Bryan Crawford of NBC Chicago passes along information regarding the Bulls upcoming NBA Summer League venture, which will be taking place in Las Vegas. You may remember last season this was cancelled because of the lockout, but this is an otherwise annual occurrence in the NBA offseason.
The roster breaks down like this:
Jimmy Butler, Marquis Teague, Demetri McCamey, Leon Powe, and a bunch of random clowns whose names can be found within the article. For those unfamiliar, the NBA Summer League is less a time for compeition, but more a time for players to showcase their talents to the NBA execs/scouts who are watching on.
Mat likes this for various reasons. Partially because he gets to lounge around, eating cheese while watching mediocre basketball. But mostly because he gets his Bulls fix. He is very interested in seeing Marquis Teague donning the black and red for the first time and witnessing his perceived first round skills.
Mat expects Jimmy Butler to dominate over the course of the 4 games the Bulls are playing (July 17th vs. Celtics, 18th vs. Rockets, 20th vs. Warriors, and 21st vs. Clippers) as Butler's role is expected to be heavily increased this upcoming season because of the departure of Ronnie Brewer.
Also included in this bunch is former Celtics second round pick, Leon Powe. Powe has had numerous knee issues in the past, but has been known to explode in previous NBA games. Mat is interested to see what this 4 year NBA vet has left in the tank.
Last, and certainly least, Mat wants to see what Demetri McCamey has left. Purely because of the fact that Mat believes McCamey to be the biggest waste of basketball talent this side of Kwame Brown. Mat remembers fondly hearing of his fantastic performances while playing at the University of Illinois, only to be undone by his reputation to be lazy and unable to be coached.
Mat doesn't expect much out of the latter two, but knows big things should come out of the first two mentioned. Hopefully the basketball is bearable, and the Bulls front office learns a little bit more about their team before the season starts up.
Tuesday, July 10, 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.
JL3 Talking to the Heat
Mat likes John Lucas and cannot thank him enough for that glorious moment when he nailed that shot over #6 and helped the Bulls win that game over the Heat at the United Center last March.
This being said, Mat would absolutely love to see JL3 in that hideous all black uniform next season.
Why would Mat wish this upon a man he likes? Because John Lucas loves the basketball, and loves to heave shots towards the rim.
Sure he scores from time to time, but there's only one ball, and the more shots JL3 takes for the Heat, the fewer for #6, Wade, Bosh, or Ray Allen.
Mat was shocked that he read that the Heat were even interested. But I guess that goes to show what kind of impression he made on the Miami front office in those couple of meetings.
It's not going to happen, but Mat will let out a cheer mixed with laugh if it does.
This being said, Mat would absolutely love to see JL3 in that hideous all black uniform next season.
Why would Mat wish this upon a man he likes? Because John Lucas loves the basketball, and loves to heave shots towards the rim.
Sure he scores from time to time, but there's only one ball, and the more shots JL3 takes for the Heat, the fewer for #6, Wade, Bosh, or Ray Allen.
Mat was shocked that he read that the Heat were even interested. But I guess that goes to show what kind of impression he made on the Miami front office in those couple of meetings.
It's not going to happen, but Mat will let out a cheer mixed with laugh if it does.
#6 Disrepects Derrick
While speaking about the Team USA Olympic roster, #6 made a comment about the team that Mat believes was a direct shot at Derrick Rose.
"There's nothing that we don't have on this roster."
That was the quote from #6 after being asked about Derrick not being a part of the team.
Mat will never shy away from a chance to attack #6, but this one is almost too ridiculous to even get mad about.
#6 is just an idiot. He can't say the right thing. Why would you take a shot at a Chicago player when being questioned by Chicago media? How stupid is this guy?
If Derrick was asked the same question in a hypothetical world in which #6 was hurt, Derrick would have lauded #6's talents and said how much they miss a player like that.
Exactly what Kobe, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant ALL said about Derrick.
#6 just doesn't get it. He wants so much to be liked, but he doesn't know how to. It seems like every week there's another story about how this guy said something or did something (cough, the decision, cough) that alienates him to a collection of fans.
Whether he meant this one or not, which Mat thinks he probably is too dumb to realize what he actually said, he's now hated even more in Chicago than he was before.
Way to go #6, can't wait to see ya on your next visit to the UC.
"There's nothing that we don't have on this roster."
That was the quote from #6 after being asked about Derrick not being a part of the team.
Mat will never shy away from a chance to attack #6, but this one is almost too ridiculous to even get mad about.
#6 is just an idiot. He can't say the right thing. Why would you take a shot at a Chicago player when being questioned by Chicago media? How stupid is this guy?
If Derrick was asked the same question in a hypothetical world in which #6 was hurt, Derrick would have lauded #6's talents and said how much they miss a player like that.
Exactly what Kobe, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant ALL said about Derrick.
#6 just doesn't get it. He wants so much to be liked, but he doesn't know how to. It seems like every week there's another story about how this guy said something or did something (cough, the decision, cough) that alienates him to a collection of fans.
