Bid on a Blazer Basketball and Support Street Roots

After my wife, friends and family, I have three passions in life: Music, basketball and housing opportunity. This post combines two of my passions, and opens the door for you to own a basketball signed by the entire Blazer team.


That's right: Get a copy of Brandon Roy's autograph now, sell it 10 years (in time to finance your kids' college tuition), AND help an amazing organization continue its crucial work in P-Town.

Street Roots is a Portland newspaper that focus on issues relating to housing, homelessness and poverty. Beginning today and ending Nov 8, Street Roots is having an on-line auction. Great for holiday gifts, a gift for me in case you forgot my birthday, or even a little something for yourself.

3 reasons I love Street Roots:

• They cover stories often ignored or under-reported in most print and web media
  
• Their standards of journalism far exceed the local mainstream print media here in Oregon, and likely the standards where ever you live
  
• They run a vendor program that allows people who are homeless or very poor the opportunity to earn income.

If that ain't enough to make YOU love Street Roots, check this interview with B-Roy.

So check it out, and help Street Roots make Portland a better place.

Well he is officially a Clipper

Out with a broken knee cap. Bummer.

(a sorta) League Preview: Portland Trailblazers

With the sorriest teams, the lottery likelies, the might be somethings and the playoff solids in the rear view mirror, we are now focused on a grouping of two known as the upsetters. Joining the Mavericks is the second best in the Northwest.


Portland Trailblazers

PG Steve Blake Andre Miller Jerryd Bayless
SG Brandon Roy Rudy Fernandez
SF Nic Batum Martell Webster
PF LaMarcus Aldridge Travis Outlaw Dante Cunningham
C Greg Oden Joel Przybilla

Portland enters the season as everybody’s darling. Like any up and coming young team, they are basking in the glow of can’t miss potential. Brandon Roy has emerged as one of the League’s pure powers. Long man LaMarcus Aldridge is not that far behind. Greg Oden looks ready to start showing something. The parade of talent continues: Nic Batum, Martell Webster, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw. Vets Blake, Miller and Przybilla are rock solid. The Trailblazers are arguably the deepest squad in the NBA.

But as a close observer, the wonderland atmosphere that characterized the Roy-lead ascension from crapsville to relevance may be changing. Since Roy’s arrival, Portland has benefited from outstanding team chemistry. Nate McMillan has had the team’s ear. Guys having getting together and ballin much of the off-season. Everybody’s early to training camp. Everybody’s pulling each other to get better. Dreamy. Really.

The arrival of Andre Miller and the intensity of expectation has brought a new energy to the locker room. Even if Miller had not been added to the roster, Portland was flirting with having too many players deserving minutes. With Miller, there are going to be at least two very good NBA players clocking under 15 minutes a game. Miller himself could be a 20 minute-a-night back up. Not dreamy. Especially for a team that is supposed to exceed last season’s 54 wins and first round playoff exit.

Of course, winning can cure all sorts of ills, and this team certainly is capable of racking W’s. Roy is a fabulous leader. Even if a few guys get disgruntled, Roy has a personality and character to hold the Blazers together. Aldridge is going to score 20-plus this season. For whatever Oden is not, the dude is so big and strong. He has skills that with confidence and experience will grow. He alone could elevate the Trailblazers into instant contenders if he could play 30 effective minutes a night. Nic Batum is another guy: Act like you know.

As for Andre Miller: He has fallen short just like Sebastian Telfair, Jarret Jack, Sergio Rodriguez before him. Steve Blake has once again earned the starting nod. An excellent defender, Blake blends perfectly with the skills of Roy, Aldridge. He cans the three, and is steady with the ball. Miller could be a great backup if he would accept the role. This remains to be seen. Maestro Nate McMillan has some tough decisions to make.

The road from good to great is very steep and fraught with pitfalls. Many a group of talented and successful young teams have crumbled along the way. McMillan has so adeptly brought this team along from the dismal depths of lotteryville to their present position. He will steer them true. If players get to testy, Pritchard should make a move swiftly. Whether Portland can best the Lakers in a 7 game series is hard question, because so much depends on whether Portland gets the chance. The West has many serious veteran teams with playoff dreams of their own. Ultimately, the question for Portland seems more when than if. If when is now, the Trailblazers are capable of beating everybody.

