[IMGl]http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/teamlogos/nba/sml/trans/chi.gif[/IMGl]<font size="3">A Preview of What?s to Come: A Look Ahead at the Upcoming ?04-?05 Chicago Bulls</font> by Moo2k4 <u>The 2003-2004 Season in Review</u> The 2003-2004 season was a disappointing one for Chicago fans. The team came into the season with very high expectations, not only from themselves, but also from the fans and the media. Playoffs were once again being talked about by Chicago fans and NBA fans in general. This team really seemed like one that could make some noise that year. Then the season began. Instantly, a brick wall was hit. Chicago started off bad and never got going. The team made many changes during the season and was also marred by an injury to up and coming power forward Tyson Chandler. Throughout the season, Jon Paxson made numerous moves, including the hiring of Scott Skiles as head coach and trading off Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall to Toronto. Come season?s end, the Bulls had once again not lived up to expectations, as they finished with a very dismal 23-59, 7 wins fewer than the season before, and only the Magic this year, were worse, finishing with a record of 21-61. Once the season came to an end, it was then time to begin thinking about the off season, and boy would it be an interesting one for the Bulls. <u>The Off Season</u> The NBA off-season. One of the most hectic times in sports today. Players leaving teams, restricted free agents signing an offer sheet only to have their own team match it and keep hold of them. With everything that goes on, it is very easily one of the most hectic time periods in sports. And for the Chicago Bulls, the off-season was just that: Busy. Chicago had a lot of things to think about in this off-season, and all these things would make for a very interesting off-season for the Chicago Bulls. <u>Draft Day 2004</u> The NBA Draft, a place to find the leagues future talents or future flops. This is simply one of the busiest and most surprising days in the NBA off-season. Trades occurring every which way, players switching teams for draft picks, teams trading up to get a better pick, everything goes on. The draft soon begins and the obvious top 2 are quickly taken: Dwight Howard going #1 to the Magic and Emeka Okafor going #2 to the expansion Bobcats. Now it was Chicago?s turn. In what was possibly one of the more surprising moves of the day, Chicago used their #3 pick to draft Ben Gordon out of the University Of Connecticut. However, they weren?t done quite yet. The Bulls then traded off their 2nd pick (#31), a conditional first round pick, and an undisclosed sum of cash for the 7th pick the of NBA draft from the Suns. The player they got just happened to be Luol Deng, the player whom many thought Chicago would pick with their #3 pick in the draft. Later that night in the 2nd round, they then chose Jackson Vroman out of ISU with their 31st pick, but his rights were then traded to Phoenix for Luol Deng. Just a few picks later, they took Chris Duhon, the phenomenal point guard out of Duke. After the day was all said and done, Chicago walked away with three players and what ended up being one of the best drafts out of all the teams this year. <u>Free Agency</u> With the NBA Draft all but gone, the Bulls could now turn their attention towards the free agent market, and, to be even more specific, to turn to one, Jamal Crawford. Crawford, who led the team in scoring the year before was a restricted free agent. GM Jon Paxson wanted nothing more to do with him; so, talks of a new contract never really began, but quickly ended. Paxson now had full intentions on trading away his star guard, and would be able to do so with the recent addition of Ben Gordon, their #3 overall pick. Paxson waited a while on any Crawford deal, as he was waiting for the right one to come around. What Paxson mainly wanted out of any deal involving Jamal was to acquire expiring contracts so he could have cap space come next off-season. Well, he got exactly what he wanted. Crawford was soon sent out to Isaiah Thomas? New York Knicks in exchange for the expiring contracts of former Illinois guard Frank Williams, former Defensive Player of the Year in Dikembe Mutombo, Othella Harrington, and Cezary Trybanski. Despite losing their best player though, Jon Paxson did end up getting what he wanted, and that was expiring contracts so he could have more cap space for next year. After the sign and trade deal with the Knicks, talks began arising that involved international star Andres Nocioni coming to the Bulls. Nocioni was highly regarded as the top international player and was called the best player not in the NBA. The only thing that needed to be done in order to get Nocioni was a buyout of his contract from the team he?d played for in Spain. That buyout of $3.6 million however, did not bother Paxson. Not too long after talks of him coming to Chicago had begun, he was soon signing a contract with the Bulls. The contract Nocioni has signed: $11.6 million over 3 years. <u>Projected Starting 5</u> The upcoming season for the Chicago Bulls will see a new look Bulls. There will likely be three returning starters, although one of them was injured for the vast majority of last season. However, the Bulls will see the addition of two new starters, and both are very likely to be rookies. So, with nothing else needed to be said, here is the projected starting