Bulls Draft Preview 2020 – Beginning of a New Era

This will be Da Bulls 1st draft without John Paxson or Gar Foreman in charge since 2003! New Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas & General Manager Marc Eversley will attempt to make the right choice in the 2020 NBA Draft. But who’s falling to the #4 pick? James Wiseman? Deni Avdija? LaMelo Ball? Killian Hayes? Spectator will discuss on Bulls Draft Preview 2020 episode #60.

Bulls new coach, GM & Vice Prez–0:40-1:38

Bulls biggest need————————1:39-6:16

Top 3 picks prediction—————-6:44-11:38

Who should the Bulls draft?——11:39-19:39

Should the Bulls trade the pick?-19:50-24:05

Previous Video: NBA 2020 Draft Preview – Top Prospects & Sleepers

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Bulls Core Players Evaluation & Bye-Boylen

The Bulls have missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight season & new management must thoroughly evaluate this young roster. Will LaVine lead the Bulls to the playoffs next season? Will Markkanen gain his confidence back? Is Coby White the point guard of the future? What to expect from the Bulls next coach? Spectator Sporting got the answers on episode #49.

Can LaVine lead the Bulls to contention?-00:43-04:54

What happened to Markkanen?————–04:58-09:37

Is Coby White the PG of the future?———09:42-17:33

Who else needs to step up?———————17:39-23:36

Replacing Jim Boylen——————————23:38-27:32

Previous Video: Pippen’s Exceptional Legacy

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Pippen’s Exceptional Legacy

How was Scottie Pippen portrayed in ‘The Last Dance’ documentary? Some say Pip’s contributions to the Bulls success was diminished in the film. Spectator Sporting reflects on Pippen’s career & legacy.

Pip unleashed by triangle offense—————01:08-06:42

Pippen’s 1993-94 season——————————06:45-14:00

How was Pip portrayed in ‘The Last Dance’-14:03-20:24

Pippen’s Houston & Portland years————-20:26-24:28

Final thoughts on Pippen’s Legacy————–24:29-28:55

Previous Video: NBA’s Top 3 – 90s Teams without a Ring

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NBA’s Top 3 – 90’s Teams with No Ring

Only 4 teams won a championship in the 90’s but there were several other dynamic squads that came close with no cigar. What is Spectator Sporting’s top 3 teams in the 1990’s without a NBA Championship ring? Special guest Bird will reveal his picks along with Spectator Sporting’s Zach Roach & Adewale on best 1990’s teams without a championship.

3rd Best Team———-01:35-09:25

2nd Best Team ———09:32-15:57

Best Team—————-16:04-23:03

Honorable Mentions-22:05-23:23

Previous Video: NFC North 2020 Draft Review

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4 Teams That Need LaVine

Why should the Bulls trade LaVine?

Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr and Coby White’s development has been underdeveloped due to Zach LaVine’s high usage rate, which is 8th amongst guards.  Carter Jr is only getting 8 shots per game, Coby white is getting uncomfortable riding the bench especially in clutch moments and the worst aspect of this Bulls hapless season is the decline of Markkanen’s production. ‘The Finisher’ is looking more like ‘The Mirotic’ without the beard.  Last season Markkanen averaged 18.7 points, 15.3 shot attempts and shot 43% but this season he has fell off to 14.5 points, 11.7 shot attempts while shooting 39%. 

Zach LaVine knows he’s the alpha male as he dominates this young, losing and bashful Bulls squad.  It’s time for the Bulls management to admit that the 2017 Jimmy Butler rebuild trade is a failure.  Trade LaVine so Markkanen, Carter Jr &/or Coby White are forced to step up and finally lead the Bulls out of hopelessness.  If not, Chicago will get more lottery balls in hopes of landing LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony or Deni Avdija. 

