End of an Era
Jan 2, 2017 19:38:58 GMT
Post by Cleasby on Jan 2, 2017 19:38:58 GMT
End of an Era
Remember this day folks today is the day that the Chicago Bulls have officially moved to the next phase in the franchises history.
It has been a fun 7 years since the trio of Norm Nixon, Tree Rollins and Michael Jordan were brought together. The end result was Two Championships an unbeaten playoff run for one of them and a league regular season record of 74-8. For most Chicago fans they will rue the lack of Championships over the 6 years. But for a franchise who had never gotten the to the finals it marks an era that will go down for the ages. It may be argued that the rise of Indiana put a dent in what could have been a dynasty.
However It was inevitable that the trio were never going to last. As Norm and Tree both now enter their 17th season in the league at the ages of 37 Chicago hit a cross roads, keep going and burn out slowly each year hoping Tree and Norm do not breakdown or try and retool the roster and look forward. Something that is difficult to comprehend given the regular season performance last year.
Surveying the free agency situation this offseason it appeared that Chicago had decided to change tact and rather than keep the trio and give it one last go the Bulls management made a swift change over the weekend and renounce all remaining free agents and make use of the cap situation.
It was clear that Chicago were targeting 3 possible top tier agents, Shawn Kemp the franchise power forward from New Jersey, Elden Campbell the defensive centre from Miami and Gary Payton the aggressive guard from Milwaukee. Early rumours coming out of Chicago were that Elden Campbell was the number one target. Suggestions that he could fit in the system as a replacement to Tree Rollins with the franchise.
Unfortunately Houston who have been aggressive this free agency signing Stacey Augumon earlier in the offseason snapped him up before Chicago's renouncements could clear. Eldest representatives have since confirmed no contact was made with their client from Chicago.
That left two Kemp and Payton. Chicago held meetings with both players.
Kemp was the ideal post player to help deal with Chicago's main threat in the conference, Indiana who have the powerhouse frontcourt of Robinson and Hakeem. However Bulls management were concerned with his need to have the ball to be effective. In a team where Jordan controls the game could Kemp make it count without having the offence focussed around him?
Payton as the point would get the ball. But without it he has the defensive tenacity to be disruptive to the opposition and IQ to make the right call between being too aggressive and too passive. But Paytons career in the league so far has been patchy. Does he have the passing ability and handles to be a true point guard?
With that as they say is history. Chicago put forward their offer to Payton who today signed on the dotted line and arrived in Chicago on a five year maximum salary deal.
With Payton signed Chicago now have approximately $5 million dollars in cap room left. With only 4 people currently on the (5 if rookie Kevin Thompson makes it through camp) Chicago will have to make the most of the bargain basement in the GAH free agency to build a frontcourt and bench.
There is no doubt that this roster will not be as good as last season and the franchise has taken a large step back. What Chicago fans will be hoping is that it is one large step back for the franchise to take a large leap forward and bring back a third title.
Let's see what the rest of free agency brings!
Remember this day folks today is the day that the Chicago Bulls have officially moved to the next phase in the franchises history.
It has been a fun 7 years since the trio of Norm Nixon, Tree Rollins and Michael Jordan were brought together. The end result was Two Championships an unbeaten playoff run for one of them and a league regular season record of 74-8. For most Chicago fans they will rue the lack of Championships over the 6 years. But for a franchise who had never gotten the to the finals it marks an era that will go down for the ages. It may be argued that the rise of Indiana put a dent in what could have been a dynasty.
However It was inevitable that the trio were never going to last. As Norm and Tree both now enter their 17th season in the league at the ages of 37 Chicago hit a cross roads, keep going and burn out slowly each year hoping Tree and Norm do not breakdown or try and retool the roster and look forward. Something that is difficult to comprehend given the regular season performance last year.
Surveying the free agency situation this offseason it appeared that Chicago had decided to change tact and rather than keep the trio and give it one last go the Bulls management made a swift change over the weekend and renounce all remaining free agents and make use of the cap situation.
It was clear that Chicago were targeting 3 possible top tier agents, Shawn Kemp the franchise power forward from New Jersey, Elden Campbell the defensive centre from Miami and Gary Payton the aggressive guard from Milwaukee. Early rumours coming out of Chicago were that Elden Campbell was the number one target. Suggestions that he could fit in the system as a replacement to Tree Rollins with the franchise.
Unfortunately Houston who have been aggressive this free agency signing Stacey Augumon earlier in the offseason snapped him up before Chicago's renouncements could clear. Eldest representatives have since confirmed no contact was made with their client from Chicago.
That left two Kemp and Payton. Chicago held meetings with both players.
Kemp was the ideal post player to help deal with Chicago's main threat in the conference, Indiana who have the powerhouse frontcourt of Robinson and Hakeem. However Bulls management were concerned with his need to have the ball to be effective. In a team where Jordan controls the game could Kemp make it count without having the offence focussed around him?
With that as they say is history. Chicago put forward their offer to Payton who today signed on the dotted line and arrived in Chicago on a five year maximum salary deal.
"I'm glad to be in Chicago and can't wait to be a part of a successful franchise".
- Gary Payton
With Payton signed Chicago now have approximately $5 million dollars in cap room left. With only 4 people currently on the (5 if rookie Kevin Thompson makes it through camp) Chicago will have to make the most of the bargain basement in the GAH free agency to build a frontcourt and bench.
"There is no doubt that we will have to be creative for the rest of this free agency to get us into good shape for the season." - GM Cleasby
There is no doubt that this roster will not be as good as last season and the franchise has taken a large step back. What Chicago fans will be hoping is that it is one large step back for the franchise to take a large leap forward and bring back a third title.
Let's see what the rest of free agency brings!