Why Hasnt Sam and Niko Uploaded a Video in a While
Enquire Sam Mailbag: Questions near Onyeka Okongwu, Obi Toppin, and more
Sam Smith has a total mailbag as nosotros inch closer to November's NBA Draft.
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Tom Plonowski:
Your article on the Bulls making a trade in the typhoon. I uncertainty Minnesota will give future considerations particularly unprotected. The 1st overall selection, the #17 overall pick, Culver, and fillers such equally James Johnson seems reasonable. I would do that trade, though I'one thousand not really sure who I'd have. Take Anthony Edwards is my thought, simply you lot have just acquired Jarrett Culver. Would the Bulls take Ball at number 1? Couldn't they take him at #4? You lot bring up James Wiseman. I recollect he volition be an interesting talent, but then do you break up Lauri and Carter? That tin can exist a monstrous tandem up front. A few months back, there was an article near the Hawks being in play for LaVine. Now, the Hawks have the #vi pick and some proficient pieces. If I'k Chicago, I enquire for Hunter, the #6 pick, Kevin Huerter.
Sam Smith:
This is why NBA GM is the best job in the world. Consider that in that location's no examination, education or license requirement to exist a GM, like someone needs to exist an accountant or an electrician. And this is pretty much what they practise all solar day, also. They sit around and come up upwardly with trades, and since virtually don't know much near math they take a guy around who can interpret the salary cap. Or plug information technology into the ESPN merchandise auto to see if it works. It could be because of the virus, but the Bulls new management squad, while competent and professional, is keeping a safe distance from media and prying questions. A virus to avoid media! Why didn't we call up of that before? And based on the relative surprise hirings and firings, they're good at keeping secrets. So I recollect we're all going to exist trying out scenarios correct up to the typhoon pick.
I messed around with Minnesota this week because they accept the No. ane pick, Zach was there and fans loved him and he's by far the most valuable role player on the Bulls roster because of his rare combination for the Bulls of good health and high level performance. There's been blind speculation the Bulls would trade up, admitting without any specifics. So I added some speculation, though I think Minnesota ends up using the pick. Golden State's No. two supposedly is up for auction, and I assume they'd dear Zach with his shooting. But I can't see anyone on that roster they'd give up in exchange for someone like LaVine whom I'd want in order to move up merely ii spots. Downwards two spots?
The Hawks are one of those teams said to desire to trade its option since with Trae Immature an All-Star and adding Clint Capella they believe they tin can make a playoff run next season. They have cap room for a gratuitous agent, and I can see them loving to have someone like Zach. The Bulls didn't like Hunter in the last draft, but information technology'due south a new management. So who knows. I do like Huerter. Maybe management likes Reddish. The Bulls would accept Nos. 4 and vi and 2 immature Hawks players. Probably something you'd take to consider, though that'due south going even younger and is this the right draft to begin yet some other rebuild? Probably not.
Dennis Gray:
The Bulls need an upgrade to the roster. Basically, the whole team is not very good. Yes, we have LaVine. LaVine is not going to salvage this team. LaVine looks like a superstar on this team because you have nothing else. Furthermore, he is not a squad player he wants to sus scrofa the brawl and brand all the points. Coby is headed in the same management. The team needs to have at least 3 smashing players on the first unit. Merchandise LaVine and the rest and commencement over. This squad is not a squad for the futurity.
Sam Smith:
That's pretty harsh. I bet you don't like Tony LaRussa, either.
I'm not sure it's a nifty team, but the all—new guys are on the tape with the belief it's amend than that. I've droned on about this for months. But we've all seen much more from Markkanen, Carter and Satoransky. Immature and Porter accept their careers on the line. At that place's a lot for a lot of guys to prove, which provides a lot of motivation to get with a proven, professional coach who has gotten results with various levels of talent. Information technology's a combination that suggests an immediate improvement and the very least no reason to button the squirt push quite however. There's plenty of time for that. I know fans often prefer the cypher sum view of sports—title or bust it upwardly. I prefer the Pat Riley philosophy of thinking y'all can compete for a title every year and trying and trying and trying, and so something might happen, like this season when the Heat fabricated the Finals later on failing to make the playoffs three of the previous five seasons. Sure, they added Jimmy Butler. But it wasn't exactly the LeBron free agent sweepstakes. Plenty of teams passed. It'southward non the team for the futurity until it is. It's worth for the nigh function another look, though with the new guys I uncertainty it will be exactly the same for long.
