Grading the Bulls Free Agent Signings So Far

Chicago signs a few new faces, but is it enough?

By: Sal Galati

   With the conclusion of the Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah era in Chicago, the Bulls had no choice but to bring in a different set of players to fill their desires of having a younger and more athletic roster. For the first time since the dreadful Ben Wallace signing roughly 10 years ago, the Bulls front office, despite scrutiny from fans, have managed to pull off bringing some bigger names to the organization. Was it for the better of the team, or just a desperate hope of keeping our downward spiral team relevant to the league? Let's take a few moments to evaluate each of the signings that Chicago has made thus far.

Isiah Canaan: B+

G Isiah Canaan as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers last season

   The Bulls have decided to match the rest of the league by trying to become a more run-and-gun team, and testing their luck from beyond the arc, Chicago has always had great 3-point shooters, but were never leading any categories as a team. 

   Enter Isiah Canaan. The 25 year old shooting guard who has played for the Houston Rockets, and more recently, the Philadelphia 76ers, provides exactly that. Canaan's career 3-point average is roughly 38.5 percent, which is not going to be atop amongst the leagues best, considering that point guard from Golden State is shooting a 3-point average higher than an average players total field goal percentage. I think we all know who I'm talking about. But still, Canaan is still young, and at $2.2 million over the course of 2 years, you don't spend very much on a back up shooting guard who's young and still growing into his role in the league.

   Perhaps Canaan's best quality, is being able to shoot from the free throw line. This may seem like a minor trait to have, but considering that the Bulls haven't shot too well from the charity stripe, bringing in a young player who can already shoot an average 81 percent, strengthens them, and provides them with that much needed free throw line presence in close game situations.

   All-in-all, a cheap, young, and quite gifted asset to pick up to back up our starting shooting guard. Look to see Canaan playing big minutes off the bench, or if lengthy injuries occur. He replaces E'Twaan Moore, who departed for New Orleans early this free agency.

Paul Zipser: C

Zipser playing with Germany's Bayern-Munich

   It comes as no surprise that another year's draft has come and gone with the Bulls picking another foreign player to add to their arsenal. Chicago has always liked foreign players and lately has become an almost every year reaccurance for them. Such players as Andres Nocioni, Omer Asik, Dragan Tarlac, Dalibar Bagaric, and more recently Nikola Mirotic. You can now add forward Paul Zipser to that list. Chicago drafted him in this year's draft as the 48th over all pick in the second round.

   Zipser, the 22 year old German, who was previously playing for FC Bayern-Munich, is 6' 8" and can also play the guard position. His stats aren't the most spectacular, however he managed to register and league championship, as well as an All-Star appearance. 

   During the 2015-16 season, Paul played roughly 15 minutes while tallying approximately 5 points and an assist. Once again, not incredible stats, but the Bulls like what they found in Zipser and have signed him to a multi-year deal. 

  It is unsure on what Zipser's role will be or which minutes he will play but my guess would be somewhere in the third string. Unlike Canaan, I don't see him playing crucial bench minutes unless a major injury occurs. He may even be a reserve player.

Rajon Rondo: B-

Rajon Rondo with the Sacramento Kings

  We are almost at the home stretch of the signings, and now we get to the players that left some fans scratching their heads, and others cheering. We'll start with Rajon Rondo. With Derrick Rose being traded to New York roughly a month ago, the Bulls found themselves without a franchise point guard, which in today's league, a young and athletic point guard is like gold. The point guard position has become the most coveted position on the court, as well as it should. 

   But why Rondo? He's not young. He can't shoot the long ball very well, nor would you call his athleticism spectacular. It also is no secret that Rondo has had his run ins with various coaches including the great George Karl. The Bulls have a young, inexperienced coach, it's almost like throwing a Rottweiler a T-bone. However, both Rondo and Fred insist that they can come to mutual agreements and look to the bigger picture of getting the W at the end of the games.

   Rondo provides that much needed pass game that the Bulls need so desperately, and at 30 years old, with all the stars of the league, he still managed to record a double digit average of 11.7 assists a game, which matches his career high back in 2012.

