NEWSLETTER
I have zero clue who the Bulls will add when free agency opens on July 1st.
The only thing I feel comfortable saying is that there will be a new face at the center position. Whether that new face will be a Vucevic replacement or backup remains a mystery, but one of the latest rumors suggests that it could be the latter:
Bulls Could be the Knicks’ “Main Competitors” for Big Man Mitchell Robinson
• A Mitchell Robinson addition would seemingly coincide with the belief that Arturas Karnisovas will keep the Bulls’ “core” intact for at least another season. Don’t get me wrong, I think Robinson has the potential to be a full-time starter (which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if another team offered him that opportunity this summer), but the Bulls likely don’t want to replace Vucevic entirely with a less-proven (and far more offensively limited) commodity. Indeed, this is why NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson recently reiterated the team’s preference for continuity on the Bulls Talk Podcast, stating – amid all these rumors – that Vucevic expects to wear red next season. For more of our thoughts on that report, check out our post below:
As Rumors Swirl, Nikola Vucevic is “Under the Impression” He’ll be in Chicago Next Seasonhttps://t.co/Dhpg1ylPEj pic.twitter.com/c3oz2mnoZE
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) June 10, 2022
• In that same Bulls Talk Podcast, Johnson also re-emphasized the front office’s commitment to Patrick Williams. He was the regime’s first draft selection, and parting ways with him (which would likely need to happen in a Gobert trade) just doesn’t seem like something the organization is prepared to do:
“He is not untouchable, [but] what I can tell you is that there is very strong internal belief, still, within this organization that Patrick Williams is going to be a really good player in this league.”
• I think some are definitely overvaluing Williams’ current stock. To be clear, I’m still very much in on his ability to become a high-end player in this league, but we can’t act as if he shouldn’t be on the table in any trade discussions. The fact of the matter is he’s the type of talent you need to give up to get a player of Gobert’s caliber.
• With that said, I don’t know if now is the right time nor if Gobert is the right player. Giving up Williams in favor of the big man is the kind of trade you only do if you’re absolutely certain you’re one move away from the title. I think the Bulls have more to prove before they reach that threshold. So, yeah, I’d probably rather keep the longer window open with Williams for the time being and evaluate options that improve depth/lineup versatility (that doesn’t necessarily mean I couldn’t be talked into a Gobert trade, though).
New Bulls Talk Podcast with @KCJHoop, @rob_schaef and @thetonygill: The Rudy Gobert episode
• How real is smoke connecting Bulls and Jazz?
• How much would Gobert improve Bulls?
• Financial realities of making a trade work
🎧: https://t.co/NcpRXcpNC6 pic.twitter.com/v2ztWF4dw6
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) June 10, 2022
• Michael Jordan made the right move.
Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson has agreed to a four-year deal to become the new coach of the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 10, 2022
• Reports suggested that the Charlotte Hornets were between Mike D’Antoni and Kenny Atkinson for their open head coach position. Both would have been solid hires, but Atkinson provides the kind of player-development track record that I think fits what that organization needs. Not to mention, Atkinson was praised for building a no-nonsense culture behind the scenes during his time in Brooklyn, which I think will blend nicely with Jordan’s overall mentality. Putting on my Bulls’ hat, though, I’m annoyed Charlotte made the smart hire. They have enough high-upside young talent to really give the East some problems over the next few years.
• On this day in 1997, we learned to never eat pizza in Utah.
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1535588984797249537?s=20&t=R6s9hyBlibPBGTKu97vDlQ
25 years ago today, MJ played the legendary "Flu Game."
Stuart Scott's highlight will always be remembered 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZrFbggusLw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2022
• Stephen Curry will go down as one of the most special players to watch in NBA history. Only a short list of guys have ever drawn oohs and ahhs from the crowd in the way he has. Truly unguardable.
The series recapped in 15 seconds. pic.twitter.com/1MjqNuK3DZ
— Jimmy Spencer (@JimmySpencer) June 11, 2022
• Also, Curry possesses that legendary ability where he can just refuse to lose. If his back is against the wall, it’s almost impossible to bet against him pulling off the win. In fact, his performance last night was so special that I think it could truly change the trajectory of this series. Before it was comfortably leaning in Boston’s favor (in my opinion), but the dial just turned back to Chef Curry.
20 hours after T-Mac says “Steph isn’t on that Jordan/LeBron level” LMAOO pic.twitter.com/Skz7BKsQVG
— Calenta (@NBAPaint1) June 11, 2022
• Bears can beat anyone (at stacking cups).
Stacking Cups, Talent, Wins, and Other Bears Bulletshttps://t.co/j23cg6bcBR pic.twitter.com/aMC1TsVldS
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) June 11, 2022
• Good to know.
Here’s the Coaching Candidates We Are NOT Considering for the #Blackhawks (And Why)https://t.co/NebJGAk7BP pic.twitter.com/9SBGpWHWlR
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) June 10, 2022
