Thorpe talking about Deng on Raptors Republic

[JCM]

Rapcast #80: ESPN’s Coach David Thorpe breaks down the Raptors | Raptors Republic - ESPN TrueHoop's Raptors Blog

this is what he said about deng.

-The best player in a playoff series (Bulls beating Heat)
-Know he can score and relatively efficiently
-He has a 3pt shot, but hasn't been asked to do it. Would do it in a Toronto a lot more
-Extremely professional
-Injury concerns just bad luck he thinks
-Very underrated defense player
-Not your best player but your 2nd or 3rd best player that could step up

 

[Anytime23]

Great find AJ, it was a nice listen.

I've been thinking a lot about Deng lately. As Chicago fans are we more down on Deng than the rest of the league is? I know we hate his contract and that he disappears for stretches but like mentioned, he's a great 2nd or 3rd option and you know what your're getting from him. 18ppg and what, 8 boards? Not exactly overwhelming #S but certainly not bad by any stretch and also mentioned, he's a very underrated defender. If guys like Chris Broussard and Chad Ford believe that Deng can be used in a S&T, along with other NBA talking heads, why are we so doubtful?

On a not related Deng note, if anyone here has payed attention to my FA thoughts, I've been really high on Udonis Haslem who's also being discussed on the page linked above. They mentioned the basketball IQ, the defense, the toughness and the leadership. Imagine the Bulls team morale with Noah and Haslem? He would be an excellent fit with Thibs system and philosophy. 200 people showed up for U's bday party to say they want him back in Miami. Does that not say enough? I think he will command a decent chunk of change, but again I would seriously look into Haslem as a bench player. If we could use Deng and Taj in a S&T for Bosh, U would be a great pickup for PF depth.

One more note. A link on the side said something like "Can Emeka be a fit for Toronto?". Thats an interesting topic that i have yet to hear. Maybe NO could work a S&T w/ Collison and Emeka for Bosh? They would get their PG of the future and a great piece in Okafur(sp).

 

[JCM]

one reason why alot of people hate him is because like you said, he disappears in stenches.

and that large contact he has, but will say this, ill trade him for a sign and trade for bosh.

 

[Anytime23]

I dont think youll find a Bulls fan who wouldnt trade him for Bosh. There's really no reason to argue against that trade. The real question is if the rest of the league is higher on Deng than we are.

 

[JCM]

well the raps have always expressed interest in deng, even before they got hedo.

 

[Undisputed]

I always have and always will be a Luol Deng fan. I would really like to see the Bulls hold onto him, but I'm with the majority of Bulls fans...I'd give him up for Bosh in a minute.

 

[Anytime23]

People act like Deng is so terrible to have on the team. Many teams would be lucky to have Deng. Its just real unfortunate that his contract is so bad and that he gets hurt too often

 

[Undisputed]

People act like Deng is so terrible to have on the team. Many teams would be lucky to have Deng. Its just real unfortunate that his contract is so bad and that he gets hurt too often

Really, it's that he gets hurt too often. Deng's contract isn't so bad when he's on the court playing ball to full potential.

 

[Anytime23]

I think what makes it worse is that Dengs contract can make the difference of us getting another superstar this July, depending on if we could move Hinrich.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

This is a great sign! Just knowing Toronto still has interest really brings things into perspective a little more on the reality of a S&T for Bosh.

 

[Anytime23]

I hope they find a way to trade Calderone for a PF and take Hinrich to go with Deng.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

I heard a rumor that if a Bosh S&T happens Chris Bosh + Amir Johnson.

 

[JCM]

yeah i heard that one too, also they might try and add hedos terrible contract too. if not amir johnson.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

Hedo..... :dunno:

I guess he'd be ok.

 

[Anytime23]

I dont want Hedo. No fkn way

 

[CODE_BLUE56]

why not

hedo is a little old now but he is a versatile 6'10 forward who has a great shot especially from outside...and he doesn't have to be a star or anything because chi would have bosh,noah,and rose to take care of the majority of the scoring along with some guys on the bench....any addition should not be refused especially if it helps chicago get bosh

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

Well, his contract would be the worst part of havin' him.

 

[Anytime23]

Because he's a ball hog and disappears like Deng does.

 

[JCM]

hedo imo is better than deng by the slightest of margins. they are pretty similar. only that hedo can handle the ball better than deng.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

Hedo is slower, older & less of a mobile player. Deng is a good player, I'm not putting him down....but to be honest if we give them Deng/Hinrich......we better beg for Amir Johnson instead of Hedo.