The Bulls finally have an official legit All Star power forward. Carlos Boozer is the team’s best “back to the basket” low post scorer since Michael Jordan. That’s tragic because the drought has been 12 years. Chicago has been starving for low post stud and here he is. We still do not know Derrick Rose’s potential and the severity of Joakim Noah’s foot problems. Overall, The Bulls definitely made an answer in the 2010 offseason.

The Lakers outmuscled Deron Williams’ Jazz into submission by bringing out the brooms for a complete sweep. Laker fans are sitting pretty entering the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns, which the Lakers should not have any problems against. The Jazz, however, are looking down a well that leads to an abyss. What’s next?

The German concept of the uncanny, the unheimlich, popularized by Freud but more or less traceable to the dusky origins of the German national character, describes the soulsickening coexistence of the familiar and the foreign—that which we think we know, playing home to that which we are sure we don't.  The zombie; the uncomfortably lifelike robot; the ghost in the shell.  Enter the Utah Jazz.

“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.

Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.

Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.

However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.

The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.

Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.

Yes, Boozer. Remember him?

Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.

Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.

The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.   

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I've talked to people who believe that Chicago will shop Boozer, but you have to keep in mind that his stock is at an all-time low right now. He disappeared in the playoffs and there's a reason Chicago is talking about moving less than a year after signing him. It'll be tough to move him for anything of substance, especially considering how much he's owed over the next four years. With that said, if he does become available, the Orlando Magic will certainly express some level of interest.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carlos Boozer wouldn’t convince Dwight Howard to forgo free agency and sign a long-term extension with the Orlando Magic.

So the Magic should think carefully about trading for Boozer, and assuming the remaining 4-years and $65 million on his big-ticket contract.

Boozer would be the latest in expensive, overpaid players who couldn’t help superstar Dwight Howard achieve his goal of an NBA championship.

There was Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter. This duo were then swapped mid-season for Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu in separate trades. All four failed miserably.

A frustrated Howard is now angling for a trade. If he doesn’t get it, the five-man will likely leave Orlando as a free agent in two seasons.

Howard would see Boozer for what he is -a talented but injury-prone player, who the Chicago Bulls dumped one season after signing him as a free agent.

It doesn't matter that Howard and Boozer are close, often hanging out together in the summer. Basketball is business. Friendship is personal.

Magic Executive Otis Smith should instead focus on Chris Paul. The New Orleans point guard, who can also become a free agent in July of 2012, is the type of talent that could convince Howard to stay.

Paul and Howard would form a terrific inside-outside duo. They’d attract other free agents, co-stars, and role players. They’d compete for years to come.

Almost every other player, including Boozer, won’t be enough for Howard to recommit to Orlando.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Forget Miami verses Chicago. Focus on the poster-jobs; specifically Chris Bosh`s battle against Taj Gibson.

Last night, Bosh threw down a thunderous dunk off a pick-on-roll, condemning Carlos Boozer to a life of snide comments and viral snickering on youtube.

However, Gibson, at a minimum, matched Bosh with an epic facial on a two-on-one, forcing Dwyane Wade to offer a little disclaimer to the media today.

Watch both videos below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

(Bosh on Boozer.) 

(Gibson's facial on D-Wade.)

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"We have the rules; you have to go straight up," Pacers forward Danny Granger said. "You can't go forward or to the side. Twenty-one free throws, that's a lot of free throws. We have to figure out a way to keep him out of the lane."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Indiana Pacers have to deal with it. Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ franchise face and favorite to win the regular season MVP, will get to the line.

Rose will get to the line for two reasons. First, he does a sensational job penetrating and drawing contact. Second, he’s a superstar. Like it or not, refs favor superstars.

This is, after all, the NBA, where league head office protects elite talent like Greenpeace protects endangered species. Right or wrong, the zebras will give Rose the benefit of any doubt. 

Instead of being frustrated at Rose’s 21 free throws in game one, the Pacers should be frustrated at themselves. They blew a fourth quarter lead, and should have stolen home-court advantage with a road win.

The Bulls will settle their nerves. Carlos Boozer will be better. Coach Tom Thibodeau will hit the video room and work out the kinks on defense.