(a sorta) League Preview: Dallas Mavericks

The fate of the sorriest teams and the lottery likelies is fairly clear: 82 and done. The prospects for the might be somethings are more promising, and the playoff solids are just that. The fifth grouping of teams is perhaps the most exciting. These two squads are not among the contenders, and may not perform as well as the playoff solids. But watch out, because if the gel as a unit, they have the potential to beat everyone. First up, the second best in the Southwest.

Dallas Mavericks

PG Jason Kidd Jose Juan Barea Rodrigue Beaubois

SG Josh Howard Jason Terry

SF Shawn Marion Quinton Ross

PF Dirk Nowitski Kris Humphries Tim Thomas

C Erick Dampier Drew Gooden

Since being embarrassed by the Miami Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals, Dallas has mostly been an after thought in the race for Western Conference supremacy. The book on stopping Dirk was open to all. The inglorious dismissal of coach Avery Johnson after the 2008 season indicated a deep level of organizational disarray. The Jason Kidd for Devin Harris trade seemed a lateral move at best. After finishing the 2008-09 season with 50 wins and a 2nd round playoff exit, the Mavs appeared mired among the good but not great.

So what has changed for Dallas? The addition of Shawn Marion for a song and bowl of soup is one huge factor. Though not the Matrix of old, Marion remains a singular talent in terms of his ability to score and scrap without demanding touches. Paired with Kidd, Marion will likely find new life and effectiveness. He is an ideal running mate for Dirk and the key ingredient for the mix and match lineups Dallas wants to run.

Another big plus for the Mavericks is a well-rested Nowitski. Between the NBA and the German national team, Dirk has been playing year round for most of his 11 year career. Now 31, Nowitski took the summer off to rest his body. He enters the season in excellent shape and with full health. He remains a dominant scorer from the perimeter and his 7’0 frame allows Dallas to go ‘small’ while remaining long.

While the additions of Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross, Kris Humphries, Tim Thomas and Rodrigue Beaubois are not on par with Marion’s arrival, the quintet helps restore the depth that has characterized the best Mavs teams of the Cuban era. Along with Erick Dampier, Jason Terry and Jose Juan Barea, Dallas now has twelve guys ready to contribute.

The age of Jason Kidd and the health of Josh Howard remain serious questions for the Mavs. Kidd can clearly still run a team, but his defense at the point of attack is weak and will likely get weaker. Howard, arguably the team’s most versatile defender, has been repeatedly sidelined by all sorts of nicks and strains. For the Mavericks to make some post season noise, both Kidd and Howard must contribute at a high level. For Howard, who played zero in the pre-season, getting back on the court soon is crucial because Dallas wants him to play out of position at the two guard.

Dallas is going to put up major points this season. The remaining vets from the run to the Finals—Nowitski, Terry, Howard and Damp—have not forgotten the bitter taste of finishing second. Kidd is looking for one more run at glory. And I have a funny feeling that Beaubois might be awesome. Though clearly not in the class of the contenders, the Mavericks are very dangerous.

Considering the age of the Spurs, imagining Dallas capturing the Southwest Division is not that hard. If they can find a rhythm entering the post season, they will be an extremely difficult out for either LA or San Antonio. Returning to the Finals is improbable, but not impossible. Beating the best of the East? Cannot imagine it. Just like I could not imagine the Heat winning in 2006.

(a sorta) League Preview: Playoff Solids

Denver

Atlanta

New Orleans

Utah

(a sorta) League Preview: Denver Nuggets

The sorriest teams and the lottery likelies have little business dreaming of the Playoffs. The might be somethings big dreams but limited prospects of post season success. Whether they can do much after the first or second round is more doubtful. Joining the Hawks, Hornets and Jazz is the team to beat in the Northwest.

