a more bizarre season? On the few occasions Rose talked publicly, he always came across as the most unfazed guy in the room. Look for him to return at a high level. Horns: Up. Joakim Noah 2013-14 salary, status: $11.1 million. 100 percent return. He earned his first All-Star selection with his rare skill set, which featured a far more valuable offensive game than he is credited for. His defensive versatility is vital to Tom Thibodeau's system. Horns: Up. Luol Deng 2013-14 salary, status: $14,215,000. 90 percent return. He continued to serve as Thibodeau's indispensable part, playing through multiple injuries until complications from a spinal tap ended his season. He's the team's most versatile defender. Horns: Up. Carlos Boozer 2013-14 salary, status: $15,300,000. 100 percent return He remained a steady offensive and rebounding force who has shed the injury-prone label that followed him here. An adept and accomplished passer, he plays well with Noah and Rose. Horns: Up. Jimmy Butler 2013-14 salary, status: $1,112,880. 100 percent return. He improved his 3-point shot, continued to display defensive versatility beyond his years and proved he somehow can play all 48 minutes — often. What's not to like? Horns: Up. Kirk Hinrich 2013-14 salary, status: $4,059,000. 100 percent return. The veteran received thumbs up for his play and thumbs down for his health, which can't be ignored. The hope is moving into a backup role at both guard positions will drop his minutes and keep him on the court. Horns: Down. Taj Gibson 2013-14 salary, status: $7,550,000. 100 percent return. His four-year, $33 million extension begins and the veteran forward needs to improve to earn it. After a slow start, he played like the Gibson of old for a long stretch before knee injuries affected him. Horns: Down. Marco Belinelli 2013-14 salary, status: Unrestricted free agent. 15 percent return. The veteran shooting guard hit three-game winning shots and added to the unique dynamic of multiple role players taking a star turn at least once. He proved adept in screen-and-roll game. Horns: Up. Nate Robinson 2013-14 salary, status: Unrestricted free agent. 5 percent return. A shot creator and energizing personality who provided far more good than bad, though both dynamics existed. His performance in the triple-overtime Game 4 victory over the Nets will live forever in franchise lore. Horns: Up. Richard Hamilton 2013-14 salary, status: $5 million team option, which can be bought out for $1 million. 0 percent return. He inexplicably fell out of the playoff rotation but proved he still can score when he finally was unveiled. He endured another injury-plagued campaign. Horns: Down. Nazr Mohammed 2013-14 salary, status: Unrestricted free agent. 75 percent return. He continued the Bulls tradition of valuable veteran centers — Brad Miller, Kurt Thomas — and has expressed a desire to remain in his hometown. Horns: Up. Marquis Teague 2013-14 salary, status: $1,074,720. 95 percent return. He flashed his ability to get to the rim in limited minutes. He should benefit from another summer league, and the only way he isn't back is if he's included in an unlikely Deng trade as salary filler. Horns: Even. Daequan Cook 2013-14 salary, status: Unrestricted free agent. 0 percent return. Signed to provide outside shooting, he connected on just 27.8 percent from 3-point range. Horns: Down. Malcolm Thomas 2013-14 salary, status: $884,293, non-guaranteed. 20 percent return. He will play on summer-league team in attempt to prove he's a poor man's Gibson. Horns: Down. Vladimir Radmanovic 2013-14 salary, status: Unrestricted free agent. 0 percent return. Who? Horns: Down. Tom Thibodeau 2013-14 salary, status: Begins four-year $17.5 million extension. 100 percent return. The coach has firmly established himself among the league's elite. Has consistently downplayed concerns over heavy minutes, but that could be addressed by management. Horns: Up.
Agree that Taj shouldn't be a horns down, though K.C. was right about Gibson showing very well between his slow start and his banged-up finish.
I thought of all the people who played Taj was the largest disappointment. But he still seems like he's in the long term plans. I agree the roster next year will resemble the one we have. The bottom half might be shaken up a bit, but it'll have the same overall flavor. The only real loose ends are Nate and Marco.
I would also view the season for Taj as a disappointment. I expected a better season from him. But perhaps this was because of troubles with his knee and ankle? I've read something that he will get stronger to avoid problems with knee and ankle.
Taj was Taj. I don't think he played any worse or particularly better than he should have. I guess the knee problems cut his season short by 17 games is the real issue.
For some odd reason I remember having a better jumper earlier in his career than hes shown the past couple seasons. His defense was great as usual but he looked like he kinda digressed on O
