Let's for a minute say the Bulls make the deal for Ridnour, sign the Asik offer sheet, and amnesty Boozer in 2 years.
That leaves the team with a very interesting cap situation come 2014.
They would essentially have enough to add another max level player to the mix to compete with Rose, Noah, and Taj. (Mat leaves Deng's name off this list because he sees the other three as the Bulls true future.)
So, who's out there in 2014? How about Zach Randolph? Like the idea of a dominant post man playing along side Noah in the front court with Rose running the show?
What about Kevin Love? He has an opt out clause in 2014. Rose and Love in a pick and roll. Mat's dreams don't even excite him as much as that.
Mat's terrified of the idea of testing the free agent waters again and possibly getting burned, but the thought of giving this team a chance for a year or two more, and then set up nicely for a big off season intrigues Mat quite a bit.
If you could guarantee Mat Z-Bo or Love along with Rose, Noah, and Gibson, he might be willing to do all that's necessary over the next two years, including possibly missing the postseason here or there, to make it happen.
But the fact is, free agency is never a sure thing, so Mat would rather see Gar and Pax keep Plan 2014 on the back burner and more of a fallback plan than the true direction the franchise is heading.
Showing posts with label Gar Forman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gar Forman. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Bye Bye To The Bench Mob
Mat's thoughts recently have been filled with retrospect and nostalgia regarding his beloved, "Bench Mob." Although, the majority of Bulls fans have known for a while this offseason would introduce much change to the bench at the Madhouse, the closer the change comes to reality, the harder it is for Mat to come to grips with the loss.
Salary constraints are to be blamed in this situation in addition to a few other reasons. With the drafting of Teague and reintroduction of Hinrich to the franchise, C.J. Watson and John Lucas III are going to be left searching for a new franchise. Ronnie Brewer is also said to be gone, with Mat seeing a silver lining in Jimmy Butler gobbling up the majority of his minutes.
Kyle Korver is the player who leaves the most to be questioned. While nothing is certain for any of the previously mentioned Bench Mob, the Bulls seem to be waiting till the last second to make a decision on Korver's $5 million option.
Mat doesn't see him staying either. $5 million is a lot for a one dimensional player; keeping in mind the salary cap shadow that is hovering the franchise as it is.
While Mat is definitely sad seeing some of these key role players go, he is also excited to see what GarPax are made of. He knows you won't see any big moves out of the Bulls this offseason, but sometimes the minor moves are the ones that win you championships.
The pressure is on GarPax to rebuild this new Bench Mob with talent. Hopefully surrounding the Bulls core with enough of it to take them to the promise land.
Salary constraints are to be blamed in this situation in addition to a few other reasons. With the drafting of Teague and reintroduction of Hinrich to the franchise, C.J. Watson and John Lucas III are going to be left searching for a new franchise. Ronnie Brewer is also said to be gone, with Mat seeing a silver lining in Jimmy Butler gobbling up the majority of his minutes.
Kyle Korver is the player who leaves the most to be questioned. While nothing is certain for any of the previously mentioned Bench Mob, the Bulls seem to be waiting till the last second to make a decision on Korver's $5 million option.
Mat doesn't see him staying either. $5 million is a lot for a one dimensional player; keeping in mind the salary cap shadow that is hovering the franchise as it is.
While Mat is definitely sad seeing some of these key role players go, he is also excited to see what GarPax are made of. He knows you won't see any big moves out of the Bulls this offseason, but sometimes the minor moves are the ones that win you championships.
The pressure is on GarPax to rebuild this new Bench Mob with talent. Hopefully surrounding the Bulls core with enough of it to take them to the promise land.
Safe Not Sorry
It seemed to make sense to most, and now we know that it made sense to Gar and Pax, Kirk Hinrich will be back in the Bulls back court. Well, sources say.
Mat sees this as the safe move. Smart move, but also safe and somewhat easy.
Kirk is a pro, and he has Mat's trust. He's not going to wow anybody, but he's also not going to make some of the mistakes we saw from C.J. and JL3 while either one of them was running the show.
Hinrich will work hard every day and be an excellent role model to Teague and even Rose.
