The Chicago Bulls went from being one the up-and-coming teams in the East two seasons ago to being an utter disappointment. Their reward was beating the odds and winning the 2008 NBA Lottery.
Chicago has been in dire need of a back-to-the-basket player who can draw a double team to open things up offensively for their perimeter scorers like Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. They could also use some depth at the center position, and might even need a new point guard. Rumor has it that they may be shopping current point guard Kirk Hinrich this summer, and back up point guard Chris Duhon is a free agent.
Kansas State Forward Michael Beasley and Memphis Point Guard Derrick Rose are believed to be going numbers one and two in the draft. Beasley's a fluid scorer who can play inside and out and knows how to get to the line. At 6-9 235lbs, some believe he's the scoring power forward the Bulls have been looking for. However, his game more resembles that of Carmelo Anthony's. Though Anthony's a capable post player, he's typically more comfortable facing the basket. Beasley will most likely fit better at the small forward position in the NBA, and that position is already crowded in Chicago with Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni and Tyrus Thomas already rotating at that spot.
Meanwhile, if Hinrich is going to be offered as trade bait, Derrick Rose would be a great fit for the athletic team at the point guard position. Moreover, Rose should probably hope he does go to Chicago, because if he drops to Miami's pick at number 2, he probably won't be as good a fit. Miami's star Dwayne Wade already dominates the ball in the backcourt and the Heat's biggest weakness is shooters, which Rose is not.
If Chicago drafts Rose, it would most certainly mean that Hinrich will be dealt. Ideally, the Bulls would like to find a center, but as that can be challenging in a league where the center position comes at a premium, they may have to find other alternatives.
Some believe that Los Angeles Clippers' forward Elton Brand may be available for trade. He is able to opt out of his contract this summer, and some feel the Clippers may wish to get younger. If the Bulls think Brand is attainable, they might consider offering Hinrich and Ben Gordon for Brand. They may have to take another player with him, and they may need to throw in a low-level draft pick or two, but it could be worth it. Brand isn't young, but at 28 years old he's still in his prime. Acquiring Brand could give the Bulls a lineup of Joakim Noah, Elton Brand, Andres Nocioni, Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, with Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, Chris Duhon (assuming Chicago can re-sign him) and Thabo Sefolosha. Of course, this lineup would lack perimeter shooters and a veteran center, but such holes could be filled in later. Is such a maneuver realistic? Maybe, maybe not, but it may be something for them to endeavor.