  So once again, why Rondo? Why now? The answer is simple. Rondo provides veteran leadership and has a tremendous knowledge about the game. Being a former champion, and a key part of Boston's championship team with friends Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. 

   If Rondo can put his past behind him and turn a new leaf, this signing will prove to be a blessing in disguise. All-in-all, a great signing by Gar Forman in an attempt to keep relevancy to the team. Rondo of course will start, with newly acquired Jerian Grant waiting patiently behind him. At 2 years for $47 million, and that second year being partially guaranteed, this addition could prove to be better than expected.

Dwyane Wade: B

Can Dwyane Wade provide that much needed spark for his home-
town team?

   Now we get to the moment we have all been waiting for, the main event, the piece de resistance. Bulls fans everywhere absolutely erupted at the signing of Dwyane Wade. And why wouldn't you? A 3 time champion, 12 time All-Star, and many, many more accolades that would require and article of their own to list off. Not to mention another homegrown talent to fill that void after Chicago native Derrick Rose was shipped off to the Big Apple. 

   Not everyone has been on board this signing however. There are fans and critics that believe that this was just a desperation move by the front office and that Dwyane has absolutely no business being on our roster because of his point in his career and being highly injury prone. Many fans are also still angry about Wade's decision to stay in Miami and team up with LeBron James and Chris Bosh forming one of the most historic super teams in NBA history. 

   Truth is, you can't fault a player for staying on his respected team, playing for an incredible city like Miami. Where yes, Dwyane Wade six years ago would have been an incredible signing and not what people believe is the sloppy seconds of Miami, but rest assured, that if Wade's heart is in it, he will easily prove the critics wrong. He has already stated on 'The Kelly Ripa Show'. that he grew up idolizing the Chicago Bulls when he was younger and watching his father play basketball in the park with a Bulls jersey on. 

   It's all up to Mr. Wade at this point. He still has not officially signed with the team just yet, and can still back out or even retire if he decided to, but that doesn't seem to be a realistic belief, seeing as though he made this signing sound like he is living a dream more than anything. 

   Once Wade signs on that dotted line, he is going to start and play major minutes providing he can stay healthy. It comes as no secret that Dwyane can still play, he also has an ability to elevate his game in the postseason. After being absent from the playoffs last season, the Bulls are desperately trying to make a return in style. Wade agreed to a 2 year $47.5 million offer a couple of weeks ago.

   These moves don't make Chicago a contender by any means, but it definitely spices up the Eastern Conference. With LeBron James still playing in the East, it doesn't leave much room for teams to dethrone the reigning NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, it just makes the journey a little more enjoyable.

  One thing is for certain though, this season of Chicago Bulls basketball, will definitely be one for the history books. From surely being in a rebuild mode, despite Gar Forman calling it a "retooling", to being once again back in the mix to be a postseason team, the Bulls have made the necessary moves that they needed to save the franchise from disastrous consequences. So sit back, relax, and grab your popcorn because this upcoming season will most definitely be one you wont want to miss out on.

Overall Front Office Grade: C+

   

Bulls Take Spurs Down to the Wire to Remain Undefeated in Summer League Games

Portis and Valentine lead the Chicago Bulls back from an 11 point deficit to edge the San Antonio Spurs in a 79-76 victory

By: Sal Galati

Denzel Valentine showing off his hard work effort as taught by
Michigan State coach, the great Tom Izzo.

   Well, the Chicago Bulls may not look like contenders in the NBA this year, but their Summer League team on the other hand is another story. After trailing for most of the game, Bobby Portis, and Denzel Valentine sparked the scorching Bulls team to remain undefeated in Tuesday nights' battle of a pair of unbeaten teams.

   The San Antonio Spurs had much going on in the passed few days, after losing arguably the best power forward in the game Tim Duncan to retirement, however there was still a game to be played. Former WNBA player and defending Summer League Champion Coach Becky Hammon took the reigns of the Spurs' team once again and brought them to a 2-0 start of the NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas. Hammon being the first ever woman Assistant Coach, and being mentored by the legendary Gregg Poppovich, has quickly made a splash around the league.

