Stop Me if You've Heard This One Before

**Fred** · 12-02-2009, 04:33 PM

NBA Beat
"Bulls hoping NBA free agents are Brand conscious"
By TOM ENLUND of the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel staff

Sunday, May 14, 2000

Slowly but surely, the Chicago Bulls are emerging as the front- runner in what figures to be a spirited free-agent derby this summer. While the Bulls' plan to re-build their team is proceeding on course, the Orlando Magic, Chicago's main competition in free agency, has had to alter its course a bit due to the success the team achieved this season.

And, by the sound of it, the Bulls will not be shy about touting co-rookie-of-the-year Elton Brand as they court this year's ...
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-6810836.html

Couldn't help but notice, but this sounds an awful lot like the current plan. Our wonderful management will entice free agents to come and play with a Rookie of the Year. And I expect similar results. Maybe they'll try to sell us this plan again in another 10 years.

**TheStig** · 12-02-2009, 04:52 PM

Fred, think positive thoughts. Look at it half full, the next reincarnation of Ron Mercer is coming.

**houheffna** · 12-02-2009, 04:59 PM

Well, they have tried everything else...trades, drafting...I don't know what is expected of them...if they are to contend...

They have to go after those players if they are available.

**TheStig** · 12-02-2009, 05:26 PM

houheffna wrote:

Well, they have tried everything else...trades, drafting...I don't know what is expected of them...if they are to contend...

They have to go after those players if they are available.

If your going to rebuild you rebuild. If you are going to keep your guys you keep your guys. But you don't do it half assed. Stars want to play with other stars, not Loul Deng and Kirk Hinrich. Only selfish guys who have to be in the spot light like Kobe do that. James, Wade and Bosh have said they want to play with each other and they have thought about it. Do you really think Bron will say, hey I can play with these guys or another superstar? Well last time, like Fred pointed out, they wanted to play together.

**houheffna** · 12-02-2009, 06:43 PM

What guys, you keep what guys? You need a centerpiece to build around. People talk about whatever...you put forth the best effort to get a player like Lebron James or Wade. That is all you can do is take a shot...

what guys are you talking about keeping? Makes no sense to me...

**pinkizdead** · 12-02-2009, 07:02 PM

ron mercer!!!!!!!!!

**JimmyBulls** · 12-02-2009, 07:09 PM

The Bulls could've signed T Mac if they would've made him their first priority. The main problem with the 2000 free agency had to be the Bulls going after guys they knew wouldn't sign with the team. I think a couple free agents told them out right, but Bulls management still chose to pursue.

I think Bosh will resign with the Raptors or chose to play with Wade or Lebron in a Gasol like secondary role. Amare will probably go where he can be the number one option and get a max deal. I think Boozer will most likely end up in Miami, but I think the Bulls have a shot at him as well. If Boozer doesn't sign with the Bulls, I guess we'll be left with David Lee. He'll be a underwhelming signing if you had your heart set on Bosh, Amare or Boozer. But he'll definitely be a upgrade at the power forward position over Thomas or Gibson.

So at the end of the 2010 signing spree, I think the Bulls will end up with a upgrade, even if it's not the slam dunk I think we're all hoping for. Well except for Ben Gordon fans that are praying for the worse, I guess. :P :P :P

**TheStig** · 12-02-2009, 08:05 PM

houheffna wrote:

What guys, you keep what guys? You need a centerpiece to build around. People talk about whatever...you put forth the best effort to get a player like Lebron James or Wade. That is all you can do is take a shot...

what guys are you talking about keeping? Makes no sense to me...

You know what guys. The good ole boys who toe the company line. Deng and Kirk. They make up a max salary contract slot. Who would you rather have them or a max player? What would be more attractive to a bron, wade or bosh, playing with another star or playing with deng and kirk? I agree we need a centerpiece but no top tier star is coming here to play with kirk and Deng when they can go to Miami and team up with wade.

**houheffna** · 12-02-2009, 08:10 PM

Not everybody wants to play with Wade...and it is not written in stone that Wade wants to stay in Miami. As far as Deng and Hinrich go....there was a superstar who INSISTED that Deng be here or he wasn't coming here. So you never know.

**TheStig** · 12-02-2009, 08:19 PM

houheffna wrote:

Not everybody wants to play with Wade...and it is not written in stone that Wade wants to stay in Miami. As far as Deng and Hinrich go....there was a superstar who INSISTED that Deng be here or he wasn't coming here. So you never know.

WHERE IS THAT SUPERSTAR THEN?????? DENG IS STILL HERE AND I DON"T SEE A SUPERSTAR ON THIS TEAM!!!!! Kobe was using us for leverage, he got it.

Who doesn't want to play with Wade? And if Bron and Bosh say they are coming to Miami, they will easily waive Wade;s Bird rights. Coming to Miami doesn't mean your playing with Wade.

**houheffna** · 12-02-2009, 08:24 PM

So you know who is using what for leverage. Kobe can use Deng for leverage but Wade and Lebron couldn't use each other?

And what is the alternative to going after the best players in the game when they are available? What other course should they take?

**TheStig** · 12-02-2009, 08:30 PM

houheffna wrote:

So you know who is using what for leverage. Kobe can use Deng for leverage but Wade and Lebron couldn't use each other?

And what is the alternative to going after the best players in the game when they are available? What other course should they take?

Yes, Kobe was dying to play on a team that would have had to gut itself to get him. I am sure he was dying to play with Duhon, Deng, Noc and Joe Smith. Forget the 6 rafters at the uc, he would have easily doubled that with that group. Not to mention the fact that the lakers would have jumped at the oppurtunity to get Wallace, BG and Kirk for their superstar or that we couldn't have done it without a S&T.

Just stop, this the dumbest arguement you have ever made, that someone would rather play with deng than Wade.

Lastly, you clearly can't understand what I am righting, I said if your going to rebuild, rebuild, don't do it half assed by keeping a max salary slot tied up in Deng and Kirk.

**Diddy1122** · 12-02-2009, 08:57 PM

Fred wrote:

NBA Beat
"Bulls hoping NBA free agents are Brand conscious"
By TOM ENLUND of the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel staff

Sunday, May 14, 2000

Slowly but surely, the Chicago Bulls are emerging as the front- runner in what figures to be a spirited free-agent derby this summer. While the Bulls' plan to re-build their team is proceeding on course, the Orlando Magic, Chicago's main competition in free agency, has had to alter its course a bit due to the success the team achieved this season.

And, by the sound of it, the Bulls will not be shy about touting co-rookie-of-the-year Elton Brand as they court this year's ...
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-6810836.html

Couldn't help but notice, but this sounds an awful lot like the current plan. Our wonderful management will entice free agents to come and play with a Rookie of the Year. And I expect similar results. Maybe they'll try to sell us this plan again in another 10 years.

I agree even though I think the circumstances & chances of us getting a top tier FA are alot better than 10 years ago. The Bulls were godawful in 99-00. They were a playoff team last year who nearly beat the defending champs in the 1st round. And their overall talent level is light years ahead of that team too. My issue is the salary cap. I just don't really see anyway that we will be able to pay 1 of these top guys big money. There's too many if's (Salmons & Tyrus) & all things need to fall in place perfectly.

And on top of that, I don't see many of these players changing addresses due to the economic climate & their team's successes thus far. I'm hoping this doesn't end up like 2000, but there's a good chance that it does.