LaVine is an All-Star caliber player but he has proven that he cannot bear the burden of leading a young and unproven squad.  Since Zach LaVine is only 24, top 20 in scoring, top 15 in 3 pointers made per game and makes a modest $19.5 million per year; the Bulls won’t give him up without receiving an unprotected 1st round pick.  Here are 4 teams that need LaVine and can humble him into accepting a role as being the 2nd or 3rd option.

4. Detroit Pistons

Why do the Pistons need LaVine?

The Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since the days of Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton back in 2008 (Ben Wallace was with Chicago).  Detroit is currently drowning in mediocracy despite the return of Blake Griffin from injury, Andre Drummond putting up career numbers and Derrick Rose playing like a 6th Man of the Year candidate.  The Pistons have a couple of middle of the road wing starters in Tony Snell and Luke Kennard, which contributes to Detroit being a lowly 20th in the NBA in scoring.

In addition to that 1st round pick, what else would Detroit have to give up for LaVine’s $19.5 million?

The Pistons would have to trade away 5 players; Langston Galloway $7.3 million, Luke Kennard $3.8 million, Thon Maker $3.5 million, Sekou Doumbouya $3.2 million and Tim Frazier $1.6 million.  Most of those players wouldn’t last long on the Bulls roster except the sharp shooter Luke Kennard and rookie Doumbouya but the kicker of course is Detroit’s unprotected 1st round pick. 

Reggie Jackson has only played in 2 games this season but he’s scheduled to finally get healthy from a stress reaction in his back in the middle of this month.  A starting line-up that includes Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, Zach LaVine and Reggie Jackson with D. Rose and Markieff Morris off the bench would significantly increase their chances of ending that 11 year playoff series win drought.

3. Miami Heat

Why do the Heat need LaVine?

The Miami Heat is the biggest pleasant surprise in the Eastern Conference as they are fighting off Boston and Philly to hold on to that #2 seed.  But can Miami sustain this success and win a playoff series or two with Jimmy Butler as their only player with star power?  Probably not.  LaVine and Butler will never be allowed to forget that they were traded for one another (LaVine came with Kris Dunn and #7 pick Markkanen and Butler came with #17 pick Justin Patton).  Now they may need to drop their inflated egos and join forces to become a scary team to face in the 2020 playoffs.

In addition to that 1st round pick, what else would Miami have to give up for LaVine’s $19.5 million?

Justise Winslow $13 million and for salary cap purposes Dion Waiters $12.1 million.  The Bulls could take a chance on Winslow to see if a change of scenery could rejuvenate his career and trade Dion Waiters whose contract expires during the summer of 2021 to a contender that can deal with his off the court issues.

A Heat starting line up with Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, double-double machine Bam Adebayo and all-rookie 1st team candidate Kendrick Nunn with Tyler Herro, Goran Dragic and pleasant surprise Duncan Robinson off the bench would have Heat fans fearing no opponent in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

2. Dallas Mavericks

Why do the Mavs need LaVine?

The Mavericks are in a similar position as the Heat. A vast majority of hoops fans did not see the Mavericks competing for a top 3 seed in the Western Conference.  However, skeptics doubt if Dallas can sustain this high level of play with Luka Doncic as their only star.  Kristaps Porzingis has not picked up where he left off before he tore his ACL during that 2017-18 all-star season where he averaged 22.7 points and shot 39% from 3 point range.  After sitting out last season, The Unicorn’s numbers have dropped to 16.4 points and 33% from downtown.  Zack LaVine can bring that much needed firepower as Doncic’s ultimate sidekick until Porzingis gets his groove back.

In addition to that 1st round pick, what else would Dallas have to give up for LaVine’s $19.5 million?

Tim Hardaway Jr $18.1 million and Isiah Roby $1.5 million.  Hardaway Jr has only one year left on his contract after this season, so Chicago could move him again before the February 6th trade deadline or wait until this summer. 