Ealan Smith:
I believe that Onyeka Okongwu is going to be a star in the NBA. He was awesome and completely overpowered college players in his freshman year at USC. The kid has got elite athletic and basketball skills to not draft him if Wiseman and Edwards are gone. He has not gotten the media hype that he actually deserves. He has been a super superstar since his high school championships days in his 4 years of loftier school. You lot take the best player available and later on Wiseman and Edwards, that would be Okongwu.
Sam Smith:
It'due south why this draft is so confusing considering I agree Okongwu could be special. He looks really proficient and fearsome and why I suggested in my fantasy move of the week this week that the Timberwolves would want him as sort of a bodyguard for Towns. There are many questions for the new Bulls management with the latest consensus being they desire a playmaker in the draft, either a point guard or perhaps a wing/signal forwards like Avdija. Two players I like are Okongwu and Toppin for their force and physical presence at ability forrard. I know a lot of this flavor is supposed to be about recovering Lauri Markkanen because two years ago nosotros thought he might be as practiced as Jayson Tatum. Lauri'southward had injuries, but a significant flaw in his game has been his retreat with physical play and aggression. He's clearly skilled. But is he determined plenty to play through the contact? He seemed to be two years ago. So there's a iii in that location. Not so much since. Okongwu and Toppin, though ane more than defensively oriented and ane more for law-breaking, look like those players who could readapt Markkanen. Select one of them and let Markkanen compete with them? Await to fill some other need since there are many? Karnisovas has said information technology's all about the best player available. Which seems an arbitrary judgement in this draft.
Mike Sutera:
Was playing effectually with the merchandise checker and Horford and Simmons for Harden works direct up. Coin wise matches. Of course Sixers would have to send some picks.
Sam Smith:
With Daryl Morey's surprise hiring past the 76ers, the Simmons/Embiid "Who's Gone" debate began immediately. And given it's Morey, many immediately speculated he'd try to go Harden, who was his greatest coup and why he got shut. Morey is associated with the micro brawl the Rockets played. Mike D'Antoni is a small ball/analytics guy, simply not the way the Rockets played. Mike'south game was about movement even if the point baby-sit did so much moving. His game wasn't with Harden's continuing dribble. That was Harden, who overtook the franchise. Morey is a fantasy brawl GM. He likes the next star. Once it really was Omer Asik, one of his first large complimentary agent acquisitions. And then it'due south non just about mini ball.
I don't call up Embiid will be gone. Everything existence said now in Philadelphia has been sticking with Embiid and Simmons, which most don't believe. They don't seem to play prissy with ane another, and you get the sense Embiid has seen enough. I immediately idea of Bulls trade ideas for Simmons, whom I know doesn't shoot well. Merely he's a heck of a talent and really can defend. The 76ers demand shooting. Zach and Lauri? Unfortunately, Bulls players are undervalued because of the poor records and absence from Orlando. I don't see a lot of trading before next season. I can see Morey viewing Harden equally the missing piece with Embiid. Morey figures to be so anxious to go Harden, whose game should endure because he can't leap anyway, that I'd throw in Gordon'southward longer deal for Josh Richardson. The 76ers accept all their lottery picks for the next five years, so it as well would be a chance for Houston to restock since Morey traded away and so many picks. It is something to watch with the 76ers now. Like Riley, Morey always has been a go-for-it-now guy. Every at present and not then.
Tom Aureate:
I think Otto, due to the cynical reason of contract yr, plus he's had 2 years to get healthy is the Bulls only truthful value merchandise possibility. I know you and many fans similar the potential of Hutch, Denzel and others, but if you keep Otto, they're either gone or not used. I like to think of Otto during his healthy playing time, simply we're a young team and one and done at best next year then why endeavor and fit Otto into a young team with a potentially roller coaster year. I'1000 not even advocating dealing Otto, I'm just saying he's the merely guy we could mayhap get something of value for.
