No comparison with Pistons
They have good complementary players. What they lack, as Paxson acknowledges, is a star to revolve around. It would be a grave mistake to think the Bulls are building a role-melding masterpiece similar to the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs, as Paxson and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf have suggested. Last I looked, the Spurs have revolved for years around future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, and the Pistons have several high-level studs. If the Bulls project a similar future from Gordon, Hinrich, Nocioni and the boys, bless them.
Because, in all honestly, they have no idea where this is going.
''I don't think it's appropriate to comment on what we need,'' Skiles said. ''We have a good, hard-working group. We need to add some pieces to it.''
For all we know, the Bulls have topped out as a 45-to-50-win team that won't reach a conference final. To advance to the next level, they need to seek a franchise player, either this summer or next. Will Kevin Garnett be available? Wouldn't you package Gordon, Chandler and the No. 1 draft choice the Bulls are getting from the New York Knicks -- which could be the top pick -- for Garnett? The Minnesota Timberwolves say they won't deal him, but things could change this summer, especially if Garnett continues to voice disappointment.
Of course, it takes two to swap. If Garnett stays, Paxson won't have many big-name options even if he has close to $20 million in cap room. He can use the No. 1 pick on a big man like LaMarcus Aldridge, a potential all-around star like Tyrus Thomas, a defensive stud like Joakim Noah (if he comes out) or a scorer like Adam Morrison or Brandon Roy. There's also an intriguing 6-11, 240-pound Euro named Andrea Bargnani. But none will make the Bulls appreciably better.
Al Harrington, who is 6-9 and 245 and averaged 19 points and seven rebounds in Atlanta, might help as a free agent. But you may have to wait until the summer of 2007, when the Bulls again have New York's No. 1 pick -- no, I don't miss Eddy Curry, despite Thursday's ugly numbers -- and, with proper luck, may end up with the next great big man.
Reaching the first round is decent stuff. But it's not very rewarding when six banners hang in the rafters. How do they get better? ''More talented players?'' Gordon said. Bingo. Let the most important summer of Paxson's executive life begin.
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