He'll be able to fill in for Derrick for the time being, and then when Rose does return, Kirk will be a fine fill in when D-Rose needs a breather.
Defensively Hinrich is an upgrade over anything the Bulls have thrown out there since, well, Kirk Hinrich.
Mat just needs to find a way to flush out the memories of Kirk on bad Bulls teams, and see him as an added piece to an already good Bulls team. This will take time.
Mat likes the move. Even if it does seem somewhat obvious and safe.
Mat sees this as the safe move. Smart move, but also safe and somewhat easy.
Kirk is a pro, and he has Mat's trust. He's not going to wow anybody, but he's also not going to make some of the mistakes we saw from C.J. and JL3 while either one of them was running the show.
Hinrich will work hard every day and be an excellent role model to Teague and even Rose.
He'll be able to fill in for Derrick for the time being, and then when Rose does return, Kirk will be a fine fill in when D-Rose needs a breather.
Defensively Hinrich is an upgrade over anything the Bulls have thrown out there since, well, Kirk Hinrich.
Mat just needs to find a way to flush out the memories of Kirk on bad Bulls teams, and see him as an added piece to an already good Bulls team. This will take time.
Mat likes the move. Even if it does seem somewhat obvious and safe.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Perfect Fish
The Bulls have apparently now set their sites on former Laker and Thunder PG Derek Fisher.
Mat knows that free agency has a lot sexier topics than back-up point guard, but here in Chicago, it's this and the Omer saga.
So since we are stuck in our own world of free agency, our excitement levels are allowed to match the magnitude of the signing.
In other words, Mat would be amped if Derrick Fisher does indeed wear red and black next season.
Fisher could step in right away as the starter, giving the Bulls some security until Rose comes back and also allowing them to take it slow with the new 19 year old Bull, Marquis Teague.
Fisher would also be a perfect fit when Derrick is ready to come back. Both to play along side him as well as in a backup role.
Fisher would bring a high level of playoff experience along with his insane ability to hit every clutch shot he ever takes. Ok, Mat may have overblown that skill a little, but it's certainly better than Scal taking the final shot.
The price seems to be right. The player is certainly right. Mat's got his fingers crossed. Make it happen Gar.
Mat knows that free agency has a lot sexier topics than back-up point guard, but here in Chicago, it's this and the Omer saga.
So since we are stuck in our own world of free agency, our excitement levels are allowed to match the magnitude of the signing.
In other words, Mat would be amped if Derrick Fisher does indeed wear red and black next season.
Fisher could step in right away as the starter, giving the Bulls some security until Rose comes back and also allowing them to take it slow with the new 19 year old Bull, Marquis Teague.
Fisher would also be a perfect fit when Derrick is ready to come back. Both to play along side him as well as in a backup role.
Fisher would bring a high level of playoff experience along with his insane ability to hit every clutch shot he ever takes. Ok, Mat may have overblown that skill a little, but it's certainly better than Scal taking the final shot.
The price seems to be right. The player is certainly right. Mat's got his fingers crossed. Make it happen Gar.
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Problem Is, Who?
Omer's offer sheet with the Rockets is one that the Bulls will likely have to pass on (or else Mat may explode). This being said, the Bulls will be left with a void to backup Joakim Noah.
So who's out there? Well, in the eyes of Mat, not much.
There's Spencer Hawes, Nazr Mohammed, Aaron Gray, Robin Lopez, Jermaine O’Neal, Jason Collins, Tony Battie, Eddy Curry, Semih Erden, among a few others.
Any of those wet your whistle? They don't Mat's. Hawes is probably the best bet, but he's also the most expensive of the bunch.
Back up center is somewhat of an important position. The key is to defend and rebound, something Asik does incredibly well.
Most of the aforementioned can do both, but none at a high level.
Mat's a little concerned about what is going to happen on July 14th when Omer is officially a Rocket. Right now Mat's brain is short on ideas, he just hopes Gar and Pax have a plan he's not thought of yet.
So who's out there? Well, in the eyes of Mat, not much.
There's Spencer Hawes, Nazr Mohammed, Aaron Gray, Robin Lopez, Jermaine O’Neal, Jason Collins, Tony Battie, Eddy Curry, Semih Erden, among a few others.
