Sam Smith Explains It
Thank you, Sam.
It's impossible to the blame the Bulls for refusing to pay that much for Gasol's services. Even with Gasol, it's highly unlikely the organization would be rewarded with a deep playoff run. The expected Deng/Gordon extension/sign and trade circus this summer means mixed expectations for 2008-09 as well.
Likewise, the Bulls were prepared to offer their lottery pick and young players and the expiring contract of P.J. Brown last year to Memphis. But the Grizzlies declined to deal Gasol then. When they got ready last month, the Bulls no longer had enough in expiring contracts. They could have tried to do a sign-and-trade deal with Brown, which is permitted since he last played for them, but it would have put the team well into the luxury tax and, in effect, cost $25 million to $30 million this season to have Gasol with money paid to Brown, the tax penalty and revenues not received from teams over the tax.Take that, new media.
It's impossible to the blame the Bulls for refusing to pay that much for Gasol's services. Even with Gasol, it's highly unlikely the organization would be rewarded with a deep playoff run. The expected Deng/Gordon extension/sign and trade circus this summer means mixed expectations for 2008-09 as well.
posted by Hot Shit College Student at 11:53 AM
3 Comments:
I guess now that I've had time to process it we are better off. I would rather see Noah and Tyrus play to see how they develop plus resign Deng. We may have something if this front court develops
I agree, the future Bulls front-court could be formidable. The problem is getting the organization to commit to developing it. Ben Wallace (and to a certain extent Joe Smith) needs to be traded or must agree to reduced playing time to give Noah and Tyrus a chance.
Ben Wallace's window is closed. The organization thought he could help deliver a championship in the near-term but that's clearly not a possibility anymore. It's time to look toward a slightly longer time horizon. Bulls management and fans need to be prepared to let the team struggle as Tyrus and Noah figure things out.
I'm optimistic that even next season, a Conference Finals berth is possible with Noah and/or Tyrus in the starting line-up (with the other, if not a starter, making consistent contributions off the bench).
I think that Joe Smith needs to go so we free up playing time for Tyrus and Noah. Smith's contract is more movable than Wallace's. I hope that the organization has not quit on Tyrus it appears they have but I think he will be a solid contributor
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