Thread: What's next for the Chicago Bulls?

Chicago Bulls Close to Naming Assistant Coach | Bleacher Report

Chicago Bulls Close to Naming Assistant Coach

During this offseason, the Chicago Bulls added Carlos Boozer and six other new players to their roster and announced longtime NBA assistant coach Tom Thibodeau as their new head coach.
However, with less than two months remaining before opening night, the Bulls have yet to name the final assistant coach who will join Thibodeau in his first campaign as skipper.
Longtime Chicago assistant Pete Myers stepped down from his post after reportedly accepting another position with the organization. Over the last two months, several names have been linked to the vacancy.
As I reported on Bleacher Report, former NBA forward Larry Johnson, who has no formal coaching experience, was among the rumored candidates. On Aug. 6, though, Thibodeau, conducting an interview with a Chicago radio station, eliminated the former New York Knick saying, "(Johnson) was interested but, at this point, I don't think it's a possibility any longer."
I also wrote about the potential hiring of former NBA player and head coach Terry Porter last month.
Porter, who once coached the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, has nearly 10 years of experience coaching in the NBA. Many outlets report Porter as being among the leading candidates for the job.
Last week, former Oklahoma Sooners and Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kelvin Sampson was speculated as the replacement for Myers. However, it is widely assumed Sampson will deny any offer, opting to continue his stint as an assistant to Scott Skiles with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Former Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings head coach Eric Musselman is the final known candidate for the job. Musselman, who has drawn criticism for his lackluster records as an NBA head coach, is also being vetted by the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets for the same role.
He has also previously assisted legendary head coach Chuck Daly and veteran NBA skippers Mike Fratello and Doc Rivers.
At this time, Musselman, Porter and Sampson appear to be the three finalists for the position. Considering Samspon's current employment with the Bucks and the high interest being directed towards Mussselman, former All-Star point guard Terry Porter seems to be the front-runner.
Chicago Bulls head coach Thibodeau is expected to announce his official decision in the coming days.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nb...ory?id=5521714

Carlos Boozer thinking big

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer has lofty expectations for his new team this season.
"A championship," he told ESPNChicago.com on Wednesday night after a Nike House of Hoops event. "I think a realistic goal for us is a championship. I think anything shorter than that we're setting ourselves up to be shorter than what we can reach. I think [we have] potential to be a championship-level team."
One of the reasons Boozer feels so confident is due to the fact that he gets to play with the Bulls' 21-year-old All-Star point guard, Derrick Rose.
"He's tight," Boozer said. "He can play. With our combination of what we have on our team, with myself in the post, with D. Rose at the point guard spot, Joakim [Noah] plugging that middle up, Luol Deng being very versatile on the wing, I think we have a team that can rival anybody. I think we'll be able to compete against every team in the league."
When it comes to Rose's progression specifically, Boozer isn't surprised at all that his new teammate is succeeding under the tutelage of his former college coach at Duke and current Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
"I think [Rose] went out there and made that team, proved to be the starter for that team," Boozer said. "Coach K loves him, of course, and they've been able to compete and have a chance to win. I think they're a game or two away from winning the gold and hopefully they can bring it back for us."
Boozer signed with the Bulls and became a teammate of Rose's only after the organization failed to land LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The veteran forward understands that he just endured a few crazed few months that were unlike any other in NBA history.
"It was that kind of a summer," he said. "You had so many big names going different places, or possibly going different places. Obviously, Miami's crazy right now down there on the beach; obviously, we're crazy coming up here. In New York, [there's] a little bit of a buzz with Amare [Stoudemire] going up there. So for us, it was one of those situations where this summer was looked to for so long, people were anticipating this summer, now that it's here, everybody signed, everybody's on their team, now it's time to play basketball."
Boozer is looking forward to doing just that, especially with Rose and Noah, since they were two of the biggest reasons he felt comfortable playing in Chicago.
"I'm very excited to be part of the team," he said. "[I'm] looking forward to get going. Looking forward to seeing how good we can be. We have to prove ourselves. I think on paper we look terrific. I think we have to put what we have on paper on the court, get in the lab, mix it up, see how we jell together and then go out there and prove to everybody how good we are."

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...nt-for-chicago

Is a Carmelo Anthony Acquisition Imminent for Chicago?

With a potential cherry on top of the 2010 free agency frenzy, speculation has increased in a massive manner as Carmelo Anthony is rumored to be traded.
Right off the bat, the NBA's sparkling new bandwagon team from South Beach has gained ground as a potential destination for 'Melo.
In addition to the Heat, New Orleans is expected to rise to greatness in a sport separate from football by landing Anthony.
Well, all rumors aside, the Chicago Bulls need to be re-considered among the dark horses.
A potential trade has been swirling about within media, including Chicago's SF Luol Deng, PF Taj Gibson, and two future first rounders for Denver's prized possession.
Immediately, Nuggets fanatics' ears should be perked. If 'Melo is destined to represent another team, Denver would be smart to take this trade sooner than later.
Luol Deng, an "overpaid" small forward, has been considered a near-bust. The Sudanese-British star was selected seventh overall in the 2004 NBA Draft, and would be highly recommended if up for trade.
Averaging 15.8 points per game with six and a half rebounds, Deng would thrive in a role in Chicago's current state, but would definitely bring the Bulls closer to a championship if Carmelo arrived.
Also, Deng is only 25, bringing important defense to a team which needs athleticism. Luol Deng would be the most important piece of the puzzle in a trade situation.
Next is Taj Gibson, 2009's NBA All-Rookie first team member.
Many slate Gibson as a powerful defender, with the ability to offer energy in the paint.
Both Luol Deng and Taj Gibson could be vital to any takers, as their youth and potential should raise some eyebrows.
Carmelo Anthony would indeed enable the Chicago Bulls to compete against the Miami Heat. Depth would be plentiful for both teams, alongside a stacked starting five. This trade may be too good to pass up in Denver's point-of-view.
2010's free agency is full of surprises.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nb...ory?id=5548742

Adrian Griffin returns to Chicago

Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau rounded out his staff with the addition of assistant Adrian Griffin on Wednesday.
Griffin spent the past two seasons working as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks. He had two different stints with the Bulls as a player (2004-05, 2006-08).
Griffin will join Ron Adams and Andy Greer on the Bulls bench. He will fill the spot vacated by the firing of Pete Myers. Myers is working with the team in another capacity for the coming season.

Unfortunately I think the Knicks will make the better offer. Are the Nuggets dumb enough to accept Deng in return? ^^

I'm praying to God that Carmelo will chose the right team. A couple of months ago I was also praying to God because I wanted Dwyane Wade to make the right choice..... He didn't. Now I want Carmelo to make the right one.