Where Do The Bulls Go From Here?
Saturday night’s Game 7 was pretty much what I predicted: A game in which the Celtics were up just enough points all evening to make it uninteresting. The Bulls had their chances to cut it to a single possession in the fourth quarter, but never quite got over the hump. The Celtics move on, the Bulls go home. Oh well. I didn’t expect the Bulls to win this series, and they made it a terrific one to watch.
So where do they go this offseason? There aren’t going to be any huge, fundamental shifts here. Can’t be, really. For all the chatter about Vinny Del Negro getting the boot during the year, he’ll remain the Bulls’ coach. In the Tribune today, K.C. Johnson reports Gar Forman will likely be named general manager at some point, though John Paxson will still have final say on all decisions.
And this brings us to Ben Gordon. He’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Bulls tried working something out with him the last two offseasons to lock him up for several more years, but it didn’t happen. Gordon’s proven to be an amazing scorer in spurts, but his defense is lacking and shot selection is quite puzzling at times. The Bulls are in a tricky spot here: If they want to resign him, they’ll likely have to pay a luxury tax because their payroll will be over the cap. Also, if the Bulls are looking to make any deals at the trade deadline next season, it might be wise to keep a bit of depth around.
But, Gordon is in a tough spot, too. Outside Chicago, the Pistons, Grizzlies and Thunder are looking like the only teams with salary cap room. His options are limited. And don’t forgot: The economy hangs over all these teams as well.
I’m conflicted here. Ben Gordon has been brilliant, but he’s been maddening as well. I want him back, and I’d be OK if he left. Maybe they should just flip a coin?
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Time for the Bulls to get value for Ben G.....
Mike G.