Sam Smith:
I'g not certain about Hutchison. He has tried, but he hasn't been able to endure and escape injuries from the physical play of the NBA. He came in an older player with supposedly a body that should have held upward better. And he needs to show conviction in his shot. It's why this season also is so huge for him. There's an old NBA proverb that afterward three years you are who you are. It's changed some with ane and doners. Just Hutchison came in at 22.
I disagree regarding Otto. It'south also a career defining season for him, which is why I expect more from him and less caution that he's exhibited. He's in that last flavor—shortly to pick up his pick we presume—of his contract. And good for him for getting it. Only not only if he wants to become another deal, but if he wants to continue to a serious NBA career he has to evidence he can play a full flavour and contribute. He's shown that just in cursory glances for two years. People forget apace in the NBA with 30 offset rounders coming in every year. I think Otto'southward playing for his career this season, which suggests the Bulls volition get a good flavor from him. He'due south been impressive at times. Merely I can't see another squad taking a risk at present on someone no i has basically seen do much in two years at close to $30 million for the flavor. Unless the Bulls were to take back a long Chris Paul/Blake Griffin/John Wall-type contract a team wants to move. I doubt the Bulls at present are in the market for that.
Nicholas Hill:
It seems that the NBA is eyeing a return in December. Honestly, I don't know if the NBPA would corroborate such an early commencement just if they did, I wonder how that would affect the view of players in the NBA draft. Continuity is going to be very valuable with such a quick turnaround and yous take a agglomeration of teenagers trying to learn a playbook in most a month. Plus the fact that their bodies aren't fully adult means they may become banged up very rapidly without the usual prep fourth dimension before the NBA flavour. Teams have already been reported trying to trade out and that mindset probably picks up steam now. Notwithstanding, if everyone is trying to trade out of the draft then that also begs the question of who is left to merchandise picks to?
That said, if I'm the Bulls, I kickoff looking at older players like Obi Toppin. He probably is the best available player in this scenario if he isn't picked before 4. I know a lot of people worry virtually his age just Lauri, Wendell, Zach and I think even Coby are all 20 or older. So, I don't see how adding a 22/23 twelvemonth old player hurts. Even if he doesn't "fit" which Arturas already said isn't how they're going to select a player. I tin't help simply think of how great a fast interruption with he Coby and Zach would be to watch. He might be a fleck redundant but that didn't sway the previous regime from taking Lauri when they had Niko and Bobby. Lauri ended upwardly beingness the best of the 3. Who'south to say Obi won't be the best out of he Wendell and Lauri later side by side flavour? Let him do what Thad didn't similar doing last year. Come in and play 20 minutes a game, shoot some 3s, dunk on somebody and scream at Lebron. The Bulls lack that actor correct now.
Sam Smith:
Adept point. As I stated, I've been impressed watching Toppin score like an NBA player. There's obviously a contend going on now with the flavour beginning dates, the league hoping for Dec. 22 and the players thinking about it. I concur it will be unusually difficult and unprecedented on these immature rookies to accept a Nov. 18 draft and then with no summer league be in camp to commencement Dec. I'm not sure then many teams are trying to trade out, but I accept doubts there'll exist so much trading downwards available as speculated since at that place don't seem to be many teams who have to have a certain guy. Which is why if you lot like Toppin, whom many accept falling between Nos. 5 and x, simply accept him at No. 4. Defense gets mentioned every bit a weakness, though I don't see many two-fashion rookies. Unless the Bulls can get Noah dorsum, often speculated because of Baton Donovan, the lack of taunting LeBron does remain a weakness.
Burt Amos:
Is this a realistic trade possibility if Boston does not take Gordon Hayward in their long-term plans? I think the salaries match up: Bulls go Hayward and Boston's #14 pick, Boston gets Otto Porter and #4 selection. For giving up the better actor Boston moves up in the draft and saves a few bucks. Bulls become the better player with the hope that he recaptures his one-time all-star operation and really likes Donovan and Chicago and decides to resign a long-term deal effectively giving the bulls a star for the 2021 complimentary bureau sweepstakes. Bulls all the same go along a draft selection high enough to get someone who could contribute.