Denver Nuggets

PG Chauncey Billups Anthony Carter Ty Lawson

SG J.R. Smith Arron Afflalo

SF Carmelo Anthony Renaldo Balman

PF Kenyon Martin Malik Allen

C Nene Chris Andersen Johan Petro

Led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, Denver has emerged from a team on the rise to a force to be reckoned with. Though not in the category of draft mate LeBron and DWade, Melo is a for real game changer. Billups is a former NBA Finals MVP with the credibility and game to keep the Nuggets on track. With a supporting cast that includes the finally healthy Nene, the hopefully healthy Kenyon Martin and bench stars Birdman Andersen and JR Smith, Denver will compete for the Northwest Division title and home court for the first few rounds of the Playoffs.

The growing maturity of Carmelo Anthony is a pleasure to watch. His dominant performance as a corner man for the Orange was one of the finest shooting performances for a Finals winner since the immortal Glen Rice. Like Rice, Melo made his mark on offense as soon as he laced up his NBA shoes. Unlike Rice, Melo seems to have learned that in the League, getting stops is of equal importance as getting buckets. His experience on Team USA, plus the eternal comparisons with Bron and Wade, have helped focus Anthony on the work necessary for greatness.

Playing alongside a winner like Billups does not hurt either. Chauncey’s arrival in the Mile High City gave coach George Karl the steady leadership and heady execution that every coach craves from his point guard. Though he is not quite as quick on the a ball as he was during Detroit’s championship run, his grit and determination keep Billups in the upper tier of lead guards. Then there is his deadly three point shot: Both in terms of percentage and timeliness, Chauncey uses the three ball as well as any player in the game.

The play of bigs Nene, KMart and the Birdman is the key for the Nuggets. After battling all sorts of basketball related injuries in the first 5 years in the League, the 27 year old Brazilian center survived a cancer scare that ended his 2007-08 season. When the Nuggets jettisoned Marcus Camby for salary reasons last off-season, many NBA fans (myself included) thought that Denver was about to tank. Little did we know how ready Nene would be to anchor the Nuggets frontline. He has a career year in 2008-09, averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and nearly 1.5 blocks a game. Kenyon Martin’s career has been similarly pocked marked with injuries and missed games. Though nowhere near as explosive as his early days with New Jersey, he is a competitor and hard nosed defender. Andersen rounds out the Nuggets rotation nicely with length, shot blocking and high energy.

Denver’s wild card in JR Swish. A phenomenal shooter, when Smith gets his torch lit he can put up 20 in a quarter. Maturity and consistency remain the obstacles to his arrival as a big time shooting guard. His role in the death of his best friend in a 2007 car accident has had an appropriately sobering effect on the mercurial Smith. Though he will miss 7 games while serving an NBA suspension related to the accident, Denver is counting on big things from JR. The acquisition of Aaron Afflalo in the Billups-Iverson trade gives Denver a solid option if Smith cannot deliver.

As good as Denver is, imaging a scenario where they can beat either the Lakers or the Spurs is difficult. Not unlike the Jazz, Denver’s bigs struggle against the League’s elite. Furthermore, even with Carmelo’s growing dedication to defense, as a team Denver still struggles to get stops. Perhaps most importantly, the Nuggets core players have all had a history of playoff meltdowns where as a group they have appeared to lose faith in one another. Expect 55 plus wins, and a first round victory. Maybe even a return to Conference Finals. When they run into a team that defends, the ride ends.

(a sorta) League Preview: Atlanta Hawks

Having reviewed the sorriest teams, the lottery likelies, and the might be somethings, our attention is now on some serious League powers. This tier of teams will absolutely play in the post-season. Whether they can do much after the first or second round is more doubtful. Joining the Hornets and Jazz is the second best squad in the stacked Southeast.

Atlanta Hawks

PG Mike Bibby Jeff Teague

SG Joe Johnson Jamal Crawford

SF Marvin Williams Maurice Evans

PF Josh Smith Joe Smith

C Al Horford Zaza Pachulia Randolph Morris

The surest sign that the Leastern Conference is no more is the position of the Atlanta Hawks. Led by perennial all star Joe Johnson, Atlanta has the fire-power, depth and veteran leadership to win 50 plus games. Their core is entering its third season together, and will almost inarguable improve. Yet with all these positive signs, the Hawks are no better than the four seed.

