http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...19_1_marquis-teague-luxury-tax-trade-deadline Teague could make Robinson expendable Bulls veteran in jeopardy with non-guaranteed contract if rookie keeps showing progress December 18, 2012|By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune reporter There's a fine print element to the point guard rotation that is currently under scrutiny because of rookie Marquis Teague's solid play when given extended minutes. It's called Nate Robinson's non-guaranteed contract. The Bulls signed the veteran guard to a deal that doesn't become fully guaranteed until Jan. 10. That means they can waive Robinson with no penalty any time before that date, an option that always has been under consideration internally. Teague's development, not to mention Derrick Rose's expected return, could make Robinson expendable. In a twist, coach Tom Thibodeau opened the second quarter using Teague at point guard and Robinson at shooting guard. The new rotational look occurred because the Celtics utilize several small lineups. It didn't last long, and Robinson remained in the game as Kirk Hinrich's backup. Robinson played well during the entire second quarter and finished with 18 points and four assists in 13 minutes in the 100-89 victory. League sources indicate that veteran shooting guard Richard Hamilton has been offered in trade scenarios, efforts that could intensity as the Feb. 21 trade deadline nears. With a minimal guarantee on a team option for next season, Hamilton's salary is in essence an expiring contract, which could make him attractive to teams looking to add scoring punch near the deadline. The Bulls' current payroll of $73,548,450 stands $3,241,450 above the luxury tax threshold. But penalties are assessed based on team payrolls at season's end. The Bulls never have paid the luxury tax.
The bolded part is what Bulls basketball is all about. I really don't think the beat writers sit in their office all day thinking up stuff to write about. They go to the stadium and talk to players and management and even the Chairman. I wouldn't be the least surprised if the writers fear the wrath of management if they don't write what they want to see.
As for Rip, while he will be of use, it turns out it's not his absence that hurts, but a back up for Jo. I don't know if we can get anything for him, but I do know that the guy is just not able to stay on the floor. I like him, but geez.
It takes a special kind of person to give 110% for a team that's been shopping him since right about the time they signed him as a FA. I think the objective was to have him well rested and in good shape for last season's playoffs, to play along side Rose. That didn't really happen. His story reminds me of Mike Miller's. Washed up and left for dead by his former team. The Heat were patient with him and saw great value from him against us in the playoffs.
You seem to have a lot of empathy for Hamilton. More than is merited IMO. I loved the Hamilton signing when it happened. Those who questioned the signing due to age/health concerns are smelling like roses. And if I'm going to hopeful for Hamilton's resurrection, I'd pick a more optimistic model than Miller. Miller hasn't earned his salary for any sort of significant period in a very long time. You mentioned the Bulls playoff series a couple years ago. Miller had one game where he scored 12 points. He averaged 4.2ppg in that series in 17mpg...that's downright Bogans-esque, and Miller can't hold Bogans' jock on defense. Like Miller, a lot of Hamilton's problems have been based on poor basketball health. Unfortunately, this doesn't change the fact that neither has been worth what they've been paid for a few years now.
Empathy? I thought Rip was at one point better than Ben Gordon but wasn't better when both were in Detroit. As a longtime contributor to Detroit's perennial trips to the ECF and Finals, the man deserves a TON of respect. Mike Miller almost singlehandedly turned around that series for the Heat in game 2 of that series, not the 12 point game you mention. He sparked the team to come from behind when Spoelstra was searching for someone to step up along with the big 3. He grabbed 7 rebounds in game 2, then 9 in game 4. They hadn't beaten us in maybe half a dozen previous meetings either at home or away before that game 2. Remember, Miami had nearly cut loose everyone on their roster to make room for 3 full boat FA contracts. They were only able to use MLE to sign him. He was 2nd in the NBA in 3pt shooting the season before and turned down more than MLE offered by other teams to sign with Miami. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5382899 The difference between Bogans and Miller is Miller contributed 4.2 PPG off the bench and did what was expected of him, while Bogans was the worst starting player on any team in the NBA (bar none). In spite of his not being the player he once was, he still has a PER much higher than our own Kirk Hinrich who makes a similar salary. He is also one of the very best in the league at at least one thing, 3pt shooting.
Oh hell, according to Hollinger, there are 322 players who have a higher PER than Hinrich. Once-coveted players like Stephen Jackson, Brandon Roy, Courtney Lee, Gerald Green, Norris Cole and Mickael Pietrus are not among them.
322 out of ~425. That would qualify him to be 9th man on a top team. Seems about right, actually. The thing about Miller is he had a 14 PER when Miami signed him. 14 is fine for a guy off the bench. Hinrich? A 9.2 PER, and every indication that's how good he is at this point in his career. My beef is not that he's a Bull. It's what they pay him, his role, and the thought we intend to have him play SG when Rose comes back. The opportunity cost, too (Mayo, CJ, Brewer, even Pietrus...).
Ironically, my problem with Hinrich right now is the same as my problem with Hamilton...Dammit! Be healthy enough so that I can make my own judgment of what kind of a player you are! I believe that the Bulls intend that Hinrich will be a backup at both guard positions...about 20mpg. For a contending team, $3.9M/season isn't too much for a player who plays this role reasonably well. In order for Hinrich to play this role, Rose needs to return and a legit starting SG needs to either emerge (Hamilton or Belinelli) or be acquired. But first, these players need to be healthy.