With the addition of LaVine in Dallas, Porzingis playing more like he did with the Knicks and Luka maintaining his All-NBA Team level of play will establish the Mavs as legitimate contenders for the Rockets, Clippers and Lakers to take very seriously.

  1. Philadelphia 76ers

Why do the Sixers nee LaVine?

Philadelphia won’t have to worry about Zach LaVine dominating some bashful teammates due to the robust personalities of franchise players Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.  A  LaVine addition to the Sixers would loosen up the Milwaukee Bucks stranglehold as the #1 contender in the East. The loss of JJ Redick’s shooting efficiency to New Orleans and Jimmy Butler’s scoring prowess to Miami has decreased The Sixers effectiveness from outside the paint.  The 76ers are currently 16th in the NBA in scoring (last season they were 5th).  Zach LaVine found out that lifting a young Bulls team to playoff contention problematic but he has absolutely no problem finding a way to put that rock in the basket through spot up jumpers, creating his own shot or highlight finishes in the paint.

In addition to that 2021 first round pick, (the Sixers won’t have a 2020 first rounder unless they miss the playoffs) what else would Philly have to give up for LaVine’s $19.5 million?

Josh Richardson $10.1 million, Zhaire Smith $3 million, Johan Bolden $1.7 million, Raul Neto $1.6 million, Shake Milton $1.4 million and Philly would have to also dip into that $4.4 million of Luxury tax cap space to make the deal happen.

Coach Brett Brown biggest Christmas wish is for Ben Simmons to shoot at least 1 three pointer a game but Simmons continues to play the role of Grinch by ignoring his coach no matter how naughty or nice he has been.  The Sixers must establish consistent outside shooting and scoring from the perimeter and that problem would be solved with a Zach LaVine acquisition.

Bulls 2019-20 Season Preview

Spectator Sporting Episode – 35

Who is the key player for the #Bulls to become this year’s pleasant surprise? What should concern Bulls fans the most headed into the season? Will the Chicago shock the #NBA with a playoff berth? Is there any hope for the Bulls future? All of these questions & more will be answered on Spectator Sporting!

#spectatorsporting

Bulls key player————-01:20-04:10

Bulls biggest concern—–04:13-07:43

Who should start at PG?-07:44-12:18

Playoffs?!———————–13:52-18:54

Is there any hope?———18:55-26:04

References

Music by Shawn Kruel, Kruel Beatz Entertainment. https://soundcloud.com/no-fefe-996794674

& Eddie Diaz. T.I.M.E.

Bears Talk, NFL Week 15 Picks & NBA’s Great, Surprising & Awful

Spectator Sporting Episode – 29

Bears vs Rams Recap————————–00:57-4:01

Bears vs Packers Preview —————–04:05-12:44

NFLWeek 14 Confidence Pts Results—13:49-15:35

NFL Week 15 Top Games——————-15:37-29:46

NBA’sGreat, Surprising & Awful———30:38-37:44

Bulls Talk with James Black—————37:51-45:56

References

Music by Shawn Kruel, Kruel Beatz Entertainment. https://soundcloud.com/no-fefe-996794674

& Eddie Diaz. T.I.M.E.

Budleewiser. “Packers Fight Falcons After Hit on Aaron Rodgers” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Blake Griffin Full Highlights 2018.12.09 Pelicans vs Pistons – 35 Pts! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 12, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Giannis Antetokounmpo Full Highlights 2018.12.09 vs Raptors – 19-19-6! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Luka Doncic Full Highlights 2018.12.10 Mavs vs Magic – 7 Pts, 11 Reb, 9 Asts! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 10. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

Highlight Heaven. “Imari Cooper Insane Game-Winning Deflection Catch Eagles vs. Cowboys NFL” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

House of Highlights. “De’Aaron Fox Full Highlights Kings vs Bulls 2018.12.10 – 25 Pts, 6 Ast, 4 Rebounds!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 10. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

I Love NFL. “Patriots vs. Dolphins highlights Week 14” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

Jean-Sebastien Blondel. “John Paxson’s game winning three in game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals” Online Video Clip. YouTube. May 7. 2009. Web. Dec 12, 2018.

