You just described Omer Asik to a tee. I would probably take Chandler over Noah, but we were talking about Chandler versus Boozer. Noah + Boozer > Noah + Chandler. But I think Noah is closer to Chandler than you're giving him credit for. Noah is a better ball handler and passer than Chandler. They're probably comparable in offensive rebounding and Chandler has the edge in defense and in shot selection. Noah has been a good lock room presence the last couple years, once DRose and Thibs took command of the team. And his energy is a major reason for the Bulls ability to pull off prolonged runs. I absolutely agree that Boozer has to prove his worth in the playoffs. And if there had been a better post player available in free agency, I would have enthusiastically taken him over Boozer. But unfortunately there wasn't and thus we were saddled with an inflated contract in order to get Boozer.
My view is that Boozer has gone from overrated to underrated. People used to think of him as an All-Star, then after he flopped in the playoffs last year they wrote him off. He has his merits. I'll be content if he performs in the playoffs as he did in this regular season, which I think he can do because he's mostly taking 18 footers. I agree that in the playoffs scoring inside is harder but he doesn't do that much anyway.
I guess I'm just not sure I agree that Noah + Boozer > Noah + Chandler in the playoffs and my main point was by not signing Boozer y'all would have more flexibility to get better players for a championship. It's a bad analogy, but the Spurs did okay with Duncan and Robinson, and I just don't think you can have too many 7 footers if your goal is to win it all. Bad boy Pistons had a bunch of length in the front court and then a transcendent scoring point guard. Noah Chandler would put fear in a lot of teams. But I don't disagree with the logic that maybe they aren't a great fit since they both aren't really - get your own shot - type players, and too similar. You may be right. And the x factor I'm forgetting is that Chicago can Amnesty Boozer if they want so maybe they'll be able to fix the error of that contract.
Good point. I hadn't thought of that. Presumably though they would only exercise this option if a superior post player is available in free agency. How likely is that? What's this summer's crop of free agents look like?
No, it isn't a bad analogy, you are right. Tyson Chandler + Eddy Curry. The plan just didn't work out.
I'm not sure you can be underrated with that contract but I know what you are saying. And maybe a big part of his problem in the playoffs last year was the turf toe. Guess we'll find out soon enough.
Here's a lists that I don't think has been updated. I'd be tempted to try to get in the Howard running. http://www.hoopsworld.com/2013-nba-free-agents
Interesting list. Didn't see any unrestricted free agents in 2012 or 2013, other than Howard, that would be an obvious improvement over Boozer. Humphries is a much more athletic power forward in his prime and looked good in his matchups with the Bulls this year. But I'm not sure he's much of an upgrade. Wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls hope for the best with Boozer and bide their time waiting for Nikola Mirotic to blossom in Spain. Then he can join the Bulls after they've won three titles and replace Boozer to guarantee another three titles, sort of like Rodman replacing Horace Grant back in the day.
I'd take Al Jefferson over Boozer, but I'd also consider using that 15 million to sign a few players like Brandon Jennings, Dejuan Blair and a center.
Quoting my post from the first page, not to toot my own horn (ok...just a little bit), but more importantly to say that I never would have made this prediction had I known that DRose, Deng, and Rip would miss as many games as they did. And if you had told me before the season started that the Bulls would rely on the offensive explosion of one John Lucas III to spearhead them to several of those victories, I would've said you were f-ing crazy. Despite all these obstacles, the Bulls clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs tonight with a league-best 50-16 record. I'm not sure how Thibs doesn't get COY again this year, despite the history of no back-to-back COY winner and the tremendous job once again by Pops. Finally, I'm feeling oddly confident going into the playoffs this year, despite the precarious condition of Derrick's health. Rip has been performing at a high level since returning from his prolonged absence, Noah & Boozer have a much better understanding than last year, Korver has been shooting lights out the last few weeks, and Asik & Gibson give them the best defensive backup front court in the league. The 76ers don't scare me despite their defensive toughness under Doug Collins and their fairly deep bench. Plus the drawn-out schedule in the first round (the first 4 games take place over 9 days) should favor DRose slowly working his way back into form. Of course, it may still all come down to how the Bulls players react to the defensive pressure the Heat will unleash at the end of games and whether any player other than Derrick will be able to respond in crunch time. Can't wait for the playoffs to begin!
Utah's got a nice up-and-coming team. I'd be surprised if they didn't sign Jefferson to an extension over the summer or sometime next season. Why would you spend the money to get Jennings when you already have DRose? Another undersized power forward that can't jump? No thanks. Other than Howard, who would require breaking the bank for, and Jefferson, who I doubt will be available, is there anyone out there that would be an upgrade over Noah?
i rate Jrue Holiday over Jennings. Taller, better shooting percentage, similar assist/rebound numbers. Al Jefferson costs a lot of money. DeJuan Blair is an interesting guy. I don't love him, but he's probably a good prospect. Average rebounder for his size IMO.
Question: what happens if the T-Wolves land Anthony Davis? I know they immediately have the best young front-court in basketball, but do they trade Pekovic for a guard or do they keep him for frontcourt depth?
For some reason I had in my head that Jennings was a scoring 2 guard - even though I took him from the point guard list, duh. My general point was that if there isn't a quality post man available, I might rather spread that 15 million over much cheaper players since the value you are getting from Boozer is no where near 15 million. If he gives you a short range jumper and rebounding, wouldn't it be better to have a better defender + rebounding and more help for Rose on the offensive side? Couldn't you play Noah at forward if, in my alternate universe, you don't have Boozer?