In short, the Bulls will adjust in game two. The Pacers would be wise to forget Rose and do the same.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

Another player the Nuggets will likely move is shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 30 teams love his talent and hate his attitude.

Of course, we’re referring to J.R. Smith, the skilled but outlandish two-guard for the Denver Nuggets.

Smith can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing.

He can also alienate with his attitude. For instance, Smith and Denver Coach George Karl don’t talk. Assistant coaches have acted as go-betweens for several years.

An opposing GM might be tempted to deal for Smith before the February trade deadline. He has toned down his antics and recently set the viral world ablaze with last week’s facial on Gary Neal.

Best of all, Smith’s $6 million per year comes off the books July 1st, so there’s little risk. His expiring contract will provide financial flexibility whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled.

Enter the Chicago Bulls. They could use a little more offensive punch, especially with Carlos Boozer struggling to find his form after a pre-season injury.

The hold-up is Carmelo Anthony. The ‘Melo-drama’ is complicated and Smith’s contract may be needed to complete any trade with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.

Bottom line: Smith’s future in Denver is uncertain.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Chicago Bulls are interested in trading for the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony, a league source told ESPNChicago.com on Thursday.

And while the source said that the team is holding internal discussions as to whether the Bulls would allow Joakim Noah to be part of any deal, Chicago has not reached a consensus. Another source close to the situation told ESPNChicago.com's Nick Friedell that Noah would not be part of an Anthony deal.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chemistry trumps talent.

The Chicago Bulls should remember this theory when pursuing disgruntled Denver Nuggets’ star Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony is talented. He’s a natural scorer, capable of dropping 25 points on opposing defences while barely breaking a sweat. And his panache, and style is marketable.

Adding a dominant player and personality like Anthony is also a risk. His need for touches and shots changes the chemistry and dynamics of any team he suits up for.

For instance, the Nuggets may hold out for Joakim Noah as compensation for Anthony. Losing Noah, their defensive anchor and gritty post, would change the Bulls’ identity.

Then there’s Carlos Boozer. Anthony’s score-first approach would impact Boozer, the club’s free agent signing this summer. Boozer is no longer a blue-collar big –like when he suited up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Like Anthony, he needs touches and shots.

Of course, the Bulls are Derrick Rose’s team. He’s the franchise face and first option. Initially, Anthony would have to defer to the third year point guard.

Is this something he would do? Is this something he can do?

Anthony has always been The Man. He might be reluctant to play second fiddle –even if it meant a long-term extension, playing in a major market, and suiting up for a competitive team.

So the Bulls are interested in Anthony’s talent. Fair enough. They should consider if he`s worth altering, or compromising, their chemistry.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"Whatever jersey I'm wearing, I'm still here," Wade said. "I'm still in the community, I think I'm doing something impactful and bigger than the game of basketball. It had nothing to do with Chicago. It had nothing to do with the Chicago Bulls. It had everything to do with Miami and what we had a chance to do down there."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and the Chicago Bulls would've been nice; however, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and the Miami Heat is better -at least for Dwyane Wade.

So the superstar said thanks, but no thanks to his hometown. This is just another storyline in the developing rivalry between Chicago and Miami.

Both clubs competed for big-ticket free agents this summer. Miami won the battle landing the Three Kings, but Chicago with Carlos Boozer, Noah, and Rose could still win the war for Eastern Conference supremacy.

And Bulls fans will have plenty of chances to heckle Wade for picking Miami over his native Chicago.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

From what I've heard it's in Portland's hands now for what they want. I've heard the Bulls have a pretty good shot, but nothing matters until it's done. Let's not overstate Fernandez, who always has sounded better than he has performed. But he'd be an excellent addition, and as I wrote Monday the No. 1 guy I'd still pursue.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: They're already contenders, so why risk it?

The Chicago Bulls have had a terrific summer, signing Ronnie Brewer, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Kurt Thomas, and CJ Watson. The six-time world champions already had Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose.  

These new additions plus the old nucleus should position the club to compete in the Eastern Conference. Adding the wrong piece - like a talented but temperamental perimeter player - could be disastrous, though.

Why roll the dice on Rudy Fernandez, who performed and pouted through two up-and-down seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers?

Fernandez, a star in Europe, couldn't handle sitting behind All-Star Brandon Roy. It didn't matter that he was a key reserve on a promising squad. And it didn't matter that he was in a terrific market, either.

There wasn't enough shine in Portland, which led to Fernandez recently taking his trade requests public, something European publications had hinted at for months.

Chicago must tread carefully with Fernandez. The Spanish swing's athleticism and shooting could fit; however, he may struggle as a blending piece behind Boozer and Rose.

Unfortunately, they may not have a choice. The Eastern Conference is in arms-race mode, with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic outdoing each other with signings and trades.

To keep pace in the Eastern Conference, to have any chance of advancing to the NBA Finals, Chicago will have to take the risk and acquire Fernandez.

He better make it worth their while.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Bulls are prepared to sign free-agent Tracy McGrady if he proves to be healthy and willing to accept a bench role, according to a source. McGrady is scheduled to workout for Chicago on Monday.

"Nothing is done until it's done, but I expect the Bulls to sign McGrady later this week," the source said. The length and value of the contract McGrady could sign is yet to be determined.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: His role must be clearly defined before both parties sign a contract.

In other words, the Chicago Bulls must politely tell Tracy McGrady he'll complement stars Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer, not vice-versa.

The Bulls should also call 'RaptorsTV' and ask for video of McGrady's final season in Toronto. They should then remind him how effective he was when using his length and athleticism to defend and facilitate for others.

If these expectations aren't laid out, McGrady and the Bulls could be a difficult pairing.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I think that if he comes along he can help our team," Rose said Friday. "A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think he'll help us."

McGrady's effectiveness will depend on his left knee. He had microfracture surgery about a year and a half ago.

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose claims that his three-point shot is vastly improved. "It's there; I have a consistent 3-point shot now," Rose said. "You'll see. I just have so much confidence in my jump shot now. It's coming along so good. It's past even my expectations at this point."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If true, if he has improved his three-point shot, defenses will have to pick their poison with Derrick Rose in 2011.

Consider opposing defenses' dilemma. If defenders back off Rose, he'll use his newly extended range to hit from the outside. If defenders apply pressure, he'll attack the basket to create for himself and teammates.

Of course, signing Carlos Boozer also helps. The power forward will provide a much needed presence down low, which will draw double-teams and create space for the Chicago Bulls' perimeter players.

So Rose will get his share of catch-and-shoot opportunities off Boozer. And the former Utah star is the kind of skilled big he can effectively run pick-and-rolls with.

Look for Rose - with his revamped jump-shot - to headline a strong Chciago squad next year and for the foreseeable future. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Carlos Boozer has agreed to sign with the Chicago Bulls for a contract worth approximately $80 million over five years.

Boozer returns to the Central Division, where he began his NBA career with the Cavaliers.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: In a normal off-season, signing Carlos Boozer would be reason to celebrate.

However, this is ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010’, and the Chicago Bulls were hoping for some combination of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

What they got is a slightly undersized power forward in Boozer, capable of drawing double-teams down low and creating space for their perimeter players.

While Chicago fans are disappointed, a Boozer, Noah, and Rose trio is well on its way to challenging the top Eastern Conference teams.

There’s still the possibly of adding a tier two free agent. Taj Gibson is rapidly developing. If healthy, Luol Deng would be a nice blending piece.

So The Windy City has no choice but to forget Bosh, James, and Wade. Fortunately, they still did okay with Boozer.

--Oly Sandor.
    
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The New Jersey Nets and ESPN analyst Avery Johnson have reached a verbal agreement to hire Johnson as the Nets' new coach.

Johnson is expected to be introduced on Thursday, said a person who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For a coach, credibility is everything.

Most NBA players earn more money than their coach. And player contracts are usually guaranteed for several years, while the typical coach's contract has a far shorter term.

So, players, especially stars, hold leverage over the man who, in theory, is their boss. With such a dysfunctional arrangement, players won't follow a coach they don't respect or believe in.

Fortunately, for the New Jersey Nets, Johnson has credibility to burn. He holds the all time best winning percentage for a sideline boss and led the Dallas Mavericks to the sixth game of the 2006 NBA Finals. 

The current ESPN analyst will have the attention of the Nets' young core mostly because of his run with the San Antonio Spurs. Johnson may have been a role player, but The Little General's enthusiasm and leadership was key to the Spurs winning two NBA Titles.

Of course, this will be attractive to the summer's free agent class. Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Dwyane Wade know of - and appreciate - Johnson's championship pedigree. So do second tier free agents like Carlos Boozer and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Expect the Nets to improve in 2010. And Johnson's credibility will be a big part of the turnaround.  

Is Johnson the right hire for New Jersey?

I think that could be more of an after-the-fact type of trade, once the Heat and Cavaliers are done with free agency. If LeBron leaves Cleveland and doesn’t come to Miami, then perhaps there could be something to Beasley-for-Mo. But I can’t see the Heat, or any space team, making a play for before playing the free-agent market.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: They'll go big. Then small.

The Miami Heat will first try to pair superstar Dwyane Wade with a co-star in the post. Options include free agents Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Bosh, for many reasons, would work best. He's bigger than Boozer and unlike Stoudemire plays defense. Also, CB4 has a relationship with Wade through their agent, Henry Thomas, and TEAM USA.

After years in Toronto, Bosh is hungry. He'd gladly defer to Wade -if it meant competing for a championship.

Once the Heat has their inside-outside combo settled, they'll look to upgrade supporting pieces. And the Cleveland Cavaliers have made it known Mo Williams is available.

Williams might be a fit. His smooth stroke would punish opposing defenses when they doubled-up on Wade and/or Bosh. Best of all, the combo point guard will have a giant chip on his shoulder after being effectively blamed for the Cavaliers' playoff failures.

One thing is certain: Miami has plans for the off-season. And it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

What should the Heat do this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.   

There are a handful of teams with the cap space to sign a major free agent. You know the names. New York, Chicago, New Jersey, etc. ... The Wizards have a ton of space under the cap, too, but are seldom mentioned as possible destinations for the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh.

Why is that?

"Because," says Grunfeld, "I don't talk to the media that much."

Does a top overall pick put the Wizards in the free agent conversation?

Grunfeld is coy. "We will see," he says. "The No. 1 pick is a good start. We'll see how free agency goes.

Link to Truehoop

HoopsVibe's Call: John Wall isn't enough.

While talented and athletic, the first overall pick in the NBA draft isn't nearly enough for the Washington Wizards to land an unrestricted free agent like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh.

After all, the Wizards are years from contending. And James, Wade, and Bosh want to win now. They'll have little time, patience, or interest in a rebuilding project -unless it's in Madison Square Garden or across the river in New Jersey.

With considerable cap space, Washington could consider a second tier free agent, specifically at the four or five spots (sorry, HoopsVibe News isn't fond of the talented, but troubled Andray Blatche).

If Carlos Boozer or Amar'e Stoudemire isn't a fit, they can always preserve their financial flexibility and patiently acquire both young and veteran pieces to support Wall.

This, however, would make too much sense for the Wizards, an organization with a track record for hasty and poor decisions.  

Does Washington have a shot at James, Bosh, or Wade? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts?

After a thoroughly unpleasant evening of basketball, Carlos Boozer must have been fairly keen to climb into his ride and get home quickly. Sadly, that wasn't an option for him last night after his Jazz were eliminated from the playoffs by the Lakers in a sweep. Before he could make it to the parking lot from his post-game obligations, this tweet from the LAL media guy showed up:

 And the driver of the media bus just backed into one of the Jazz's Escalades... doin' damage on our way out of SLC!! - @tynowell

Shortly thereafter, this tweet followed:

 And.... it's Carlos Boozer's Escalade. That's an even more unfortunate ending to his evening. - @tynowell

Ugh. Sorry, Carlos.

"That's my gut. They're doing everything they can to build him a championship. His biggest thing is winning a ring. I think his best chance to win a ring is probably where he's at." 

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