Lance Inc. “Bears Offensive Lineman Bradley Sowell Scores a Touchdown! (Lit Celebration)” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

MileHighMen. “Vikings vs. Seahawks Full Game Highlights! Seahawks Defense Dominate in 21-7 Win!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 10. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

tOSURecruiting. “Ezekiel Elliot Ultimate Rookie Highlight Mix” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 29. 2016. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

Wheelz. “Rams vs Bears Week 14 SNF Highlights” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

WTHR. “Colts beat Texans 24-21” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Dec 9. 2018. Web. Dec 11, 2018.

NFL Week 13 Picks, Bears Talk, Wilder vs Fury Preview, NBA Analysis & the NFL Wild-Card Race

Spectator Sporting Episode – 28

NFL Week 11 Confidence Pts Results————00:50-2:53

NFL Week 12 Top Games ————————-02:55-10:58

Is Eddie Jackson the best safety in the NFL?–12:19-15:01

Chase Daniel starting over injured Trubisky—15:02-18:30

Bears @ Giants Preview—————————-18:31-23:07

Wilder vs Fury Preview——————————23:22-28:58

NBA’s Great, Surprising & Awful——————31:30-39:19

Chicago Bulls looking pretty bad——————39:20-43:14

NFL Wild-Card Race———————————-44:13-51:13

The Rest of our NFL Week 13 Picks—————51:14-57:04

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References

Music by Shawn Kruel, Kruel Beatz Entertainment. https://soundcloud.com/no-fefe-996794674

& Eddie Diaz. T.I.M.E.

Brodie Sports. “Minnesota Vikings Defense ‘Bank Account’ 2017 Regular Season Highlights” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Jan 7. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

DaBearFan. “Bears vs Lions Chase Daniel Highlights” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 22. 2018. Web. Nov 24, 2018.

Denver Broncos. “Instant Classical: Shelby Harris’ game-winning interception set to Mozart” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 26. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

DEVO Highlights Presents. “Lamar Jackson EXPLOSIVE Highlights vs Raiders ‘More Than A Runner’ (2018) Week 12” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

DM BOXING HD. “Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury – ROAD TO ANTHONY JOSHUA WIRED UP” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 22. 2018. Web. Nov 24, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Tim Hardaway Jr Full Highlights 2018.11.20 Blazers vs Knicks – 32 Pts, 5 Rebs, 4 Asts!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 20. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

Hustle Sports. “Xavier Grimble Fumbles Ball Right Before TD! Steelers vs Broncos” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

I Love NFL. “Dolphins vs. Colts Highlights Week 12” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

I Love NFL. “Kirk Cousins uncorks 30-yard TD to Diggs” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

I Love NFL. “McCaffrey’s top plays from 237-yard day Week 12” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

IMO Sports. “Deontay Wilder vs Luis Ortiz 7th Round Explained: Casual’s Theories Debunked!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Mar 7. 2018. Web. Nov 29, 2018.

House of Highlights. “Khris Middleton GAME-WINNER – Bulls vs Bucks November 28, 2018” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 28. 2018. Web. Nov 29, 2018.

House of Highlights. “Kyle Lowry Highlights Raptors vs Lakers 2018.11.04 – 21 Pts, 6 Reb, 15 Assists” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 4. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

Lance Inc. “Eddie Jackson Conducting the Orchestra Celebration! (Team Celebration)” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 19. 2018. Web. Nov 28, 2018.

Los Angeles Chargers. “Mic’d Up: Melvin Ingram vs. Cardinals” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 27. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

NFL Highlights History. “Joey Bosa bullrushes his way to first sack of 2018” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

Nick. “Odell Beckham Jr. & Saquon Barkley Mic’d Up vs Bucs” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 20. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

Pac-12 Networks. “Markelle Fultz highlights: Washington point guard brings dynamic offense, defensive talent to…” Online Video Clip. YouTube. May 18. 2017. Web. Nov 28, 2018.