   The Spurs jumped to an early lead in the game because of a couple turnover issues the Bulls were having. In spite of poor passing decisions, and a couple of screen violations, the Bulls managed to keep the score close at about a 6 point deficit average.

   Poor shooting was also the Achilles heal of Chicago shooting just an abysmal 18.8 percent from the field. Denzel Valentine, the Bulls 14th pick in this years draft drained the first 3-pointer of the game, then proceeded to go 1-7 from the field. 

   It was a couple of sleepers that kept Chicago in the contest. Forward Jack Cooley came in off of the bench and immediately provided the Bulls with a rebounding presence with an ability to clean up the boards. Newly waived guard and back up to recently acquired Jerian Grant, Spencer Dinwiddie added a few crafty buckets of his own but all of these efforts were not enough to give Chicago a lead. They trailed at the half shooting a lousy 38 percent from the field.

Last year's Summer League MVP, Johanthon Simmons, actually
paid $150 for a tryout with a D-League team back in 2012.

   The Spurs continued their run into the second half of the game backed behind Johnathon Simmons, a player who went undrafted back in 2012 and actually had paid $150 just land a tryout with a D-League team. Simmons finished with a game high 22 points while shooting 6-10 from the field and hitting 9-11 free throws

   Simmons' big game however was not enough to keep the Bulls from charging back from an 11 point deficit. Last year's first-round pick, and fan-favorite power forward Bobby Portis provided the push that the team needed registering 18 points and 8 rebounds including a spectacular put-back dunk on a Spencer Dinwiddie missed layup. He wouldn't be alone in the action. Denzel Valentine started heating up and hitting a few inside jumpers and after 14 total lead changes and a back and forth final quarter, the Chicago Bulls were able to walk out of the gym with a perfect 3-0 record.

   San Antonio had a chance to win it late in the game, with only 10 seconds left in the game, Hammon called a time out to advance the ball into the front court. providing the Spurs with one final chance to tie the game. Johanthon Simmons attempted the 3-point field goal from the right sideline only to miss it and come up short on the attempt to tie the game.

   With this victory the Chicago Bulls take their undefeated record into the Summer League playoffs with the best chances of receiving a first-round bye. Seeding, as well as official times and channels of the tournament are to follow. All-in-all it was a great, hard-fought, team effort for the Bulls.

Wade-ing on the World to Change

Nearly a week after committing to his hometown team, Dwyane Wade had yet to sign his contract. 

By: Sal Galati

A smiling Dwyane Wade standing in front of his new logo

   The 2016 NBA free agency has most definitely been one for the record books. Players have been signing contracts whose salary figures are beyond astronomical. From Mike Conley Jr. signing a 5 year $153 million to remain in Memphis to Kevin Durant inking a 2 year $54 million contract to take his talents to Golden State and join perhaps one of the mightiest teams in NBA history with the Warriors. But, with all the big market free agents signing with their respected agreed upon teams, one has yet to make his deal official. I'm talking of course about the biggest free agent story to rock the NBA this year, Dwyane Wade.

   Who would have thought in a million years that Dwyane Wade, the Flash, Mr. Miami Heat himself would be departing from the team that drafted number five overall back in 2003, and gave three championships to? The answer is, well, no one.

   Wade's decision to leave the Miami Heat came due to the inability to reach a mutual agreement with General Manager Pat Riley, on a sizable contract of his own. After sitting back and watching Center Hassan Whiteside nab a contract tallying 4 years $98 million, Dwyane was floored to hear his initial offer of only $10 million. It's almost low-balling to offer perhaps the one player most synonymous with the Miami Heat franchise such chump change. So with little choice and no sign of achieving a contract to suit his worth, Mr. Wade decided to take his talents elsewhere.