Johnson’s game is ultra smooth. His shot appears effortless even several feet beyond the three point line. He has the strength and length to play on the block, and the sweet handle to get into the paint off the bounce. Johnson is even a skilled defender. Though he does not get the shine of LeBron or the Kobster, he is clearly among the NBA’s elite swingmen.

Not as polished as the All-Star Johnson, forward Josh Smith has similar top shelf skills. A human pogo stick, Smith has the potential to lead the League in shot blocks as well as dunks. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Smith still has some growing to do despite entering his 6th in the NBA. An absolute brick layer from the perimeter, Smith chucked up 87 3’s last year, connecting on less than 30%. He also has displayed a tendency to pout and withdraw when frustrated. Word is that Smith entered training camp with a new found focus. Atlanta hopes so.

Atlanta’s third major talent is former Gator champion Al Horford. Unlike Smith, Horford has had his head screwed on straight since he entered the League. A very strong rebounder and defender, Horford provides the toughness and strength to control the lane. Though under-sized, Horford’s foot work and body control allow him to compete with bigger centers. He is not an offensive dynamo, but he has excellent hands and the ability to finish in traffic.

12th year point guard Mike Bibby and former number one draft pick Marvin Williams complete a very good starting five. Bibby is on the back end of a solid and at times spectacular career. While he has never been known as a defender, his steady leadership on offense suits the Hawks quite well. Williams has been slowed by repeated injuries, and he will likely never escape the shadow of Deron Williams and Chris Paul. That said, he has a truck load of talent and seems satisfied in his supporting role.

Off the bench, Atlanta had added several proven rotation players and an exciting rookie. As much as Jamal Crawford is a proven loser, he is also a pure scorer and an upgrade from Flip Murray. Joe Smith is an excellent third big. Wake Forest alum Jeff Teague has reportedly been a force in the Hawks training camp. A big, strong point guard, Teague excels in many of the areas that Bibby struggles.

The potential for improvement of Smith, Horford and the rookie Teague make it difficult to place a hard ceiling on Atlanta’s prospects for the 09-10 season. Certainly for the regular 82 and the first round, they will be as exciting as the League has to offer. Yet with Boston, Orlando and Cleveland as their betters, Atlanta’s growth into a contender seems at least another season away.

(a sorta) League Preview: New Orleans Hornets

Our preview has addressed the sorriest teams, the lottery likelies, and the might be somethings. This next grouping are all playoff solids. All will win 48-54 games. Proven and poised to deliver, but not ready to contend. The Jazz led off. We continue with the 3^rd best in the Southwest.

New Orleans Hornets

PG Chris Paul Darren Collison

SG Morris Peterson Devin Brown

SF Julian Wright James Posey Peja Stojakovic

PF David West Darius Songaila Ike Diogu

C Emeka Okafor Hilton Armstrong

Chris Paul has it tough. Unquestionably the League’s most dazzling point guard, his team does not have the talent necessary to compete for a title. With Paul at the helm, the Hornets are too good to get a high draft pick. With George Shinn as the owner, New Orleans is too cheap to attract top free agents. New Orleans heads into the 2009-10 season starting wingmen Mo Pete and Julian “More Wrong Than” Wright. Not fair. David West and the newly acquired Emeka Okafor are great running mates for Paul. There are some ballers on the bench; just not enough to play in June.

At 24 years old, Paul has established himself as one of the four or five best players in the League. He has great skills in all aspects of the game. Last season, he scored 21 points per game shooting over 50% from the floor. He led the League is assists and steals per game, and pulled down 5.5 rebounds a game. Six foot and silly. Like most elite players, what separates Paul is unrelenting competitive drive. So, how many seasons can Paul handle playing for a team that is good and not great?

