NBA: Central Division Offseason Grades And Analysis
Chicago Bulls
After missing the playoffs in a drama-filled rookie season for head coach Fred Hoiberg, Bulls fans were left longing for the old days of Coach Tom Thibodeau…maybe even a few players as well. There were tons of rumors involving feuds between coaches, players and even the front office.
Most notable had to be the rumors surrounding oft-injured former MVP Derrick Rose. There were hints that his relationships with team management and budding star Jimmy Butler weren’t so eye-to-eye. It was almost a forgone conclusion that changes were to come this offseason.
They moved swiftly, shipping the once heralded hometown hero Derrick Rose to the Big Apple. The trade netted decent young PG prospect Jerian Grant of Notre Dome as well as solid starting C Robin Lopez to compete in the frontcourt. The trade also included veteran PG Jose Calderon who was immediately dealt to the Lakers.
2016 DRAFT: After receiving pick No. 14, the Bulls selected AP Player of the Year Denzel Valentine of Michigan State. Valentine is a 4-year player with a nice shooting stroke and great vision as a passer. Showing improvement in each year, he capped a historic individual season as a senior with a NCAA Tournament berth. Valentine subsequently capped his tournament berth with a historic first round upset loss to 15-seeded Middle Tennessee.
Although his final game was a huge disappointment, his stellar college career granted him an invitation to the USA Select Team, which is an immeasurable advantage as a rookie. While I am confident Valentine will carve a career in the NBA, I believe he is a low ceiling selection the Bulls did not necessarily need.
Going forward, the Bulls front office decided they wanted more of a facilitator at point guard than a scorer. They plugged the gaping hole with a feisty former champion in Rajon Rondo, which I thought was a good signing as long as he remains coach-able. That task SHOULD be much easier with the addition of a Hall of Famer like Dwyane Wade, who still has enough in the tank to reach the playoffs.
He, like D-Rose, was also born and raised in Chi-Town and stands as a local living legend. His pedigree and knowledge of the game will quickly be felt and leave lasting effects beyond the length of his contract. With both he and Rondo on 2-year contracts, the signings are low risk with the possibility of very high reward.
The ‘Windy City’ Bulls return All-Star Jimmy ‘Buckets’ Butler, who looks to build on a great start to his career. Time with Team USA and learning from a mentor like D-Wade will pay enormous dividends. Sharpshooter Doug McDermott is also representing his country with the USA Select Team and should show improvement. Last year, rookie Bobby Portis flashed brilliance in the frontcourt and dominated Summer League once again. The big fella should make a considerable leap in year 2.
Offseason Grade: B
Key Additions: Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, Robin Lopez, Denzel Valentine (pick 14)
Key Losses: Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Etwaun Moore
2016-17 Season Prediction: 6-8th Seed Playoff Team
X-Factor: Head Coach Fred Hoiberg
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers