Bulls-Kings Trade: What They’re Saying
The Bulls couldn’t lure Amare or Bosh to Chicago, but they made the move for Brad Miller and gave up much less than we were hearing in the process. Here’s a little taste of how the blog world is reacting…
Tom Ziller at Fanhouse (Kings Fan): The Nocioni acquisition is odd at best for Sacramento; Andres is 29 years old, getting worse every year, and signed above the midlevel until 2012. He might fit better in Sacramento than Salmons did, but Salmons is cheaper and less likely to eat children. We like our children in Sacramento, and we like our children to have heads.
The Bulls should certainly make the playoffs now. Salmons could very well start in front of Ben Gordon (and make him expendable this summer). I imagine Vinny Del Negro will start Miller; it’s plausible that Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah could be involved in some trade talks, as well. (Who knows?)
The Big Lead: The Bulls send Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons to the Kings in exchange for Brad Miller and John Salmons. Knee-jerk: Uh … the Kings get the better talent here, and the Bulls get another big man without a back-to-the-basket game, a SF who is expected to steal minutes from … Luol Deng?
Ball Don’t Lie: Beyond that, it’s hard to see what the Kings actually are expecting from Nocioni. He’s a crowd favorite because he works his tail off and provides obvious hustle, but he’s a low efficiency performer on offense, and a poor defender at both forward spots despite his energy and effort.
In the meantime, Miller gives the team a solid offensive option at center, and Salmons gives the Bulls that size in the backcourt that will make the talk radio types happy, even if John doesn’t have anything close to Ben Gordon‘s abilities.
Thank You Isiah: Miller is both a nice complimentary piece to Ty and Noah, and an expiring deal in the much-anticipated “Summer of ’10″ (TM). Salmons is having a career year this season, and will likely never play this well again, but as a backup to Deng and possible 1-year Gordon insurance, he’s fine. What’s more, he’s owed considerably less than Noce, which is fantastic. Plus, I’m obviously pleased that I don’t have to watch Gooden and Noce any more.
StevieY19: Man the Pistons really suck this year!
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Comments
Comment from StevieY19
Time February 18, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Well, Gooden is quite the thespian. Maybe that’s what he means.
Comment from Gavin
Time February 18, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I find it interesting how little people know about John Salmons. Half the opinions have him it at SG and the other half have him at SF. Either way we just added a player that gives us depth at both positions, doesn’t alienate refs by screaming bloody murder after every no call, and has shown more actual results than Thabo Sefolosha has potential.
I’ll miss Gooden. With the salary cap dropping next year, it wouldn’t surprise me if he signs for cheap somewhere else next year since no one will be willing to shell out a ton of money for him. Maybe we can get him back, but something tells me that he didn’t have the best time in a Bulls uniform. Not like he’s so beholden to Paxson or VDN to give us 1st look next year.
Comment from Jay Ballz
Time February 18, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Agreed on Nocioni…with his talent on the decline each year.
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Comment from Stormin’ Norman Disciple
Time February 18, 2009 at 5:25 pm
What idiot at the Big Lead thought the Kings got better talent? Gooden and Noce? I’m confused by that one.