NEWSLETTER
I have a problem, and that problem is naming inanimate objects in my home. Example: I bought a small outdoor table yesterday and its name is Henry (Michael: Hey that’s my dog’s name).
• Coby White and Daniel Gafford should prove to be quite the assets for this team moving forward.
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1297247166507843584?s=20
• No, I don’t think they’ll be the Bulls next dynamic duo, but I could very well envision both sticking with this organization for the long haul. While there is no telling exactly what the offensive and defensive system will look like under Karnisovas and a new head coach, I think it’s safe to say these two will fit in well. Both run the floor extremely well and possess a skill set that no one else on the roster has. White has unmatched speed and control, whereas Gafford serves as a rim-running lob threat. Gafford, specifically, may not be the ideal version of a modern NBA center – as he lacks any kind of real jump shot or ball-handling ability – but he does have the raw athleticism to battle most big men. As I’ve said before, I think he can become this team’s version of Montrezl Harrell. He can come off the bench and not only offer a much different look but also some much-needed sparkplug energy. And, depending on the game matchup, he could be used in a bigger or small role. In general, he adds to this roster’s versatility.
• A popular conversation in the Bulls universe right now is a draft-night trade with the 76ers. On the verge of getting swept out of the playoffs in the first round in another failed year of the Ben Simmons-Joel Embiid experiment, people around the league think Philly could make some big moves this offseason. In my opinion, I see the organization firing Brett Brown (which could be another reason for the Bulls to speed up their coach search), but I’m not sure they’ll move on from Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid just yet. At the end of the day, when there are two clear-cut All-Stars on your roster, you exhaust all your options to try and make it work. In this case, that means allowing a new head coach to work with this Simmons-Embiid combo.
• Now, with that said, if Philly gives even the slightest hint they’re willing to depart with Simmons (who seems like the more likely of the two to be traded), Arturas Karniosvas should 100% give them a call. The problem is, I don’t think a deal revolved around LaVine and the No. 4-overall pick would get the job done. The 76ers would ask for a massive haul and it would probably include most of the Bulls young core. To be clear, I’m not incredibly attached to the Bulls current roster. I’m fully prepared for the organization to move on from at least a couple of these pieces over the next couple of seasons. However, a trade like the one Bleacher Report recently lined out just … well … “ain’t it” – Chicago Bulls send the No. 4 pick, Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, and Coby White to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons.
• Tell me this, does A Simmons-Carter Jr. duo make the Bulls a legitimate playoff team faster than a continued investment in these young players? I don’t think so. I’m not against a Simmons trade, but I’m also content with allowing Karnisovas to feel out this roster over the next season. He can make some smaller-scale moves and then plan for a big splash in 2021. Also, we know Karnisovas is someone who likes to go through his evaluation process. Trading his entire young core for Simmons before giving them a closer look feels out of character. For what it’s worth, another organization could probably offer a better deal, anyway. Perhaps one that includes more proven talent to pair with Embiid.
• The internet has a lot of good draft content, but The Ringer offers one of the best big boards out there. I love it, and I recommend you check it out.
• Speaking of draft content, these are the most popular names for the Bulls at No. 4:
Here Are the Potential Bulls Targets for the No. 4 Overall Pick in the 2020 NBA Drafthttps://t.co/DxG8WIdNVO
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 22, 2020
• The Athletic ranked Michael Jordan’s NBA return as the 18th-best comeback story. I kind of feel it should be higher.
• Ugh, LeBron.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) August 23, 2020
• lol
https://twitter.com/CobyWhite/status/1297243210792808449?s=20
• RIP Bean
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1297554613948866560?s=20