Whether he meant this one or not, which Mat thinks he probably is too dumb to realize what he actually said, he's now hated even more in Chicago than he was before.
Way to go #6, can't wait to see ya on your next visit to the UC.
A Comment From Taj Has Mat Terrified
In an article on ESPN Chicago featuring Taj Gibson talking about his Olympic experience, and the possible addition of Kirk Hinrich, Taj made a comment that, while seemingly harmless, scares Mat.
Here's what Taj said,
The article goes on to say Rose isn't expected back until "January at the earliest." But Mat has this funny feeling that the Bulls players don't actually believe it.
Maybe it's a mindset thing that the guys are trying to get in so that it's a bonus when Derrick comes back and not an expectation. But it scares the mouse poop out of Mat.
Here's what Taj said,
"But at the same time you've got to look at the aspect of it's the NBA, it's a business as a whole and I hope they can get it done because I know Kirk is a great player and it would help our team out a lot, especially right now in this season without Derrick."Season without Derrick. That came directly out of Taj Gibson's mouth. What this leads Mat to believe is that the Bulls roster does not expect to have Derrick back at any point this year. Otherwise, wouldn't he have said, for a potion of the season.
The article goes on to say Rose isn't expected back until "January at the earliest." But Mat has this funny feeling that the Bulls players don't actually believe it.
Maybe it's a mindset thing that the guys are trying to get in so that it's a bonus when Derrick comes back and not an expectation. But it scares the mouse poop out of Mat.
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.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
What Mat, Kobe, and Russell Westbrook Have In Common
Until Mat is proven wrong, and that can't be until at least October, he is certain that the Bulls will still be a contender to win the NBA Finals next season.
Hearing this from Mat should not come as a shock to you, as this is about the 5th time he's uttered this phrase.
However, now he has some of the leagues best have Mat's back.
Kobe Bryant and the oddly dressed Russell Westbrook have each said that they expect the Bulls to be in the mix come April and May of next season.
This is no surprise as players will say that about any team you ask them about this far away from the season starting, but Kobe had some words about Tom Thibodeau that showed he wasn's just blowing smoke up ESPN Chicago's ass.
Mat also couldn't hold back a smile when he read Westbrook's quote from the piece.
Mat just asks that you have some faith... buddy.
Hearing this from Mat should not come as a shock to you, as this is about the 5th time he's uttered this phrase.
However, now he has some of the leagues best have Mat's back.
Kobe Bryant and the oddly dressed Russell Westbrook have each said that they expect the Bulls to be in the mix come April and May of next season.
This is no surprise as players will say that about any team you ask them about this far away from the season starting, but Kobe had some words about Tom Thibodeau that showed he wasn's just blowing smoke up ESPN Chicago's ass.
"I felt like Thibs did a great job of putting guys in a position to be successful and they really held it down for as long as they could, man."Kobe is usually one to tell the truth. So Mat believes him, man.
Mat also couldn't hold back a smile when he read Westbrook's quote from the piece.
"He's doing well ... Chicago don't got to worry, buddy."During the regular season the Bulls still have the pieces to win a lot of games. And come playoff time, when Derrick is back, they'll be right there on everybody's radar just like they were before Rose went down.
Mat just asks that you have some faith... buddy.
Friday, July 6, 2012
New Name on the Block: Michael Redd
Remember a few years back when Michael Redd was the missing piece on the USA Basketball roster? Well, Mat does.
Now, Mat doesn't think Michael Redd is the missing piece to the Bulls, but he could be a nice replacement.
Redd can still score. He averaged more than a point every two minutes last season.
The guy can shoot the 3, he's an average defender that couldn't certainly be affected positively by Thibs, and a well seasoned veteran.
Pretty much everything the Bulls are looking for... if the price is right. Redd made the league minimum $800,000 (isn't that ridiculous, every basketball player makes that much), and is expected to accept a similar deal this offseason.
Following this Bulls offseason has been kind of a bore, and Michael Redd's name is not about to change that, but a healthy Bulls team in Mat's mind is good enough to win it all. Therefore, adding a piece like Redd could be just what the Bulls need come next April.
Don't believe Mat, just look at that Battier guy in Miami.
Now, Mat doesn't think Michael Redd is the missing piece to the Bulls, but he could be a nice replacement.
Redd can still score. He averaged more than a point every two minutes last season.
The guy can shoot the 3, he's an average defender that couldn't certainly be affected positively by Thibs, and a well seasoned veteran.
Pretty much everything the Bulls are looking for... if the price is right. Redd made the league minimum $800,000 (isn't that ridiculous, every basketball player makes that much), and is expected to accept a similar deal this offseason.
Following this Bulls offseason has been kind of a bore, and Michael Redd's name is not about to change that, but a healthy Bulls team in Mat's mind is good enough to win it all. Therefore, adding a piece like Redd could be just what the Bulls need come next April.
Don't believe Mat, just look at that Battier guy in Miami.
