The Bulls have fully embraced a rebuild and it’s centered around Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen. Vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman declared as much at media day, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“We’re in a position now where we have supportive ownership, we’ve defined our direction and we’re looking forward,” Paxson said. “That’s all Gar and I can do every day.”
The three players mentioned were all acquired a draft day deal between the Bulls and Timberwolves that sent Jimmy Butler to Minnesota. The change of course to embrace a rebuild came after a season of trade rumors and speculation that the organization should dismantle its core (among other things).
“I do think we can win our fans’ trust back by showing them we can put a group of young players out there who care and show them there’s promise ahead,” Paxson said.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- For now at least, J.R. Smith is the starting shooting guard on the Cavaliers, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com writes. “I’m not going to sit here and get into a ‘blank’ measuring contest with Dwyane Wade,” Smith said. “I’m not going to win that. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to continue to work hard for our team and however they choose to do it, that’s who it’s going to be.”
- Citing mental maturation and a commitment to improving, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy is optimistic about third-year forward Stanley Johnson‘s progress, Keith Langlois of the team’s official site writes. Van Gundy also praised rookie Luke Kennard‘s performance at training camp thus far.
- There’s a case to be made for Cavaliers forward LeBron James winning the MVP this season. Brian Windhorst of ESPN writes that the 15-year veteran is coming off one of the best offseasons he’s had since he came into the league.
Lebron was my pick for MVP this year…
If they’re starting Derrick Rose, that makes sense, but I dont feel that will end up happening now that they have Wade. I can see a few different iterations of a starting 5 for them, until they get Isaiah back…
Calderon, Wade. Crowder, LeBron, Love
Shumpert, Wade, Crowder, LeBron, Love
Wade, JR, Crowder, LeBron, Love
They could move Thompson to the bench. He isn’t a good defender anyway, so it’s not like they gain something from putting him at the 5 over Love, who surprisingly looked good in that spot in the finals. Cavs also lack depth at the 5, so I can see them utizing Thompson off the bench, and he makes a lot of sense with that 2nd unit
Good luck getting rebounds with Thompson on the bench. Rose and Wade together is probably the worst starting guard duo in the league: terrible shooting and glass knees = 5th seed in the east.
Sour grapes? Thompson is better with the second unit. His lack of floor spacing and inconsistent offense/defense hurts more than helps. Love is a better rebounder anyway. Most teams do not have a big center so they wouldn’t need Thompson unless they play the pelicans or jazz. Lebron could sit half the season and they would still be higher than a 5 seed in the east.
DRose
JR
Crowder
James
Love
This is most likely the starting unit until IT gets back on the floor in late Dec or early January. Calderon, Wade, Cedi, Green, and TT off the bench. And for the third wave, Shumpert, Korver, RJ and FRye…