Pats.365. “Rob Gronkowski Touchdown Patriots vs Jets” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

Prime-Time Fight-Films. “Deontay Wilder 2018 Highlights ‘The Bronze Bomber” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Mar 4. 2018. Web. Nov 24, 2018.

Raider Matt. “The Baltimore Ravens Defense ‘The Flock’ 2018 Hype” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Jul 22. 2018. Web. Nov 27, 2018.

Seattle Seahawks. “Week 12: Seahawks at Panthers Recap” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

The Score. “Saquon Barkley BREAKS loose 51 Yard Touchdown RUN vs Philadelphia Eagles” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 25. 2018. Web. Nov 26, 2018.

Tucci. “Every Mitch Trubisky PASS and RUSH in 2018 Week 11 vs Minnesota” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 19. 2018. Web. Nov 20, 2018.

VersaceBoyEnt 2. “TOP Defensive plays from Thanksgiving WINNING TEAMS Including Eddie Jackson TD: NFL Week 12” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Nov 22. 2018. Web. Nov 24, 2018.

NFL Week 5 Picks, Bears Talk, NBA & Bulls Season Preview & Cubs Eliminated

Check out our preview & predictions of this week’s top NFL games!  Mitch Trubisky quieted his critics with a historic performance vs Tampa Bay as that Bears defense continued to dominate.  NBA analysis, Terence Cavin joins us to discuss the Jimmy Butler trade rumors and a thorough NBA season preview.  James “Jimmy Black” also makes a guest appearance to provide a Bulls season preview.  The Cubs are preparing for the off-season as they loss to the Colorado Rockies in the NL Wild Card Game.  Plus, we’ll reveal our NFL confidence points for every week 5 matchup!

NFL Confidence Pts Results—-00:47-02:31

NFL Week 5 Top Matchups—–02:32-08:16

Bears vs Bucs Recap————-09:11-17:57

NBA Season Preview————-18:08-28:21

Bulls Season Preview————28:43-36:09

Cubs Lose Wild Card Game—-36:52-40:15

The Rest of our Week 5 Picks-40:53-47:00

Follow Spectator Sporting on social media.

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References

10K Wallace. “Zach LaVine Offseason Improvements Max Contract Player & Leading the Bulls” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 7. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

AWolve. “Deandre Ayton – ‘Better Now’ (SUNS HYPE)” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Jun 21. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

BeastModeHighlights. “Akiem Hicks Ejected for Pushing Official Buccaneers vs Bears” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

BeastModeHighlights. “Patrick Mahomes Game Winning Drive (HD) Chiefs vs Broncos” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Oct 1. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Chicago Bears. “Bears vs Buccaneers cinematic recap” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Oct 1. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Dallas Cowboys Report. “Cowboys Highlights: Ezekiel Elliot, Dak Prescott Lead Game-Winning Drive in 26-24 Win Over Lions” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

DEVO Highlights Presents. “Odell Beckham Jr. vs Marshson Lattimore (2018) WR vs DB Highlights ‘Frustrated” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

Digital Sports Clips. “Buccaneers at Bears Highlights LB Khalil Mack’s pressure causes fumble vs Buccaneers” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Oct 1. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Free Dawkins. “Demar Derozan Spurs DEBUT 2018.09.30 vs Heat – 7 Pts 2 Asts Free Dawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Kevin Knox Rookie DEBUT 2018.07.07 Knicks vs Hawks – 22 Pts, 8 Reb, DUNKFEST! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Jul 7. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Wendell Carter Jr. & Chandler Hutchinson Bulls Preseason DEBUT 2018.09.30 vs Pelicans FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Hex Highlights FB. “Saints vs Giants Game Highlights Week 4 (2018)” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

House of Highlights. “Kawhi Leonard Full RAPTORS DEBUT Highlights vs Trail Blazers 2018.09.29 – 12 Pts, He’s Back!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 29. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

Joey Wagner. “2018 NL Wild Card Game Colorado Rockies vs Chicago Cubs Game Highlights 10/2/18” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Oct 2. 2018. Web. Oct 3, 2018.