five for the ?04-?05 Chicago Bulls PG: Kirk Hinrich Kirk Hinrich will, without a doubt in my mind, be the starting point guard next year. He is coming off a spectacular rookie season which saw him put up solid numbers of 12 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 6.8 apg. Also, during his rookie campaign, Kirk Hinrich participated in the Got Milk? Rookie Challenge and was named to the All Rookie Team. He is a phenomenal talent with great court awareness and a sweet stroke from behind the arc, which was shown by him setting the Bulls record for three pointers made by a rookie, as he made 144. The kid is a good scorer, despite shooting only 38.6% from the floor, he did however, shoot 39% from the arc, which is a very respectable number, especially for a rookie. He?s got a tremendous amount of upside still and will have an even better year for the upcoming season. SG: Ben Gordon One of the two new starters this year. Ben Gordon, the outstanding guard from the University of Connecticut, was the Bulls #3 pick in the NBA draft. The kid has a load of potential to be a superstar. He?s very quick with or without the ball, he was arguably the best overall shooter in the draft, and he is a great defender. He has tremendous upside and the word superstar written all over him. If he displays the desire and work ethic he had in college, he could be very, very good. SF: Andres Nocioni The other new starter in the Bulls lineup. Andres Nocioni made a name for himself overseas, as he quickly became thought of as the best foreign player who was not in the NBA. He?s a very good shooter from both mid range and long range. However, despite having the range to shoot the NBA three ball, Nocioni prefers to post up his opponents and shoot the mid range jump shot. Aside from his shooting ability, Nocioni is a very strong and aggressive player that possesses a tremendous amount of athleticism. He shows a tremendous amount of potential and could very well have his name in the Rookie of the Year running depending upon his role on the team. But there is no doubt about, Nocioni possesses the ability to be a very capable NBA player, whether he is or not though, we shall soon see. PF: Tyson Chandler After an injury-plagued season last year, Tyson Chandler will look to jump back to form this year. He is coming off a season where he only played in 35 games, and to top it off, only started in 8 of them. To say the least, he is coming off of a very troubled season. However, he will look to go back to the form he was in at the beginning of last year when he was averaging a double double prior to being injured. Once that injury occurred, you could tell he was never himself the rest of the season. However, if Tyson wants to make sure he stays a starter, he needs to work on the defensive side of the ball. For someone who is 7?1?, he does not get nearly enough blocks or rebounds per game. That is still one aspect of his game that he needs to work on. The future is bright for him still, as long as he stays healthy and keeps working. C: Eddy Curry Eddy Curry is the one player that the Bulls will rely heavily on this year. He?s gotten better and better, year in and year out, so why not expect more out of him. Last year was possibly a breakout year for him, as he had career highs in points per game (14.7), assists per game (.9), blocks per game (1.14), steals per game (.33), and had a solid year shooting the ball, even though his field goal percentage took a large drop from the year before. So, after all the improvements he?s made so far in his career, why not think he can improve even more. Granted he did have a great year, he?s still got plenty of improvement to do. To be specific, he needs to get more boards and blocks for a guy his size, as he has the same problems as teammate Tyson Chandler. If he can work on his defensive skills, he could be a top five center in the East next year. Aside from all his improvements from last year, he has also said that he has worked harder this off-season then he has ever worked and that he is in the best shape of his young career. These comments coming after it was rumored that he had gained weight this off-season and would not be in very good shape come the season, but, according to him, that?s all they were, rumors. Now, whether or not the rumors or true or he?s telling the truth, we will soon find out when he takes the court for the first time this year. This could be a make or break year for Eddy, as he could have a large amount of money on the line with his upcoming free agency next season. The question now is will he respond to it and have a career year, or will he flop under the pressure. We shall soon see. <u>The Role Players</u> Luol Deng Coming off a very solid freshman year at Duke, he looks to be a very good player. He has the potential to become a star in this league, but we?ll have to see. He?s got a pretty good jump shot from mid range and long range and has plenty of length. He?s got a bit of athleticism but he?s not going to blow by anyone with his quickness. The kid is very much so a project, but, I can see him getting plenty of minutes throughout the season. Antonio Davis A savvy veteran who can will bring leadership when on the court. He?s been around for a long time now and knows how to play the game of basketball. He?ll bring good, solid minutes at either the backup power forward or center position, and who knows, could contend with Chandler for the starting power