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 Joakim Noah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joakim Noah. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Injured Olympians
This Olympic season was shaping up to be a big one for the Bulls. With Luol representing the home colors, Derrick the PG of the USA, and Joakim representing France, the team with the best record was going to be on full display in London.
Then Luol tore some ligaments in his wrist, Derrick, well, Mat thinks you know, and Jo badly twisted his ankle in Game 3.
There's been much ado about Luol going forward and participating in the games. Mat wishes he wouldn't, but completely understands the importance and cannot blame Luol.
Oddly enough, Mat is happy that Noah will be sitting out.
Mat likes the Olympics, especially basketball, but he has his other reasons, like this, this and this. But he'd much rather see Joakim have a full offseason and come back in full form on Opening Night.
This reminds Mat a lot of the World Baseball Classic. Everyone whines and moans when their players decide to participate, but then the second the tournament starts, we all want our home country to win.
It's a double edged sword of sorts. Mat would much rather Luol had the surgery the day after the Bulls were ousted, but now that he's playing, Mat would love to see the Brits have some success and Lu show the world what kind of player he is.
Of course in the end though, the Americans need to win to continue showing our dominance. But Mat wouldn't be totally against seeing something unfortunate occur to #6.
Disclaimer : Mat never wishes ill will on any players, it's merely a figure of speech. Ok, no it's not. Mat kind of wants #6 to get hurt. Nothing life threatening though, that'd be cruel. Just career threatening.
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
Cya, Omer. Hopefully.
In Mat's head, he is already saying goodbye to Omer Asik. Mat couldn't wrap his little head around the news when he hard about the absurd offer the Rockets made to the Bulls back up center. This leaves the Bulls up until July 14th to match the offer the Rockets made or to let Asik walk.
Asik is an integral part of the defensive makeup of this team, and Mat has no problem the Bulls paying him anywhere in the 5-8 million dollar range to play that role for the Bulls. However, anything above those figures is ludicrous in Mats opinion.
For arguments sake, let's say the Rockets offered a third year at 14 million, rather than the 15 million previously mentioned. This is still a backup center we are talking about. Probably one of the best, but still a backup center that is a defensive master. However, you would be paying 14 million to a player who has no offensive skill set whatsoever. 14 million to someone who is as frustrating to watch with the ball in his hands down low as it is to watch Mat get chased unfairly by the janitors at the Madhouse on Madison.
Mat chose to look at it from a standpoint of what everyone else on the team is getting paid. In 2014/2015, the season Omer would be making around 14 million, Derrick Rose would be pulling in almost 18 million dollars. Is there a 3 million dollar difference in talent there or is the gap larger? Mat would venture to say the gap is larger. Same goes for Boozer, making almost 17 million. How about Joakim Noah? Obviously he would have to be making more than his backup, right? No. $12,200,000. That's right. The Bulls would end up paying a backup more than the person who is in front of him on the depth chart.
Mat understands the argument can be made that the roster will most likely look nothing like that during that season. However, the fact remains that as it stands, the Omer Asik deal would make no financial sense for the Bulls as a whole. Talent wise on the defensive end, Omer has it. But his offensive ineptitude is something that cannot be ignored and Mat believes it would be a costly mistake.
14 million is a lot of money to essentially guarantee someone. Especially knowing their skill set is limited, no matter how well they fit the mold of what you have in place currently. The Bulls cannot be sucked into giving players bad contracts for the sake of familiarity. Mat thoroughly believes the Bulls should let Asik walk at that price, no matter how much it would hurt to see him go.
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.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
What it Takes to Move Joakim
A "headline grabbing move" is the only way to get Noah out of Chicago. So says Bill Ingram, @TheRocketGuy.
In other words, it's Dwight Howard to the Bulls, or Noah isn't going anywhere.
Mat used to love the idea of Dwight to the Bulls. Then he began to sour on Howard as Dwight's childish behaviors became more and more apparent as his time in Orlando appeared to be running out.
But now that the Bulls situation has changed a bit, Mat's back on board for the Howard/Rose combo.
As mentioned in the article by Ingram, Howard could keep the Bulls afloat until Rose gets back, and then they work together to bring home rings. Seems very simple to Mat.
