Derrick Rose is the lone bright spot for the Bulls, as their roster is full of B players. They have a talented team as some players would be solid starters (granted if they are surrounded by All-Stars) while others would be key members off the bench, but collectively as a group, they aren’t getting the job done. Currently the Bulls are 18-27 and until they trade for some All-Stars, sign some All-Stars, or somehow fall into more Derrick Roses, (perhaps Blake Griffin of Oklahoma) the mediocrity will continue. Here is a look at some of those B players:
Kirk Hinrich – A good defender, can play both guard positions, but plays neither one very well. Kirk, can knock down the open shot, can handle the ball, knock down free throws, but isn’t great at any one thing. He would benefit from a stellar front court or back up guard, on a team like the Spurs.
Larry Hughes – Makes too much money, doesn’t defend, and I am sure the Bulls would love to get rid of him as soon as they can.
Andres Nocioni – In my opinion, Noc’ has over stayed his welcome. Granted he works hard on both ends, but like Hinrich, doesn’t do anything particularly well. He shoots the ball from the outside well (37% from 3’s), but on a team already full of guards, and outside shooting, there is no need for him. He would be better served coming off the bench for a team like Cavaliers.
Aaron Gray – I have nothing to say. He should be the back up of the back up.
Tryus Thomas – He is definitely the most athletic forward on the team, but that’s about it. He can jump, he can block, and he can rebound. Will have games of 20 points and 10 rebounds, but has to develop a lot more before he can consistently be that guy. Could be a starter, but the other starting forward better be a Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, or someone who will demand double teams.
Joakim Noah – Heart and Hustle. Which he brings every night and are great qualities to possess. He could be a starter if the other starting big men were All-Stars. He works hard, but would be served coming off the bench as back up.
Drew Gooden – He definitely brings a big mans body, and has the skills to be a starter, but again, when he’s teamed up with Noah, and Thomas, there is no threat down low.
Luol Deng – The upside is there, but everyone is still waiting for it to arrive. He’s not as quick as I originally thought, but at the height and length to be an All-Star. He still needs to put on a few more pounds of muscle so he can become a true lost post player. To be honest, 4 years later, we are waiting for all the hoop-la to take over. He’s locked up with a big contract, now its time for him to perform.
Ben Gordon – He can flat out shoot the rock and score. It’s a shame he is so small. If he was 2 inches taller, would be a legit All-Star every year… (That and if he could play defense) Could definitely be a starter, or more so, the 6th man off the bench for most teams. He won’t get the contract he wants, and will be interesting to see where he ends up next year.
Derrick Rose needs help. His points and field goal % have dropped each month and he may be beginning to wear down. This is his rookie season and has already played more games than he would have in college. Rose has already cemented his name as a top point guard in this league and he should only continue to get better. It will be amazing to see how much more scary good he could get, if the Bulls decided to actually get some A-players around him.
I predicted the Bulls to win 33 games this year. Perhaps they will fall into luck again and somehow land the #1 pick… Blake Griffin