forward spot. Though, there is only one question left, and that?s how much is left in the tank of this 35-year-old veteran? Adrian Griffin A career bench player recently acquired from the Rockets that sent Mutombo to Houston. Hasn?t really had a stellar career to this point, and only appeared in 19 games last season for Houston, starting only one of those and having an average of merely .6 ppg. Might prove to be a somewhat effective role player here in Chicago, but only time can really tell. Eric Piatowski The other half of the Mutombo trade. Eric Piatowski will bring a very good shooter to the Chicago Bulls and could provide a spark off the bench with his shooting capability. He is coming off a season where he had career lows in numerous categories, including points per game and field goal percentage. He?ll have to bounce back to the way he was with the Clippers if he looks to get a good portion of playing time. But, I believe that he?s going to add a good spark off the bench for the Bulls and be somewhat of a Steve Kerr type player for them. Eddie Robinson The one thing Eddie brings for the team is athleticism. The kid is a phenomenal athlete. He?s got a pretty good shot from mid range but can be streaky at times. He?ll look to spark the Bulls by coming off the bench, or he might even challenge Andres Nocioni for the starting small forward job. Time will tell what happens, but it?s best to bet that he is utilized off the bench. Jannero Pargo Yet another one of Chicago?s numerous guards. He provided a good spark for them at the end of last season. He adds a good shooting threat coming off the bench for Chicago. Last season he had a career year in pretty much every statistical category and had his best games wearing the black and red of the Chicago Bulls. Hopefully his play carries over from last year into this year and he?ll be just as good as he was at the end. Cezary Trybanski At 7?2?, brings tremendous height to the table. So far however, he has not had the chance to do much in his career. With his height, he has the potential to be a good shot blocker and low post player. However, since has had very little playing time in his career, it?s hard to gauge how effective he can really be. Frank Williams Once again, another guard for Chicago. He was brought over from the Knicks in the sign and trade deal with Jamal Crawford. He?s a very good shooter, however, he hasn?t got to prove much thus far in the NBA, as he has been a bench player all his career. He has the potential to compete for minutes at the point guard or shooting guard spot, and has the capability to produce if given the minutes. Chris Duhon Chicago?s 2nd round pick out of Duke. As far as I know, he is currently unsigned, but, that might have changed. Nonetheless, he has the potential to be a very good point guard in the NBA. He was quite possibly the best true point in the nation his senior year. He?s a great defender, has great court awareness and court vision, and can find teammates in the open. He?s not a shoot first type of guy, which is very hard to come around anymore, even concerning point guards. Even though he?s more a pass first guy, he has the ability to shoot the ball, as he hit many clutch shots in college while attending Duke. He has the ability to make an impact, however, it all depends on whether or not he?s signed, which I?m not currently sure on yet. Othella Harrington Othella Harrington brings another big body for Chicago. He?s been an adequate offensive player throughout his career and still has the ability to put up points if given the opportunity. Aside from that however, he?s not a great rebounder despite his size, and to top it off, also not a very good shot blocker. Due to depth at the power forward or center position though, he could possibly see a lot of minutes, depending on if they play Trybanski a lot. <u>Team Prediction</u> The Bulls look to be a team with a large amount of potential this year. They have two young and upcoming seven-footers in the middle that could do damage this year, assuming they each stay healthy this year. Aside from them, they have returning starting point guard, Kirk Hinrich. If Hinrich can cut down on the turnovers, as he had a problem with those throughout last year, he could be much better. Beyond the turnover problem, he needs to work on consistency. There were points last year where he was far too streaky, as shown by his 39% overall field goal percentage. So, if he can cut down on the turnovers and be less streaky, he has the capability of being a VERY good point guard in this league, as he already has the court awareness and leadership needed for an NBA point guard. So, if everything comes together, the Bulls have the potential to be pretty good this year. Projected Record: 37-45 Playoffs: 8th seed, eliminated in 1st round <u>Player Predictions</u> Kirk Hinrich: 13.6 ppg?7.4 apg?4.5 rpg?43% FGs?41% 3PTs Ben Gordon: 9.2 ppg?4.2 apg?4.2 rpg?38% FGs?37% 3PTs Andres Nocioni: 12.5 ppg?2.8 apg?5.0 rpg?46% FGs?31% 3PTs Tyson Chandler: 11.1 ppg?1.2 apg?9.4 rpg?2.2 bpg?51% FGs Eddy Curry: 19.5 ppg?.1.1 apg?9.1 rpg?2.0 bpg?54% FGs <u>Bulls Keys To Success</u> The keys to success this year for the Bulls is simply maturing. Last year, the Bulls truly looked like a team that wasn?t ready to succeed. They made numerous mistakes and it just fell apart instantly. They could never really get going last year, granted injuries played a part in it, but, it was just the overall maturity