Luol Deng's the second most important player on this team

[Rush]

Isn't that an odd thing to think? Luol Deng? The guy we wanted to trade away because of his contract? The guy who's been called soft, fragile, and bitched about incessantly since the 07/08 season? Luol Deng? The guy who...

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By: Doug Thonus

 

[Undisputed]

I never took part in all the Deng bashing. I was one of the few who actually kept faith in Deng. He's showing what I've always thought possible, and yes, he's still improving as a player. The diversity that he brings to this team with his improved three point shot is a real asset. One of the few players that plays both ends of the floor with equal effort. He's making my opinions on him over the years look real nice.

 

[Crystallas]

You got thanks, because I do believe you are right. You didn't bash him.

I on the other hand have liked Deng too, but my main difference was being very open to trading him for a reasonable salary and player. I was kinda peeved that we didn't TRY to go after Barnes, but Deng and Thibs subs have proven that we are doing fine without him.

 

[Scoot26]

I dont remember if I bashed Deng or not, but either way, I was under the impression before this season that he was overpaid. I was never as "pissed" about it as some of the people here or other fans elsewhere were about Deng, I felt he was a good third option and with Rose and then Boozer being the first two, that Deng would be fine. Thats been exactly the case, except Deng has more so grown into a 2nd option now and has been able to prove it (Such as nailing that three in the clutch against Miami in February).

 

[chitownclothing]

I gotta admit that I was definitely ready to send Luol packing last year and in the off season. However, I completely agree...how about most underrated player in the NBA??


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[clonetrooper264]

I'll admit, after last season I was pretty frustrated with Deng. I loved him in that one season where he was healthy (06-07 I believe) and thought he was going to be legit, but with all the injuries I thought he'd be a waste of space. Thank goodness he proved me wrong. He's shown that he can play a ridiculously high amount of minutes and stay healthy this year and he's been consistent. Mad props to Deng.

 

[Anytime23]

People always hated Deng mainly because of his contract. I was also one of the ones who wanted him gone but only because I thought we had a legit shot at Wade, Bron, Bosh. But honestly the biggest difference with Deng has been health. He's 4 games from stretch all 82. He's been so banned up this year yet he keeps getting up. I never thought he was soft like many claimed. He just gets injured. Call Noah and Boozer soft if that's the case.

People also act like Dengs game is completely different. Am I the only one who doesn't believe this? Yeah he drives to the hoop more often but I don't think it's as significant as everyone claims. I'd like to see the #s on this. More than anything the biggest thing I've noticed offensively with Deng is that he doesnt attempt the long 2 as often and shoots the 3 instead. He still struggles with disappearing for a half and being a no show after strong performances.

Glad he's doing well and the haters are silent. He's always been a class act and good player for us.

As for the heading, I've been feeling like Deng is our 2nd most important player for a couple months now.

 

[bleacherbum54]

Luol Deng is the most underrated player in the NBA in my view. I love the effort he brings on defense. One thing I wish Dany Grange would improve is his defensive effort.

 

[Anytime23]

Sry for all the spelling errors, iPhone posting isn't my strongest suit.

 

[clonetrooper264]

People also act like Dengs game is completely different. Am I the only one who doesn't believe this? Yeah he drives to the hoop more often but I don't think it's as significant as everyone claims. I'd like to see the #s on this. More than anything the biggest thing I've noticed offensively with Deng is that he doesnt attempt the long 2 as often and shoots the 3 instead. He still struggles with disappearing for a half and being a no show after strong performances.

Glad he's doing well and the haters are silent. He's always been a class act and good player for us.

As for the heading, I've been feeling like Deng is our 2nd most important player for a couple months now.

IMO being able to shoot the 3 has been the biggest improvement to his game this year. While his overall numbers haven't changed much, his ability to hit the three has opened his game a lot as well as spread the floor more for Rose.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

I gotta admit that I was definitely ready to send Luol packing last year and in the off season. However, I completely agree...how about most underrated player in the NBA??


Chitown Clothing — Your source for 1st place Chicago Bulls playoff apparel!!!

"Deng...He Really Is Good!!" (Part 2 of this shirt series) :lol:

Kinda emphasizing the fact. Using that quote.

 

[Shakes]

During the 08/09 season when Deng looked really bad I thought it was time to dump him (since we were chasing cap space at the time), but he's really turned it back around the last two years now he's healthy.

The only two SFs I'd rather have ahead of him right now are LeBron and Durant. Deng is a better fit on this team than Melo, Pierce is old, and who else is there that is even worth mentioning?

 

[CODE_BLUE56]

deng is certainly the most important player on the bulls next to rose

good thing y'all didn't dump him in the offseason and you definitely shouldnt have

 

[malleable]

Yeah, Deng is awesome. With 1:15 left in the game Thursday against Boston, Rivers had all his starters on the bench. 3 starters were still on the floor for Chicago, and Deng was one of them. He hit that 3-pointer. If you're gonna beat Boston, you gotta do it and show no mercy.

www.andOne2.com

 

[AE23]

deng is like a bat with this wingspan

 

[TopekaRoy]

There were those here who were willing to get rid of Deng, Hinrich and even Noah if it meant getting a marquis player. i wasn't one of them. I was willing to trade either Hinrch or Deng for the right player (but not both), so I'm very happy with the way things worked out.

I admit the complaints regarding Deng were justified given his large contract, the number of games he missed and his inconsistent production (i.e., disappearing in big games). The fact that the Bulls tried to trade him and couldn't shows that most other teams felt the same way, but he was still the Bulls leading scorer last year. I thought losing him and Hinrich would be giving up too much for the Bulls to overcome.

He has changed his game this year in a way that really benefits the team, improving his 3 point shot, deferring to Rose and playing off the ball more. A lot of the credit should go to Thibedeau for finding the best way to get the most out of him. The Bulls have the second best record in the NBA right now, and I don't believe that would be the case without Deng.

 

[sach1]

Drose-Deng combo!
one go to guy and all around glue guy.