Post by Erik Lassen on Dec 25, 2009 18:29:19 GMT
When the Chicago Bulls resigned all star guard Chris Paul following last seasons dissapointing first round exit at the hands of the New York Knicks, it was assumed that GM Erik Lassen intended on continuing to build around him and Andre Igoudala. However, just a few mere games into the season, the pair was traded along with forward Andres Nocioni for the most complete player on earth... LeBron James. Along with former all star shooting guard Richard Hamilton, and rotation players Nick Collison and Beno Udrih, the Chicago Bulls have changed considerably since last season. The additions of rookies BJ Mullens of Ohio State, and Florida State guard Toney Douglas should change the landscape of the Bulls in the future as well. The Bulls have left trust in 2nd year guard George Hill to be their floor general, but that may not be as hard a job as you might think. With the playmaking skills of James, Hamilton, and multi-use forward Boris Diaw, Hill can be relied on to provide clutch shooting and above average defence. The team has more than one option to go to as his backup, with the newly aquired Udrih, along with veteran Jason Hart and the rookie Douglas to step in should there be an injury or discouraging play. The shooting guard spot will be Hamilton's from day 1. His deadly jumper will keep defences honest, and force them to guard more than just the King. Rudy Fernandez and Raja Bell will still be the off guards on the bench for Chicago, with Fernandez providing instant offence, and Bell showcasing tough defence. LeBron will be backed up at the 3 spot by James Posey, and Rasual Butler. Posey is known for his killer instinct on the defensive end, and can probably slide to the 4 spot against some teams, providing some flexibility for head coach Jim Larranagga. The big men will be the concern for Bulls fans this year. Boris Diaw and the rookie BJ Mullens will be given the chance to start. Mullens won't be expected to play heavy minutes, as Fabricio Oberto and Nick Collison can provide equal if not more off the bench. Mullens will just be expected to rebound and bang down low, and be the enforcer in the starting line up. It will be interesting to see how Diaw will play next to James, as he won't need the ball much, and is probably the best playmaker the King has ever played beside.
C: Mullens (62) Oberto (66)
PF: Diaw (77) Collison (72)
SF: James (96) Posey (73) Butler (65)
SG: Hamilton (81) Fernandez (75) Bell (72)
PG: Hill (69) Udrih (70) Douglas (68) Hart (68)
This team will compete for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with it's balance of shooting and defence. But the main reason they will compete, is of course... LeBron.
C: Mullens (62) Oberto (66)
PF: Diaw (77) Collison (72)
SF: James (96) Posey (73) Butler (65)
SG: Hamilton (81) Fernandez (75) Bell (72)
PG: Hill (69) Udrih (70) Douglas (68) Hart (68)
This team will compete for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with it's balance of shooting and defence. But the main reason they will compete, is of course... LeBron.