What's the story? Marcus Thornton is an all-rookie second teamer who had a ridiculously good season after beating the rookie wall, averaging 18.8 in Feb, 19.9 in March, and 21.7 April. Solid 45% fg percentage and 37.4% from three on three hundred attempts (so he's not afraid to chuck 'em.) Thornton was SEC player of the year so he seems to fit the Bulls profile of successful collegiate athletes. He's a restricted free agent and the Hornets are hemorrhaging money and only five million away from paying the tax, so he's likely getable. Thornton's a prototypical shooting guard size, 6'4, and flashes athleticism in the clips you can find: [video=youtube;BxCKxgkEwHU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxCKxgkEwHU&feature=fvst[/video] Why isn't he in the free agency discussion?
Front load the sucker and they don't have a choice. The Bulls have money to spend. It can go to procuring an average vet on a long contract, or you could gamble it on a shortterm agreement with a developing player. I'm in favor of the latter, because I think we're still one almost all-star away from a championship, and that type of deal would provide for flexibility over the next few years.
I dunno. I think the Hornets are under the LT threshold now, so we'd probably have to pay quite a bit. Rather than rolling the dice, I'd rather just buy a proven better than average player like Iggy. I picture him, Deng and Noah being a really, really good defensive unit.
I was screaming for Iguodala on draft day. But is he too similar to Deng? I wonder if you have enough fire power with that lineup. That's a seriously good rebounding team, regardless.
I don't see him as that similar to Deng. In his style of play, he's much more of a classic guard. He shoots jumpers, runs the floor like a maniac, and blows by people for a high percentage of dunks. Deng is much more of a classic forward who generates his best looks via moving around and shooting mid-range shots. He doesn't blow by anyone, and he's pretty hesitant to shoot jumpers. When it comes to team offense, Deng has a downright shitty handle for a perimeter player. You don't want him dribbling around, and he's a yeoman passer, not a good or very good. Iggy, on the other hand, ends up using few possessions but generating a lot of assists. He's an excellent passer and can dribble the ball under control. Defensively, Iggy is stronger and more athletic, although shorter. He's the guy you'd love to put on the opponent's best perimeter guy, and Deng is generally not. So actually, I sort of wonder why folks say they're similar at all.
I like Iggy as a possible trade option for the Bulls, but he probably won't become available until close to the trade deadline when Philly realizes that their season is in the tank!
I've always thought of Iggy as the poor mans Lebron. He does everything Bron can, his name just isnt as big. He still has some work to do on his range though. But if we can get him and Thorton, those are pretty nice additions at the 2. Do you think we'd have to trade Deng if we go after Iggy?