The Tyson Chandler-Emeka Okafor swap does improve New Orleans marginally. The oft injured Chandler seemed never to recovery psychologically from the near trade that would have sent him to Oklahoma City. Okafor, not the paradigm of health himself, should bring new energy and potential improvement to a fairly credible front line. Though not a long as Chandler, Emeka is an equally fierce defender. He also has a far more developed offensive game that will create new options for floor leader Paul.

Okafor joins the efficient and under-rated David West starting up front. West is a crafty scorer with a deft touch from 20 feet in. He and Paul have a very nice chemistry in the pick and roll and in the open court. West is not a noted defender, but he is a competitor with top shelf hands. He uses some slap away moves defending the post that recall the Mailman. He also has the swagger and disposition to help Paul bring better times to the Crescent City.

Where the Hornets are inexcusably weak is at the shooting guard and small forward. In a League stocked with hyper athletic wing players, New Orleans has spent the past several seasons trying to make due with skilled but aging role players while waiting for Julian Wright, the 13^th pick in the 2007 draft, to emerge. Wright is one of those guys with a wide range of talents, but no areas of consistent production. His offense is more developed than his defense, and that is not saying much. Behind him are Peterson, Posey, Peja and Devin Brown. Trotting out low grade perimeter players in the same Conference as Kobe, Roy, Carmelo, Ginobili, Durant, Josh Howard and Jason Richardson does not spell playoff success. New Orleans has the bench depth to experiment with small ball or going with three ‘bigs.’ Problem is that gimmicks that work for 7-10 minute stretches in the regular season are usually exposed in a 7 game series.

Look for the Hornets to clock in at around 50 wins, and clock out by the second round.

(a sorta) League Preview: Utah Jazz

The preview began with the League’s sorriest teams and the lottery likelies, before digging in with the might be somethings. The next tier of teams are playoff locks hoping for home court in the first round. Each of these teams is capable of a first round victory, but none are mighty enough to mess with the contenders. Let’s kickoff with 3rd best in the up and coming Northwest.

Utah Jazz


PG Deron Williams Ronnie Price Eric Maynor
SG Ronnie Brewer Kyle Korver
SF Andrei Kirilenko C.J. Miles
PF Carlos Boozer Paul Milsap
C Mehmet Okur Kosta Koufos Kyrylo Fesenko


Utah has a solid a nucleus as any team in the League. A near super star in Deron Williams, a powerful frontline with the Booze-hound, Okur and Milsap, and skilled position players in Brewer, Kirilenko, Kyle Korver and C.J. Miles. Over the past three seasons, this basic crew had win totals of 51, 54 and 48. They will likely win around 50 again this year. So why does such good team seem stuck in the mud?

The problem is not Deron Williams. The 25 year old point guard is averaging 19 pts and 10.5 assists over the past two seasons—including a significant stretch at the start of last season when he was coming back from an injury. He has a tremendous feel for the game, and a wonderful sense of when to assert himself during the flow of a 48 minute contest. His size, quickness and strength make him very difficult to guard. Williams will be a powerhouse for at least another 7-8 years.

Boozer? Must we blame a Dukie? Yes, we must; at least in part. First, the due praise and full context: Carlos Boozer has been nearly as important as Williams in restoring the Jazz’ as perennial playoff powers. When he is healthy, he has beasted all inferior opponents, giving the Utah needed punch in the paint. On offense, Boozer’s physicality has matched well with Mehmet Okur finesse. Problem is the issue of the under-sized power forward. Booze is strong, but not long. Great scorer, strong rebounder, especially against suckers. The long, athletic bigs that D -- Gasol, Duncan, Aldridge, Sheed, KG – neutralize him. On the defensive end, Boozer is a liability, especially paired with Okur. Neither have the length to intimidate. Boozer is a not a particular strong one on one defender as well.

But to blame Boozer would be to exempt the front office. Boozer is just being himself. When Kevin O’Connor signed the 6’9 big man 5 years back, He chose offense over defense. The arrival of Boozer in effect relegated a one-time up and comer Andrei Kirilenko to a bench player. Kirilenko was a defensive powerhouse from the power forward slot. He also brought a creativity and flair on offense that was pretty fresh. Judging by the way Utah is shopping Boozer, you might think that Utah has learned from the error of its ways. But signing Milsap for starters’ money is the under-sized power forward problem all over again.