Any of those wet your whistle? They don't Mat's. Hawes is probably the best bet, but he's also the most expensive of the bunch.
Back up center is somewhat of an important position. The key is to defend and rebound, something Asik does incredibly well.
Most of the aforementioned can do both, but none at a high level.
Mat's a little concerned about what is going to happen on July 14th when Omer is officially a Rocket. Right now Mat's brain is short on ideas, he just hopes Gar and Pax have a plan he's not thought of yet.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Losing Omer Would Hurt
Reports indicate that the Rockets and possibly Blazers or Timberwolves are going to offer Omer heavily backloaded deals in order to woo him away from the Bulls.
As Mat noted before, being a second round pick, no team can offer him more than $5 million for the first two years of a new contract.
This means that the teams pursing him, in a ploy to bring something special to the table, would likely offer Omer deals that would pay him up to $8 million in the final two years of a four year deal.
Mat knows $8 million is a lot for a backup center. But he also knows what Omer is becoming, and might eventually turn into.
What Omer is right now is a dominant defense center. He's proven that he can shut down basically anyone (including #6 and that Wade guy) who brings the ball hard to the rack.
But where he struggles is on the other end. His hands are suspect, which makes for his ability to catch (this is where the hands come in) and score to be limited.
Mat wants to remind the masses, Gar, and Pax, that Omer has only been through one NBA training camp, which was before he had ever played a game in the league. His ability to learn during the offseason is far greater than it is during a shortened 66 game season which allowed room for very few practices. Without a lockout this year, Omer will be able to go through a true offseason, and his offensive game should get better.
Where Mat sees the big loss in Omer departing is that finding a replacement will not be easy. There are some older players out there, but none with the same skill set as Omer. The Bulls have somewhat of a young core. Rose 23, Deng 27, Noah 27, Gibson 27, and Teague 19. And Omer is only 25.
Keeping this young core will not only allow the Bulls to grow as a team, which they have already been doing, but it also will allow them to keep a nucleus, and fit auxiliary pieces in around them. Mat loves the idea of two good big men on the same roster for years to come. That's why he thinks losing Omer would hurt both now, but also in the future.
Big guys don't grow on trees and young ones are incredibly difficult to get your hands on. The Bulls have two of them, they shouldn't let some desperate team take one away.
As Mat noted before, being a second round pick, no team can offer him more than $5 million for the first two years of a new contract.
This means that the teams pursing him, in a ploy to bring something special to the table, would likely offer Omer deals that would pay him up to $8 million in the final two years of a four year deal.
Mat knows $8 million is a lot for a backup center. But he also knows what Omer is becoming, and might eventually turn into.
What Omer is right now is a dominant defense center. He's proven that he can shut down basically anyone (including #6 and that Wade guy) who brings the ball hard to the rack.
But where he struggles is on the other end. His hands are suspect, which makes for his ability to catch (this is where the hands come in) and score to be limited.
Mat wants to remind the masses, Gar, and Pax, that Omer has only been through one NBA training camp, which was before he had ever played a game in the league. His ability to learn during the offseason is far greater than it is during a shortened 66 game season which allowed room for very few practices. Without a lockout this year, Omer will be able to go through a true offseason, and his offensive game should get better.
Where Mat sees the big loss in Omer departing is that finding a replacement will not be easy. There are some older players out there, but none with the same skill set as Omer. The Bulls have somewhat of a young core. Rose 23, Deng 27, Noah 27, Gibson 27, and Teague 19. And Omer is only 25.
Keeping this young core will not only allow the Bulls to grow as a team, which they have already been doing, but it also will allow them to keep a nucleus, and fit auxiliary pieces in around them. Mat loves the idea of two good big men on the same roster for years to come. That's why he thinks losing Omer would hurt both now, but also in the future.
Big guys don't grow on trees and young ones are incredibly difficult to get your hands on. The Bulls have two of them, they shouldn't let some desperate team take one away.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Dissecting Marquis Teague
With the 29th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft the Chicago Bulls selected Marquis Teague point guard out of the University of Kentucky. Mat was hearing plenty of rumors of Tyshawn Taylor and various amounts of small forward prospects, but the drafting of Teague caught this mouse by surprise.