Sam Smith:
This seems like the lose/lose sort of bargain. Perhaps it'south improve for Boston long term moving up 10 spots in the typhoon, though many still are saying you can get someone at No. 14 who'll surpass someone at No. 4. Just who? The much injured Hayward has just one yr left, similar Porter. But then he's a complimentary agent and hardly that final piece for the Bulls. And it doesn't advertise well and perhaps becomes beware of them to other free agents if Boston were to trade a height free amanuensis acquisition to a squad with a losing tape. But let's go on the suggestions coming. There's still three weeks with cipher but suggestions.
Mike Hasemann:
If the Bulls can movement Young and/or Sato and rescind Valentine, tin can they costless upward plenty money to make a run at (Fred) Van Fleet? Seems like they need to add together quality players even if its at positions they're solid at. I'd like to see them go with Van Fleet and LaVine and so white off the bench. And then draft Toppin and call it a day.
Sam Smith:
It's unlikely that teams with salary cap room would use that for players like Immature and Satoransky. I suppose it is theoretically possible. Merely if yous had saved salary cap room—and no criminal offence as they are skilful players—are Immature and Satoransky the players you'd like to tell your fan base you acquired after conserving for cap room? I expect Toronto to let go free agents Gasol and Ibaka and make a stiff offer to VanVleet, who is popular and constructive and a big part of the way they play, especially with Kyle Lowry going into his final contract season. I don't encounter the Bulls involved in free bureau this offseason other than possibly using their exception of about $8 one thousand thousand.
Joe Jebuzz:
For a multitude of reasons I'grand not a LaVine fan. What exercise you lot suppose is the market place for him? Brooklyn would seem to exist a natural fit for him, and they have some pieces that would interest me. Dinwiddie, LeVert and Allen come to mind.
Sam Smith:
I've never fully understood the antipathy toward Zach other than the overall lack of team success, which has many fathers. I remember a lot of teams believe they could steal Zach because of comments they may hear from various fans and media. So you probably could go i of those players, which seems a lopsided trade the Bulls lose. I often make this comparison: I'd have Zach anytime over Khris Middleton, who has the practiced fortune of standing next to a guy who gets double and triple teamed. With the Bulls, it's but Zach who gets the extra defender. His defense is never going to be elite. James Harden seems to make that work. Zach is skilled with a clutch cistron. Peradventure he's non in the Bulls future because we don't know who is with no one in management or the coaching staff committing to anyone nevertheless. But I know, for example, LeBron would dear him on his squad to play for a championship.
Lachlan Everett:
I saw in the mailbag it was suggested to effort become Wiseman. I honestly think that could be a top 10 mistake in Bulls history. He could be like the uber Tristan Thompson. Additionally I remember the Bulls are in a decent position to move upward to #2 and effort get Ball. Throw in futurity firsts, Denzel (or another young guy) and Thad Young and it could be a serious way to get Ball.
His ability in the choice and roll/popular is outstanding and fits with Lauri and Carter and his size (6'viii") allows him to guard the SF's while Zach and Coby cover the guards. I'yard non saying they'd be an elite defense force only with time, discipline and structure it'south non impossible to be like Nuggets. Boilerplate on D and nifty on criminal offence.
I retrieve Brawl could be more passive every bit a shot taker in the NBA and Donovan could hopefully reign him in — couldn't practise information technology with Westbrook but he was already a multiple time all-star past Billy's hiring. Even if LaMelo Ball isn't perfect I think his upside is amend than Wiseman and he is likely more tradable every bit centers take extremely bipolar merchandise values.
Sam Smith:
I actually similar about viii guys in the typhoon, and I don't even know half the suspected first rounders. Of course, in the highlight tapes I see on YouTube they never miss a shot or a pass. Wiseman seems considerably more than athletic and supple than the robotic Thompson. And taller and faster. Non the comparison I'd make.
When I await at the fan commentary after I write about the draft, Ball produces the about ambivalence. Many love the possibilities, like you do. Others say run and don't look back. He'd scare me because of his seeming want to be noticed. Which besides is frequently what NBA stardom is almost. He does demonstrate a position fit for the Bulls given they really don't have anyone who is a truthful facilitator to complement LaVine or White. Can White be a point guard? In this NBA I think so. Nosotros don't know what Karnisovas thinks. I'd probably laissez passer on Ball even if his passes oft are something to behold.