Milsap, like Boozer, is a very good basketball player. He plays the hard nosed style that endears him to coach Jerry Sloan. His ceiling is not particularly high, though, so he is no ready to fill Boozer’s shoes as second banana. As for Kirilenko, he seems a different player now, no longer brimming with the confidence of an emerging star. Like Shawn Marion, AK47 is much better suited to be the undersized power forward than a small forward. He is still an effective bench contributor, and if Boozer leaves, his role may dramatically increase. Ronnie Brewer is the other guy whose improvement could significantly elevate the Jazz. Unlike Kirlenko, he is still on his upswing of his career. Like Kirilenko, the shots he would get with Boozer’s departure would suit him well.

The ‘Tah is going to play tough basketball and win a lot of games. They could even secure home court advantage for the first round. Deron Williams on a roll and Utah at home would be trouble for some body. Can they win on the road in the post season? Maybe. Can they beat LA or San Antonio? Nah.

(a sorta) League Preview: Might Be Somethings

Miami

Chicago

Phoenix

Toronto

Washington

Los Angeles the Lesser

Oklahoma City

(a sorta) League Preview: Miami Heat

The sorriest and lottery likelies are not nearly as interesting as the Bulls, Suns, Raptors, Wizards, Clippers and Thunder. All of these teams have tasted recent disappointment (and some were simply abysmal). Yet star power and team balance have all these squads talking about post season glory. We conclude this grouping with the 3^rd best team in the suddenly stacked Southeast Division.

Miami Heat

PG Mario Chalmers Carlos Arroyo

SG Dwyane Wade Daequan Cook Quentin Richardson

SF James Jones Yakhouba Diawara Dorell Wright

PF Udonis Haslem Michael Beasley

C Jermaine O’Neal Jamaal Magloire

Dwyane Wade’s 2008-09 season was one of the most spectacular in League history. 30 pts, 49 fg%, 7.5 ast, 5 reb, 2.2 steals, 1.3 blocks. 1.3 BLOCKS!!!!! For better or worse, the Heat will need more of the same to succeed this season. Wade is in his prime and will likely be able to shoulder the load. But he could use a little help, especially in Miami intends on surpassing last season’s 43 wins. The days of the Leastern Conference are over. To sniff home court in the East this year may require 50 wins.

Michael Beasley has not exactly shone signs of a pending bust out season. His personal struggles aside, Beasley must establish a consistent identity on the floor. He has the skills on offense to be very aggressive, but he is still feeling his way through sets. Rumors that Miami will experiment with him at the 3 are intriguing. Their bet has gotta be that he will put up big points, because staying with those quick threes is going to challenge for Mr. Beasley. Be tentative no more, Michael. Time has come to attack.

The base of Jermaine O’Neal, Udonis Haslem, and second year p.g. Mario Chalmers is solid. JO’s days of flying around the rim are done. But he is 7’0 veteran with a decent bag of tricks. He can still protect the basket with his length and timing. Of course, he has to stay healthy. Haslem is pro. His combination of tenacity and poise is fantastic. Straight battler. Chalmers is just one of those dudes who can play. He does not overwhelm you with his athleticism, but he has the tools to compete for sure.

Depending on 2^nd year players can be sketchy. Though I believe Mario will answer the bell, the acquisition of Carlos Arroyo was a good move by the wiley Riley. Assuming Chalmers plays great, Arroyo still provides needed stability to a second unit chuck full of swingmen. Miami has no depth up front, unless you count Sluggin Jamal McGloire. Three guard rotations will be common, with Haslem slidding over to center and Beasley at the power forward spot.

Small forward is a remains an unresolved issue. Whether Miami rolls with Beas, or James Jones, the overall lack of punch on the perimeter aside from DWade is a problem. Both Daequan Cook and Dorell Wright have shown signs. Unfortunately, the no-longer-so-young duo hangs their hats on the offensive end, which ultimately limits their impact as potential rotation players. Diawara gets into it defensively, and he will earn minutes. James Jones needs to have a big year from downtown, whether as a starter or a sub, to give Wade some space to get busy.