of the team. They looked like a young team, and not only that, they played like a young team. If they want to succeed this year, they need to mature, and mature quickly. Aside from the need to mature, they have numerous individuals that need to step up. The first one is Eddy Curry. He had a good year last, but he still needs to improve. He?s still soft on the defensive end, and, for a seven-footer, doesn?t get enough rebounds. He needs to be much more aggressive, specifically on the defensive end. The other main person that really needs to step up this year is Tyson Chandler. He was having a very good year last year before he got hurt. After that injury, he was never really the same. If he can go and play like he was playing before the injury, he could be a very good player. Also, he has some of the same problems as Eddy Curry. He didn?t get enough rebounds for someone so tall and he?s not aggressive enough on the defensive end. If he steps it up on defense, they could be very tough down low on both ends of the court. <u>The X-Factor</u> The X-Factor for the Bulls this year will be Kirk Hinrich. Kirk Hinrich has to be the X-Factor for them because he is the on court leader. As he goes, the Bulls will go. He needs to stay more consistent this year and make some better decisions, as he made a pretty big amount of bad decisions last year as a rookie. I believe, if he doesn?t play well, makes bad decisions, turns it over, etc., the Bulls won?t play well. Howver, on the other hand, if he plays well and doesn't have a sophmore slump, the Bulls could be a very dangerous team. <u>Something to Prove?</u> The Bulls do have something to prove this year. After coming into last season with such high expectations from not only themselves, but from fans and analysts alike, the Bulls need to do something this year. They have the talent and the potential to do some damage this year, and I believe they can. But, the only question is, do they believe they can? If they think they can, they very well could. They just need to keep the confidence flowing and they can?t get off to such a bad start again this year and dig themselves a hole. But, I believe the Bulls have something to prove this year, and they will prove something this year. I think they?re going to live up to expectations from fans, if now outlive them, and make the playoffs for the first time in the post-Michael Jordan era.
Personally I think that there's no way Curry's coming around with those stats you predicted (19-9), and if that's true, then Tyson's better than 11-9 (he did that while un-injured last season). But overall the Bulls' youth is the main problem for them. I personally witnessed first hand the destruction of youth (and injuries) here in DC, and look -- you've got a second year player in Hinrich, a rookie in Gordon, two young, still-haven't-matured-much-like-Kwame big men, and either a very young rookie in Deng, rookie Euro in Nocioni, or Piatkowski (who should probably start) as your SF. Not looking too great. Youth will kill them, and maybe I'll be eating crow come the playoffs, but I'd have to see a totally different team by the season (whether in gameplay or personnel to believe they'll make the playoffs.
This is a great season preview personally I still don't think they will make the playoffs I think this is how the east will be Detroit Miami New York Indiana Toronto Milwaukee Boston Orlando Philadelphia Cleavland Chicago Washington New Jersey Atlanta Charlotte
Knicks ahead of the Pacers? I highly doubt it, the Pacers improved even after having the best regular season record last year? I highly doubt it. Anyways, Moo, great preview. I have a few disagreements, though. I think BG will average more points than that. He's likely the first, maybe the second scoring option, so I doubt he's last on the team in scoring in the starting lineup. I doubt we will make the playoffs, but there's a chance. I still think there are too many better teams than us. Detroit, Indiana, Miami, Miluakee, New York, Boston, Orlando, and Philidelphia, just to name a few (no specific order). I could be wrong, and hopefully, I am, but I don't see it happening this year.
Nice review. Think you're being a little too generous with Eddy Curry (and Chandler, to a lesser extent) in terms of stat predictions though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">Another great preview thanks notMuchgame</div> I was actually the one that wrote it.... Anyways, to ObieCent, I don't see Gordon leading or be 2nd leading scorer on the team. Eddy Curry will probably lead that team, there's no doubt in my mind about it. He had a good year last year and I believe he's only getting better. 2nd is feasable, but, I dunno. Rookies typically don't lead the team or are 2nd on the team in scoring. Plus, Hinrich has a year under his belt and will be better next year, and if Chandler can stay healthy, I think he'll produce much like he did last year prior to his injury. I dunno, I just can't see Gordon scoring a whole lot this year. I know he's good, but, I'm just not sure if he's a first option on offense quite yet.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Knicks ahead of the Pacers? I highly doubt it, the Pacers improved even after having the best regular season record last year? I highly doubt it.</div> I think there was some confusion. The Pistons and the Pacers are in the same division so the Knicks will be ahead of them not by wins however, by their division.
