I think any discussion on the Bulls offseason and immediate future has to take place with the understanding that two Reinsdorfs, a Paxson, and a Dick Tracy-like villain will be around. Maybe they'll surprise all of us and Gar will be sent packing, maybe - like a 2% chance. Anyways, a few random thoughts, do what you will with them:
- With Wade out for the rest of the season, the smart move will be to pull the "tank, but not really tanking" type of play. The Bulls currently sit a game out of 8th place, and I have no idea about the tiebreakers, but it shouldn't matter. This team is not helped by getting swept by the Cavs in the first round. This team is more helped by getting a good amount of ping-pong balls.
- Much like the Four Horsemen of the Basketball Apocalypse I mentioned above, don't discount the fact that Fred will probably be around next year. There's no way Dorf is going to pay Fred $15 million to go away, and pay another coach. Also, watching the Cyclones offense yesterday, I'm not sure Fred will have any big time booster pay for a buy-out, or whatever his contact has.
- I agree with Crys in that thread about Wade that it's more likely he's opting back in for another year. I don't know if that's a good thing.
- It's weird to say, but I think the short-term future of the Bulls is tied to the Celtics.
- The Butler move needs to be made. He's going to be 28 at the start of the season, so I think you need to ask if he's going to be able to produce at the same level as he is now by the time the Bulls are ready to compete. What's more, do you really think Butler can be the #1 guy on a championship team? In my mind no, and since you have a GM that wants to get young and athletic....
- The goal should be to acquire picks this year, and as high as they can get them. "Tanking" + Butler trade is a good start.
- The great Mirotic experiment is over.
- Point Guard, will they continue to have a roster full of them, or will they actually find one? I agree with Crys again above that Grant has been a pleasant surprise. I was excited when he came over in the Rose trade, and don't understand what they are really doing with him lately. Either way, I think he's a great backup PG and a good starting PG. If my dreams come true and you can get that Nets pick, you're in a good spot to draft your PG of the future. I like Ball and Smith, and I think Ball probably fits better to what Fred wants to do, but I've also never seen Fultz play. I just haven't, so I could be convinced he's the better option.