Compared to Chicago, Phoenix and even Washington, Miami does not have the depth of talent on the roster. But Dwyane Wade’s star shines so bright, that for at least half Miami’s games, his team is winning. Amazing. If Wade goes down for even 10 games, can Miami sustain without him? If he stays healthy, can the Heat knock out an inevitably more talented team come playoff time? It is all about DWade.

If your listening

We put a password on Euterpe's Bird just in case the man was tryin to bring us down for sharing music with friends.

For those now thwarted by this new level of defining friendship, the password is pandora.

For those reading this who are not friends, or possibly even foes, I forbid you to use the password.

Rock on (within the constraints of the law, and just among friends)

Thanks

(a sorta) League Preview: Chicago Bulls

After reviewing the sorriest and the lottery likelies, the focus turned to a grouping of teams that has known the lottery at least once in recent seasons. Entering 2009-10, these teams have big dreams and the talent to win. Come April, the Suns, Raptors, Wizards, Clippers and Thunder are planning to be in the mix. Same for the 2^nd best team in the East’s Central Division.

Chicago Bulls

PG Derrick Rose Jannero Pargo Lindsey Hunter

SG John Salmons Kirk Hinrich

SF Luol Deng Taj Gibson

PF Tyrus Thomas James Johnson

C Joakim Noah Brad Miller Jerome James

What is Chicago doing in the company of the ‘might be something’s? In a thrilling 7 game first round loss to Boston, the Bulls showed all the markings young team poised to emerge from the crowd. That well could be the case. However, the loss of Ben Gordon and the performance by many of these same players in 2007-08 (33 wins) raise enough questions to cast doubt of the Bulls status as sure fire up and comers.

Chicago could be very good. We all know how good Derrick Rose is going to be: Likely a top lead guard in the League for the next decade and maybe something more special still. Salmons and Deng are very good wings in the prime of their careers. Hinrich is going to have a great year in the third guard role. Where the Bulls have questions is their potentially spectacular front line. Noah, Thomas and Miller could be the terror of the East. Or injuries and inconsistency could spell Chicago’s doom.

The Bulls front line play was really good from the point of Miller’s arrival. Miller’s willingness to come off the bench is outstanding. He is a wonderfully skilled big man. Miller anchors the young Bulls in a manner not unlike Sabonis on those fly Blazers squads from the turn of the millennium. Though he occupies a valuable salary slot with his expiring contract, keeping Miller for the whole year would be a great move for the Chi. Noah is a lock to take a substantial step forward this season. He could be an elite defender and rebounder with consistency and confidence. Noah plays very well with Miller. The x-factor is the meteoric Tyrus Thomas. How many awesome moments has that guy had? He seems able to do most anything Amare can do. Sometimes. Sometimes is a big problem in the 82 game NBA.

Rose is going to miss Ben Gordon for sure. Hinrich is going to bring a lot to the table as the secondary ball handler for the 21 year old point guard. But those 20-25 point explosions are gone from the Bulls attack. To some extent Rose is going to be expected to pick up the slack. Where Rose and the Bulls will be judged is by the efficiency by which he fits the bill. The bonds he builds with Salmons and Deng will be key. Both are versatile enough to create for themselves and other teammates. Their production will also be key towards filling the void created by Gordon’s departure.

The Bulls have a few wild cards with rookies James Johnson and Taj Gibson. Both are tweener forwards who bring energy, skills and savvy off the deep bench. With the injury history of Thomas and to a lesser extent Miller, having a few extra big live bodies will definitely come in handy.

Chicago missing the playoffs is very hard to imagine. Chicago stumbling through a less dramatic first round loss seems more than reasonable. But then there is the other scenario where Rose, Salmons, Deng, Thomas, Noah, Hinrich and Miller get something cooking and they become everybody’s first round nightmare. One of the fun things about young players is you never know they are going to fully arrive.