we need to waive a lot of these players: williams, trybanski, duhon because they wont play. and i dont see eddie robinson or griffin contributing when they do play, erob might do a little, but what the hell you gonna do with a guy averaging .6 ppg!? we need to trade these guys and get some other defender. we only need like 12 guys, the list has 15 players. waive for sure: williams, trybanski, duhon. trade: e-rob(bed us of lot of money) and griffin.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">waive for sure: williams, trybanski, duhon. trade: e-rob(bed us of lot of money) and griffin.</div> I'm cool with the others being waived but Frank Williams? If you watched some his games you know that he has so much potential and showed it last year especially during the playoffs. He made many clutch shots for us in New York. His #'s looked bad because he was backing up Marbury so he got little minutes right there, and he had to suffer losing his mother so that takes a tole out of you. Williams is <u>way</u> better than Janero Pargo. If Williams is waived Chicago will make a big mistake.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post">I think there was some confusion. The Pistons and the Pacers are in the same division so the Knicks will be ahead of them not by wins however, by their division.</div> Ahh, I see what you mean. I thought you were listing the teams' by how many games they won, my bad . <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">waive for sure: williams, trybanski, duhon. trade: e-rob(bed us of lot of money) and griffin.</div> For the reasons posted above me, I wouldn't waive Williams unless he doesn't look good in training camp. Frank has some trade value because he has a lot of potential. I agree with everything else. Although, of course, Eddie Robinson isn't going anywhere. We'd have to give a lot for a team to take him on, and our expendables have little value. I'd love to see E-Rob gone, but it'd probably require seeing Deng, Gordon, Curry, or Chandler leave. I'd hate to see that, but thats what happens when you overpay someone
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">I was actually the one that wrote it....</div> Oops sorry man... anyway write another one for us mkay?
Unless he looked horrible in training camp I would definatly keep Williams although I didnt see many knicks games last season when the trade went down I know a lot of Knick fans were not to happy about loosing this guy. Trading E-Rob wont be easy he is due to make $6,767,540 this season no one is going to take him off our hands for that unless like ObieCent said we add someone we want to keep (Curry,Chandler,Deng,Hinrich) to make it worth their while. We are going to have to eat E-Robs contract. The only thing we can hope for is that he shows up and starts to earn some of his loot. Hey it could happen the guy is loaded with athleticism,he jumps out of the building and his shot is not terrible his problem is he is scared of getting hurt again,he is too timid. We are also going to have to eat Scottie Pippens contract $5,408,700 this year because he is retiring,the Bulls had hoped he would waive the last year of his 2 year contract but no such luck. :thumbsdow Griffin can go but if he stays he is a veteran defensive presence. Duhon there may be some trade value to but if not look for him to go overseas. Trybanski is a big question mark , good size at 7'2" but thin at 240 I dont really know much about him but if he ends up on the roster there may be a reason for it. Mike Wilks may be too small at 5'10" but they say he is like lightning. FG% .364, 3PT% .356, 2.7PPG and 1.5APG career averages nothing special if you ask me. The one thing I think the Bulls are lacking is a good back up center, I know we have Antonio Davis and he does a decent job but at 6'9" he really is undersized for the position. If we could get someone like Elden Campbell from Detroit we would be in the house. Detroit has a log jam at the center position so this may not be as much of a long shot as you may think. Eldon is a consistant veteran and at 7'0" a true center. Are you listening Pax? Get on it and work something out!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">Another great preview thanks notMuchgame</div> It's by Moo2k4.... Only the Clipper Preview was my own work (plug ). All others were done by either JBB writers or members I asked...
Moo, perhaps you could explain to me why Gordon is a great defender. Because clearly, I wasn't watching the same games you were.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Vintage:</div><div class="quote_post">Moo, perhaps you could explain to me why Gordon is a great defender. Because clearly, I wasn't watching the same games you were.</div> In the games that I've watched over the past year involving Gordon, he did a very good job on defense. And, if I remember correctly, I'm not the only person who thinks this. Dick Vitale always raved about how good of a defender he was and a bunch of the other sports analysts.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PupMelo:</div><div class="quote_post">Oops sorry man... anyway write another one for us mkay?</div> I don't really know what I'd write another preview over for them....that and I'm not actually part of the writing team.
Well, the season has come and gone, and I think it was overall a great success. Despite the way went out in the playoffs (blowing a 2-0 lead and retarded mistakes in Game 6), next season should be even better if Curry can come back at full strength.