Previous to the pick, Mat was very vocal in his displeasure with the possibility of his Bulls drafting a backup point guard to bridge the gap while Rose was out. He would have much rather seen coverage for Luol Deng's absence be drafted with the 29th pick.
However, the fact that Teague was the starting point guard on essentially a very quality D-League team in college has grown on Mat. His experience running the offense for the national champions falls right in line with what GarPax usually looks for out of their draft picks, which is reputable college and big game experience.
Teague is 6'2" in height and weighs 180 pounds. For his position and height he walks around with a very solid frame. He is a psychical specimen not to be overlooked. His explosiveness while running the point at Kentucky was another of his strong suits. Time and time again defensives couldn't deny him the ability to get to the rim. Similar, in some ways, to how Rose plays the game. Mat believes this will come in handy when speaking to the issue of fluidity without Rose on the floor this season.
His work on the pick and roll at Kentucky was lauded amongst experts. Mat noticed his ability to work with the likes of Anthony Davis and others which turned them into such a success. Imagining running this type of pick and roll with Boozer, Jo, or Taj makes Mat salivate. Hopefully that part of his game can translate well to the Bulls offense.
His defense is something of a project. Coach Thibs is the perfect person to take on this project as well. Teague has the psychical tools to matchup well with NBA PGs, but the question is how much will his size hinder his performance on that end of the court.
Mat believes his consistency is a huge question mark. His jump shot has been a cause for concern all through out his college career. A PG playing Thibs' system is usually asked to handle a portion of the scoring for the offense, and Mat believes this will be a key to the Bulls success without Rose on the floor. Considering Teague will most likely see plenty of minutes without the starting PG on the floor, this will be a huge issue as to whether or not he can adapt to a much longer schedule against much better competition night in and night out. If he can stay consistent, we may see something of a prodigy being molded right in front of our eyes.
Overall, Mat believes Teague is a project. A project that will see an increased amount of NBA time so he will literally be growing right before our eyes this upcoming season. As previously stated, a better pick could have been made at that position. Mat believes a small forward in that spot would have aided the Bulls in coping with the loss of a integral portion of their minutes and defense in reference to Deng. Signing a veteran point guard in the offseason made more sense from a stand point that PG means a lot more to the Bulls offensively.
Mat congratulates Marquis Teague and wishes him well on his endeavors with the Bulls, just as he would with any new member of the team. He looks forward to seeing him running the point hiding amidst the shadows of the Madhouse. Truth be told, he misses seeing his beloved Bulls play in general.
Go Bulls.
Previous to the pick, Mat was very vocal in his displeasure with the possibility of his Bulls drafting a backup point guard to bridge the gap while Rose was out. He would have much rather seen coverage for Luol Deng's absence be drafted with the 29th pick.
However, the fact that Teague was the starting point guard on essentially a very quality D-League team in college has grown on Mat. His experience running the offense for the national champions falls right in line with what GarPax usually looks for out of their draft picks, which is reputable college and big game experience.
Teague is 6'2" in height and weighs 180 pounds. For his position and height he walks around with a very solid frame. He is a psychical specimen not to be overlooked. His explosiveness while running the point at Kentucky was another of his strong suits. Time and time again defensives couldn't deny him the ability to get to the rim. Similar, in some ways, to how Rose plays the game. Mat believes this will come in handy when speaking to the issue of fluidity without Rose on the floor this season.
His work on the pick and roll at Kentucky was lauded amongst experts. Mat noticed his ability to work with the likes of Anthony Davis and others which turned them into such a success. Imagining running this type of pick and roll with Boozer, Jo, or Taj makes Mat salivate. Hopefully that part of his game can translate well to the Bulls offense.
His defense is something of a project. Coach Thibs is the perfect person to take on this project as well. Teague has the psychical tools to matchup well with NBA PGs, but the question is how much will his size hinder his performance on that end of the court.
