What has gone wrong with the Michael Sweetney project? Many are asking themselves. Sweetney has gone from averaging 12 points and eight rebounds a game upon first arriving in Chicago. To all, but virtually out of the lineup. As his numbers have fallen to a mere 8.8 points a night to go along with 5.7 rebounds, ironically both still career highs, go figure . Things still look grim for this player who once showed us so much promise, over the last month Sweetney is averaging only 12.6 minutes a game, and has only played double digit minutes on six occasions in that time. Many suspect the reason why Sweetney has fallen out of favor so quickly in Chicago is his inability to lose weight, and guard players out on the perimeter when on the defensive end. Defense is one of the things coach Skiles takes great pride in being associated with. How badly out of shape is Sweetney? Despite being four inches shorter then teammate Tyson Chandler, Michael weighs a whopping 35 more pounds. Sweetney has been burdened throughout his basketball career, by his inability to forget his last name and lay off the sweets. It seems like the situation has hit rock bottom at this point. What leads me to believe that? Well when a player who went undrafted, and never averaged double digit scoring in his college career or NBDL career, comes in signs a ten day contract, and before they can even make him his own jersey plays more minutes then you. Well that's when you know you’re in a rough spot. I personally am not ready to give up on this kid though. During his career in Georgetown he was a horse that his teammates road to victory. He has shown skill offensively, and a soft touch around the basket. If I where the Bulls I would give him a personal trainer this off season to get his behind into shape, you already invested millions in Mike I don't see a problem in investing a few more thousand dollars into that person to get him into shape. It will be a struggle for Sweetney to find minutes in next years front court should the Bulls acquire Lemarcus Aldridge in the NBA draft, and sign several big men in the free agent market. Which are both likely scenarios, but the way I see it you can have Tyson Chandler a incredible rebounder and shot blocker, Lemarcus Aldridge who is widely considered the best big man in this years draft class, and an in shape Sweetney coming off your bench. Along with a couple quality big men who we may sign in free agency. That is a scary thought. Also remember that our guards, with no big man down low to speak of that can draw double teams. Are top ten in the league in three point field goal percentage, and four of them average double digit points. That is a scary thought to think about what they can do with some help down low. So to reiterate the point of this whole thread do you feel we should give up on Sweetney, and try to trade him this summer? Or find some way to get him into shape, and incorporate him into the offense next year? And if that is what you think we should do how do you purpose we do it? Oh, here is another idea. Who is for getting Michael Sweetney on the next season of Celebrity Fit Club?
Dude needs his ass on a treadmill big time....if Treadmills are big enough for his ass. Anyway, if we shop him around and get a good offer I say take it, let someone else be burdened with a player unable to loose weight, we could use the draft pick/extra cash/extra player. But I am up for keeping him around, see what he can do if we get him down in weight and healthy for a big man. Sweets began the season well, as BKS said averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds but then he just dropped off, possibly weight problems or just a real long form slump. We do need a big man, particulary if we don't Aldridge or anyone decent in Free Agency (though I can't see that happen)
one thing about him is that hes so foul prone its ridiculous, that may be one thing, and this is likely because hes slow to react because of the fat. lets wait to see if we can get aldridge firstly, if we can, then maybe ship him, if we cant keep him. i really wanna keep him, what i saw from him early in the season i really liked, so mcuh so i forgot about curry in a matter of a few games. forget about gettin him into shape in summer, lets start now, coz it doesnt look like hes gonna get much palying time now, so lets start gettin him into shape now and by summers end hopefully hes in great shape. What this lets us do is see if he is willing and able to lose weight by the time summer comes around. If he isnt ship him, if he is lets keep him.
He would be amazing if he could lose some weight so he could move quicker, and he would fit into the offense. He could do some pick and rolls, and he could shot, so if he's wide open just knock it down. And then we can make him go inside too. If he was faster he would be better on defense also because like some of the other guys said, he is slow to react.
Keep Sweetney. Great player. Weight is not strength and Chicago must force him to accept a nutrition and strength program. Rebounding is primarily the result of quickness and experience with the shooter. Fourth quarter is big in the NBA and you must have plenty of energy going into the last 12 minutes. MS is paying the price for not having the quickness and accumen to improve his rebounding, and for not having the energy to be a solid option in the last minutes of the game. Give him a chance to learn how to treat his body and let's see how he can contribute.
The guy just can't take a trick. When he came to Chicago i was hoping he'd finally get a much deserved chance, but it lasted about as long as Houstons playoff run.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jerry West:</div><div class="quote_post">The guy just can't take a trick. When he came to Chicago i was hoping he'd finally get a much deserved chance, but it lasted about as long as Houstons playoff run.</div> hahah i like that comparison