Little Kids Are So Cute. “Deshaun Watson best plays vs Colts Week 4” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

MaxaMillion711. “Best Jimmy Butler Highlights 17-18 Season Part 1 Clip Session” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 15. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

Real GD’s Greatest Highlights. “Ben Simmons 19 Pts & Joel Embiid 23 Pts Full Highlights vs Pistons (2018.01.05) in 3 Quarters!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Jan 5. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Scottballa. “Here’s Why the Lakers Aren’t Getting Anthony Davis” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 29. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

SkyDesigns NBA. “Bulls PF Lauri Markkanen 2017-2018 Season Highlights” Online Video Clip. YouTube. May 10. 2018. Web. Oct 2, 2018.

Tucci. “Every Mitch Trubisky PASS and RUSH in 2018 Week 4 vs Tampa Bay” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 30. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

Zylos. “Josh Allen BILLIEVE” Online Video Clip. YouTube. Sep 24. 2018. Web. Oct 1, 2018.

Bulls Top 5 Players of All-Time, Acquired Through Free Agency

By Adewale Apata

When searching through the Bulls 52 year history, you’ll find that most of their greatest players were acquired through the draft. Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, Artis Gilmore, Jimmy Butler and Toni Kukoc were all drafted by Chicago.  Then there’s a couple more guys that the Bulls acquired through a trade who are definitely on the top 10 list of greatest Bulls of all-time, Bob Love from the Bucks and Dennis Rodman from the Spurs.  Also, a draft night trade which is the best trade in Bull’s history as Jerry Krause traded Olden Polynice for Scottie Pippen during the 1987 NBA Draft.

But you’ll have a tough time finding great Bulls who were acquired via free agency.  There’s two requirements that a player must fulfill in order to make the greatest Bulls of all-time, acquired through free agency list:

  • This top 5 list does not factor in how the player performed prior to joining the Bulls or what he did after he left Chicago. This list only takes into consideration how the man performed as a Chicago Bull.
  • The player had to play at least 2 seasons for the Chicago Bulls.

Without further ado, here’s the list of the Chicago Bulls top 5 players of all-time, acquired through free agency.

stutteringhelp.com

#5. Ron Harper –Before signing with the Bulls, Harper was a dynamic scorer with the Cavaliers and Clippers averaging 19 points. But his offensive role reduced dramatically after signing with the Bulls in the summer of 1994 as Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc were the main scoring options while Michael Jordan was taking some swings in the White Sox minor leagues.  Harper’s role on the team became even less significant when Jordan came back wearing #45 on March 19, 1995.

However, when the Bulls were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the 1995 playoffs, Phil Jackson got an idea on how to use Ron Harper. In an interview with nba.com’s Ian Thomsen, Ron Harper said, “When we got to the playoffs and we played Penny Hardaway, a big guard, Phil said, ‘You’re going to start.  I want you to guard Penny.’”  In the next season, the Bulls had a record breaking 72 wins, swept the Magic and won their 4th NBA Championship.

Harper’s statistical output significantly declined due to him averaging 16.5 shot attempts with the Cavs and Clippers but all the way down to 6.5 with Jordan and Pippen on his team. His recovery from ACL surgery prior to joining the Bulls also slowed him down.  But his re-focused energy on the defensive end to contain the tall 6-7 superstar point guard Penny Hardaway and his harassment of hall of fame caliber smaller point guards like John Stockton, Gary Payton and Tim Hardaway with his 6-6 frame helped the Bulls establish themselves into a lockdown defensive squad on all levels.