Mat believes his consistency is a huge question mark. His jump shot has been a cause for concern all through out his college career. A PG playing Thibs' system is usually asked to handle a portion of the scoring for the offense, and Mat believes this will be a key to the Bulls success without Rose on the floor. Considering Teague will most likely see plenty of minutes without the starting PG on the floor, this will be a huge issue as to whether or not he can adapt to a much longer schedule against much better competition night in and night out. If he can stay consistent, we may see something of a prodigy being molded right in front of our eyes.
Overall, Mat believes Teague is a project. A project that will see an increased amount of NBA time so he will literally be growing right before our eyes this upcoming season. As previously stated, a better pick could have been made at that position. Mat believes a small forward in that spot would have aided the Bulls in coping with the loss of a integral portion of their minutes and defense in reference to Deng. Signing a veteran point guard in the offseason made more sense from a stand point that PG means a lot more to the Bulls offensively.
Mat congratulates Marquis Teague and wishes him well on his endeavors with the Bulls, just as he would with any new member of the team. He looks forward to seeing him running the point hiding amidst the shadows of the Madhouse. Truth be told, he misses seeing his beloved Bulls play in general.
Go Bulls.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Mat's Getting Mad
Mat has already sounded off once about media types saying the Bulls may not make the playoffs next year, but now he's hearing it again and is starting to get really frustrated.
The little birdie on Mat's computer screen alerted him that a well respected Bull beat writer says the Bulls "know they will struggle this season."
Mat highly doubts Tom Thibodeau thinks the Bulls are going to "struggle." He also doesn't believe Jo Noah, Taj Gibson, or Carlos Boozer feel that way either.
Will they win 70+% of their games? Mat doesn't think so. But Mat knows that Gar and Pax will work diligently to make this team better. Be it through the draft and/or free agency.
Heck, there are enough trade rumors floating around they this team may look completely different by Thursday.
One way or the other Mat knows it will not be a cake walk in 2012-13 until Rose returns. But struggle? Mat begs to differ.
The little birdie on Mat's computer screen alerted him that a well respected Bull beat writer says the Bulls "know they will struggle this season."
Mat highly doubts Tom Thibodeau thinks the Bulls are going to "struggle." He also doesn't believe Jo Noah, Taj Gibson, or Carlos Boozer feel that way either.
Will they win 70+% of their games? Mat doesn't think so. But Mat knows that Gar and Pax will work diligently to make this team better. Be it through the draft and/or free agency.
Heck, there are enough trade rumors floating around they this team may look completely different by Thursday.
One way or the other Mat knows it will not be a cake walk in 2012-13 until Rose returns. But struggle? Mat begs to differ.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Omer's Future As A Bull
Omer Asik is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st. This
means that Omer is free to explore the options of playing for other
teams, but the Bulls have the opportunity to match any team's offer and
keep Omer in a Bulls jersey.
Mat loves Omer. Maybe too much, as Mat was heard telling his buddies that Omer's injury was a key reason why the Heat took the Bulls out in that awful ECF series.
Mat knows that Omer is probably never going to be an elite big man, or even a starter for the Bulls, but he does feel that Omer is the perfect compliment to Jo.
Omer has been improving defensively at a swift rate and is actually becoming a force under the hoop. His offensive prowess is not moving along quite as quickly, but he is certainly a heck of a lot better now than he was when he first donned a Bulls tank top.
Bulls GM Gar Forman responded to a few questions on Bulls.com recently including these remarks on Omer.
Mat loves Omer. Maybe too much, as Mat was heard telling his buddies that Omer's injury was a key reason why the Heat took the Bulls out in that awful ECF series.
Mat knows that Omer is probably never going to be an elite big man, or even a starter for the Bulls, but he does feel that Omer is the perfect compliment to Jo.
Omer has been improving defensively at a swift rate and is actually becoming a force under the hoop. His offensive prowess is not moving along quite as quickly, but he is certainly a heck of a lot better now than he was when he first donned a Bulls tank top.
Bulls GM Gar Forman responded to a few questions on Bulls.com recently including these remarks on Omer.
“Omer is very, very important to us. We see him as a key piece of our team moving forward."
"We think he has shown the potential to continue to improve, and it's our goal that Omer Asik will be a Chicago Bull in the foreseeable future"These comments make Mat smile. But he knows that other teams will be after Omer, if not only just to put some pressure on the Bulls to match an offer sheet.
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