Brodie Larsh:
Which seems more likely; Keeping Kris Dunn or adding Andre Roberson in complimentary agency? Roberson could be skilful for Donovan, every bit somebody who knows and understands what he'due south wanting. Kris Dunn is younger, and merely had a bully year on the defensive end.
Sam Smith:
Roberson did seem to be Billy Donovan's favorite player for his defense and he is a free amanuensis. Simply he's been injured and so much. So who knows if he can play. He did finally come back in Orlando and played a few games for the Thunder. But he didn't end and I can't call up having seen him play. Which is why I've thought the Bulls might want to authorize the defensive-oriented Dunn and make him a restricted free agent where they could match an offer. But with missing the minicamp, who knows. They should take to make decisions on Dunn and Valentine pretty soon. With limited Bulls roster spots and 2 typhoon picks to come and mayhap a free agent, it will be interesting to see if both players get the offers.
Alejandro Yegros:
Wanted to throw this LBJ/MJ angle: I call back both are great, and I don't remember there's a ton of indicate to proverb 1 is definitely meliorate than the other. However, there is one difference between the two. LeBron is motivated by winning championships. MJ was motivated by beating your barrel. Those are similar but not identical motivations. And this is why the constant utilize of championships to measure a player is something I detect slow. Information technology's incentivizing players to say "forget competition, what's the nearly stacked team I can join?" Pretty soon Giannis is going to learn the LBJ lesson and only force MIL to trade him to DAL for KP to go play with Luka and that's... but deadening. At to the lowest degree for me. The LBJ approach has neutered my interest in the Finals. Possibly I'one thousand just old, though.
Sam Smith:
Perhaps misinformed. The Jordan legacy has become skewed considering then many love that romantic "killer" narrative. That's not what Jordan was about. He was always about championships first. After all, he averaged 17 points in college to become to that title, which he did with a winning shot. With the Bulls he had to score like he did considering there was and so little talent around him, then the talent was congenital with defenders and not scorers. Which is why Phil Jackson all the same wouldn't requite Pippen the shot even when Hashemite kingdom of jordan wasn't at that place. Fans and media like the Michael-accept-no-prisoners story, but that wasn't him.
He saw Magic as his biggest rival early in his carer considering everyone was proverb Magic was a winner of championships. Michael had the misfortune of playing in the most competitive era in NBA history. When rivals similar the Celtics, Lakers and 76ers had at least three and oft iv Hall of Famers in the starting lineup, the Pistons three as well. It was much more than difficult then to get in that location in a league with fewer teams. It also was an era when the NBA was simply emerging from near financial ruin and teams had to compete each season for attendance because there was no significant Boob tube acquirement. So no team could clear the budget for free agents. And then there wasn't plenty flexibility to add multiple complimentary agents. Tv inverse all that. Thus the almanac roster stability dorsum and then. Players didn't always do good financially equally much. So now they can and good for them. They should take the right to move more freely. Though I don't see how that histrion move has produced a stagnant, predictable field of play instead of many more teams with a chance to win than say could in the Western Conference during Magic'due south run. It was an entertaining playoffs this flavor, actually, because there really weren't any great, dominant, stacked teams.
Kirk Landers:
You posed the question, "what would you lot do?" in your final column nearly the summit three players in this twelvemonth'due south typhoon. Personally, I wouldn't touch whatsoever of them, especially not Brawl. Ideally, either the Bulls trade down and pick up a hard nosed hustler like (Auburn's Isaac) Okoro or the USC large (Onyeka Okongwu), or they take a flyer on the Israeli forrad Avdija.
Sam Smith:
Thanks for the input. Any idea what Karnisovas is thinking?
The contents of this folio have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Chicago Bulls. All opinions expressed by Sam Smith are solely his own and exercise not reverberate the opinions of the Chicago Bulls or its Basketball Operations staff, parent visitor, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Bulls and he has no special admission to data across the access and privileges that go along with existence an NBA accredited member of the media.
Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/features/ask-sam-mailbag-questions-about-onyeka-okongwu-obi-toppin-and-more
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