But there's more to the deal than just Howard and Rose playing together. It also takes a number of other possible destinations out of the picture for Dwight. Right now Mat doesn't think the Magic can win, with or without Howard. But he does think if Dwight ends up in Dallas or Brooklyn, there is another power team the Bulls would have to contend with to win a title.
Mat knows that Deng, Noah, and maybe more is a huge price, but there's nothing more valuable in the NBA than a dominant big man, especially when you have a dominant point guard.
As Mat understands, it's a long shot. And may be getting longer as free agency grows nearer and nearer. But Mat does believe it's worth a look. A nice long look. One that might even result in the biggest blockbuster in Bulls history.
In other words, it's Dwight Howard to the Bulls, or Noah isn't going anywhere.
Mat used to love the idea of Dwight to the Bulls. Then he began to sour on Howard as Dwight's childish behaviors became more and more apparent as his time in Orlando appeared to be running out.
But now that the Bulls situation has changed a bit, Mat's back on board for the Howard/Rose combo.
As mentioned in the article by Ingram, Howard could keep the Bulls afloat until Rose gets back, and then they work together to bring home rings. Seems very simple to Mat.
But there's more to the deal than just Howard and Rose playing together. It also takes a number of other possible destinations out of the picture for Dwight. Right now Mat doesn't think the Magic can win, with or without Howard. But he does think if Dwight ends up in Dallas or Brooklyn, there is another power team the Bulls would have to contend with to win a title.
Mat knows that Deng, Noah, and maybe more is a huge price, but there's nothing more valuable in the NBA than a dominant big man, especially when you have a dominant point guard.
As Mat understands, it's a long shot. And may be getting longer as free agency grows nearer and nearer. But Mat does believe it's worth a look. A nice long look. One that might even result in the biggest blockbuster in Bulls history.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Lu-mors
The two teams who's names continue to surface when talking about Lu-mors (Luol Deng Rumors), are the Warriors and the Kings.
The Warriors (#7) apparently had a scout in London watching Luol, and the Kings are looking for a small forward and may feel as though Deng is a better option than whatever they can find at pick #5.
Mat was pleased when he read that the Bulls have assured Luol that he is not headed to Golden State.
Sam Smith brought up the intriguing (as he coined it) idea of moving Luol to Sacramento.
Mat likes the idea of Tyreke Evans as the replacement for Derrick during the injury. He also loves the idea of Tyreke and Derrick playing together.
Mat also has high regards for a number of players towards the top 5 of Thursday's draft. Among them, Kidd-Gilchrist, Barnes, Lamb and Rivers.
This being said, Mat's not so sure that there's a package out there that includes both Tyreke and #5.
Luol, #29, and a future pick for Tyreke and #5? Luol and Noah for Tyreke, #5, and a future pick? What about just moving Noah? Noah and #29 for Tyreke and #5?
Mat's done making up rumors.
Bulls get Tyreke and #5, Mat will likely be happy. Bulls get just #5, Mat's most likely sad, unless a high level free agent PG comes with.
The Warriors (#7) apparently had a scout in London watching Luol, and the Kings are looking for a small forward and may feel as though Deng is a better option than whatever they can find at pick #5.
Mat was pleased when he read that the Bulls have assured Luol that he is not headed to Golden State.
Sam Smith brought up the intriguing (as he coined it) idea of moving Luol to Sacramento.
Mat likes the idea of Tyreke Evans as the replacement for Derrick during the injury. He also loves the idea of Tyreke and Derrick playing together.
Mat also has high regards for a number of players towards the top 5 of Thursday's draft. Among them, Kidd-Gilchrist, Barnes, Lamb and Rivers.
This being said, Mat's not so sure that there's a package out there that includes both Tyreke and #5.
Luol, #29, and a future pick for Tyreke and #5? Luol and Noah for Tyreke, #5, and a future pick? What about just moving Noah? Noah and #29 for Tyreke and #5?
Mat's done making up rumors.
Bulls get Tyreke and #5, Mat will likely be happy. Bulls get just #5, Mat's most likely sad, unless a high level free agent PG comes with.
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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