When $3 Million is Worthless
Roy Hibbert: 4 years, $58 million
Nic Batum: 4 years, $45 million
Gerald Wallace: 4 years, $40 million
Omer Asik: 3 years, $25 million
Landry Fields: 3 years, $19 million
Brandon Roy: 2 years, $10.4 million
A small sampling of contracts agreed to during the first five days of the offseason. Mat was under the impression that, with the new CBA in place, NBA owners were going to control themselves, maybe even seize an opportunity to tell free agents "I'm sorry, but salaries have to come down with all the new rules," even if it wasn't necessarily true for their team.
Expecting responsibility from NBA owners was foolish on Mat's part, obviously, and the contracts signed so far have extinguished any notion that non-superstars would have to expect less money in The New NBA. The free agency period has made it so a 4 year, $30 million deal for Jeremy Lin, he of the 25-or-so good games, seems startlingly reasonable.
What this means for the Bulls is that they're not going to be able to make waves with the $3 million taxpayer mid-level exception. The only player of note who has signed in their price range is Jason Kidd, who signed a three year deal worth $9 million that will make him a Knick through his 58th birthday.
If they're lucky, Kirk Hinrich (who Mat thought might be a contender to take a discount at the veteran's minimum) might take a discount to sign at the full mini-MLE. Maybe Ramon Sessions will be left with nowhere else to sign when the dust of free agency settles. Still, those seem like awfully big maybes.
What this should mean for the Bulls is that C.J. Watson is brought back, because they're almost certainly not going to find a better point guard for less than Watson's $3.2 million salary. Mat thinks Paxson and Foreman should take a hard look at guaranteeing Ronnie Brewer's contract, too, because bench help is going to be difficult to sign.
It also might mean management is right to avoid the luxury tax unless you know you're a contender. With just $3 million to wield in this sort of an environment, making significant moves to upgrade your team without giving up an important piece becomes nearly impossible. The Lakers were able to add Steve Nash, but that's because Nash turned down $11 million more from Toronto and LA happened to have a trade exception from the Lamar Odom deal.
There's a difference between cheapness and maintaining flexibility. If the Bulls let go of Korver, Watson and Brewer with few means to replace them, if they release those guys and add a Kirk Hinrich and call it an offseason? That is cheapness, because they're doing nothing but making the team worse for next season.
If, going forward, they try to avoid the tax for non-significant upgrades so that, when the time comes, they can add a Jason Terry instead of a signing a decaying Jason Kidd to a long-term deal? That might be the price of business in The New NBA.
That, and $40 million over 4 years for Jeff Green. (You're killing Mat, NBA owners.)
Nic Batum: 4 years, $45 million
Gerald Wallace: 4 years, $40 million
Omer Asik: 3 years, $25 million
Landry Fields: 3 years, $19 million
Brandon Roy: 2 years, $10.4 million
A small sampling of contracts agreed to during the first five days of the offseason. Mat was under the impression that, with the new CBA in place, NBA owners were going to control themselves, maybe even seize an opportunity to tell free agents "I'm sorry, but salaries have to come down with all the new rules," even if it wasn't necessarily true for their team.
Expecting responsibility from NBA owners was foolish on Mat's part, obviously, and the contracts signed so far have extinguished any notion that non-superstars would have to expect less money in The New NBA. The free agency period has made it so a 4 year, $30 million deal for Jeremy Lin, he of the 25-or-so good games, seems startlingly reasonable.
What this means for the Bulls is that they're not going to be able to make waves with the $3 million taxpayer mid-level exception. The only player of note who has signed in their price range is Jason Kidd, who signed a three year deal worth $9 million that will make him a Knick through his 58th birthday.
If they're lucky, Kirk Hinrich (who Mat thought might be a contender to take a discount at the veteran's minimum) might take a discount to sign at the full mini-MLE. Maybe Ramon Sessions will be left with nowhere else to sign when the dust of free agency settles. Still, those seem like awfully big maybes.
What this should mean for the Bulls is that C.J. Watson is brought back, because they're almost certainly not going to find a better point guard for less than Watson's $3.2 million salary. Mat thinks Paxson and Foreman should take a hard look at guaranteeing Ronnie Brewer's contract, too, because bench help is going to be difficult to sign.
It also might mean management is right to avoid the luxury tax unless you know you're a contender. With just $3 million to wield in this sort of an environment, making significant moves to upgrade your team without giving up an important piece becomes nearly impossible. The Lakers were able to add Steve Nash, but that's because Nash turned down $11 million more from Toronto and LA happened to have a trade exception from the Lamar Odom deal.
There's a difference between cheapness and maintaining flexibility. If the Bulls let go of Korver, Watson and Brewer with few means to replace them, if they release those guys and add a Kirk Hinrich and call it an offseason? That is cheapness, because they're doing nothing but making the team worse for next season.
If, going forward, they try to avoid the tax for non-significant upgrades so that, when the time comes, they can add a Jason Terry instead of a signing a decaying Jason Kidd to a long-term deal? That might be the price of business in The New NBA.
That, and $40 million over 4 years for Jeff Green. (You're killing Mat, NBA owners.)
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