   As many know, since being drafted to the Miami Heat, Dwyane has never been the highest paid player on the team, even after bringing all the success to the franchise that he has. The most recent coming back in 2010 after taking a pay cut to bring superstars LeBron James and Chris Bosh, to the organization in hopes of chasing that coveted NBA gold.

   Dwyane met with a few teams including the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks (who just so happen to play in the same arena that his college team of Marquette retired his jersey and is hanging in the rafters above), New York Knicks, and a few others.

   Finally, Mr. Wade had made a decision, much like former teammate LeBron James, to return home to his roots. To that beautiful city by the lake, the Windy City of Chicago to play with his childhood favorite team, the Chicago Bulls.

   On Wednesday, July 6, the Bulls and Dwyane Wade agreed to a 2 year $47 million deal to counteract a 2 year $40 million offer that the Heat offered in desperate hopes to retain their superstar.

   NBA rules clearly state that players and teams may agree to terms as early as July 1st. However, no player is able to officially sign with such team until July 8th.

   Well, July 8th as we know came and went with still no sign of a Dwyane Wade signature on the bottom of a contract. It was speculated that Wade was going to sign on this past Monday, however, once again, the day came and went without an official signing.

   Chicago Bulls fans across the city, as well as across the nation must wait another day to see Dwyane Wade raising the number 3 Bulls jersey (that former holder Doug McDermott unhesitatingly gave up on an Instagram post), with GM Gar Forman and Head Coach Fred Hoiberg. Some have even raised suspicion that the new superstar guard is even having some "cold-feet" about his decision to leave the only place he has called home for the past 13 years.

   Not to worry. That day will come soon. Dwyane will sign that contract, hoist the jersey, fill the seats, and most importantly compete at the highest level possible every game for his childhood team that sparked his love for the game...the Chicago Bulls.

  As for Pat Riley, the Miami Heat organization, and for the Heat fans around the world? I guess the only thing they can do is sit back and watch as their 13 year era comes to an end. It's as if this entire empire is gone...gone in a Flash.

 

Red-Hot Bulls Off To A Perfect Start to Summer League

With the help of some familiar faces and a few new ones, the Chicago Bulls start off 2-0 in Summer League Games

By: Sal Galati

    After a shocking conclusion to the 2016 NBA season, and the money market that was free agency, basketball fans everywhere simply cannot wait for the start of the 2016-17 season. Some teams drafted the player or players that they feel are going to put them over the top. But, before we can even talk about the beginning of the season, we must first venture through the widely-forgotten Summer League where our Chicago Bulls have been turning some heads.

    The Bulls began their Summer League games notching victories in both of their games against some of the bigger names in this years draft, along with the number one overall pick this year, Ben Simmons.

Bulls F/C Bobby Portis living up to the hype and dominating the Summer League

    In their first game, the Bulls crusied their way to a 71-62 victory against Jaylen Brown, and the Boston Celtics with Bobby Portis leading the way with 17 points and grabbing 13 total rebounds. Newly acquired teammate Jerian Grant, added 14 points to the total while shooting 6-13 from the field. Bulls rookie Denzel Valentine struggled in his first outing only tallying 8 points and shooting 4-16 from the field. Guard Terry Rozier lead the Celtics in scoring putting up 13 points. All-in-all, a solid outing for the Bulls as the pick up the 9 point "W", in front of Head Coach Fred Hoiberg sitting court side with the announcers.

    Perhaps the bigger victory of the two games however, came Sunday night when the Bulls took on the Philadelphia 76ers and top overall pick in the draft, Ben Simmons. Simmons racked up 18 points while drawing some oohs and ahhs from the crowd as well as some of the players, but in the end it wasn't enough to give the 76ers the win as they lose by a double-digit score of 83-70. Chicago Bulls center Cristiano Felicio dominated the game scoring 17 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

    The Bulls' next contest is against the San Antonio Spurs, which can be seen on ESPN 2 on Tuesday, July 12 at 8:00 P.M. ET.

    Although the NBA season is a long ways ahead, watching the new faces of the league as they rise to stardom is leaving us fans' mouths watering and hungry for more NBA action.