 

chicagotribune.com

#4. Steve Kerr – The sharpshooting Kerr is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-point percentage with 45.4% and he shot 46.6% from downtown as a Bull. His presence in the Bulls second 3-peat run allowed Jordan, Pippen and Kukoc plenty of space to operate with due to the opponent’s reluctance to double team and leave Kerr open.  John Stockton made that mistake in the closing seconds of game 6 during the 1997 NBA Finals when he left Kerr open to double Jordan then came the assist to arguably the best spot up shooter of all-time to give Chicago their 5th ring in 7 years.

In the closing seconds of game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Stockton wisely decided not to leave Kerr to double Jordan. But Byron Russell was left on an one-on-one island with the greatest hooper of all-time and Jordan flamed that jumper in his face to hand the Bulls their 6th championship.  After tough times with Cleveland and Orlando, Steve Kerr resurrected his career in Chicago and played a significant role in the Bulls second 3-peat.

nba.com

#3. John Paxson – Some Bulls fans may think John Paxson was always a Bull during his career in the NBA but he played 2 years with the Spurs before signing with Chicago in 1985. You might be wondering why Paxson is ranked ahead of Kerr on this list?  The answer is, Johnny Pax was better than Kerr in the Playoffs.  Steve Kerr was a better regular season player than Paxson averaging 8 points, 50% from the field and 46% form downtown vs Paxson’s 7 points, 49% from the field and 36% from downtown.  But Steve Kerr’s level of play dropped off in the playoffs as he averaged 5 points, shot 43% from the field and 37% from the 3-point line.  While Paxson’s level of play remained consistent in the payoffs as he averaged 6 points, shot 49% from the field and 38% from the 3-point line.

Both guys have game winning shots to clinch a NBA title under their belt: Kerr’s game winner vs the Jazz in the 1997 Finals and Paxson’s game winner vs the Suns in the 1993 Finals. But John Paxson had more clutch moments than Steve Kerr in the playoffs.  Paxson led the league in 3-point percentage for the 1993 NBA Playoffs by shooting an astounding 62.5%!  Also, I’ll never forget how Paxson caught fire in Los Angeles vs the Lakers in game 5 of the NBA Finals by shooting 75% from the field while scoring 20 points.  That clutch performance helped the Bulls celebrate their 1st ever championship.

hellisotherblogs.wordpress.com

#2. Carlos Boozer – The Booz Cruise gets a lot of flak in Chicago due to his lack of ability or effort on the defensive end. However, he was a solid offensive threat as a starting power forward on the Bulls best team since their dynasty ended in 1998.  The Bulls finally made it to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 playoffs and Boozer averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds and shot 51% from the field that season.  Booz played his low post scorer role well with the Bulls for 4 seasons.

hoopshype.com

#1. Pau Gasol – During the summer of 2014, Bulls fans were getting excited with the anticipation that Carmelo Anthony would join D. Rose, Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah. But just like other superstar free agents in the past, he was just using the Bulls to ink a bigger contract from the Knicks.  So, the Bulls turned their attention to the 34 year old Pau Gasol.

Gasol was pass his prime but he still put up some very respectable numbers in his 2 years as a Bull. Pau Gasol averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assist and 2 blocks and made the all-star team in both his years in Chicago.  He’s the best player acquired through free agency in the 52 year history of the Chicago Bulls.

Will the summer of 2019 finally be the year that the Bulls sign an all-star caliber free agent in his prime? Or do they have to stick with just finding great players through the draft and trades?  The Bulls must develop their young core of Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Wendell Carter Jr. because according to the Bulls history books, help is not on the way through free agency.

References

Basketball reference. (2018). Sports Reference. Retrieved from https://www.basketball-reference.com/

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John Paxson. (1993). Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/top-nba-finals-moments-john-paxson-jumper-game-6-1993-finals

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