A Look at the Chicago Bulls 2009……….The Bench

I have just looked at most of the Chicago Bulls players. When I looked at each player I talked about their role on the team. Now I am going to talk about the Bench, and more specifically the back-up for each position. I will not be going into every bench player. When I talk about the second unit I am referencing: Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller, Jannero Pargo, James Johnson, and Taj Gibson. These are the five back-up’s and their respective positions. Players are interchangeable to play other positions if someone else is not performing, injured, or in foul trouble.

Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller are the only two dependable consistent players the Bulls have off the bench. They are both veterans who know how to play the game and the Bulls will be relying on them to come off the bench and provide a spark. For Kirk Hinrich that will mean to come in and knock down some shots while playing with Derrick Rose, or handling the ball and giving Derrick Rose a break. He will be the primary back-up for both guard spots. Brad Miller will be backing up Power Forward and Center. He will need to come in and shoot. The staring Power Forward and Center are not shooter’s or proven yet in the case of the streaky Tryus Thomas. Thus it will be crucial that Miller can provide some offense at these two sports, because most of the Bulls big men are defensive oriented players. Hinrich and Miller will have to carry the Bulls second unit while the regulars get a rest.

The Bulls have veteran journeyman in Jannero Pargo. Pargo is a proven shooter and can score in a hurry, but as we learned in his first tour of duty with the Bulls he is very streaky. Some night he will come off the bench and look like Ben Gordon, but the other half he may have trouble getting in rhythm. He will give the Bulls an offensive option off the bench, but is not a proven or dependable player. I like Pargo and think he is a good pick up for the Bulls for his price tag, but it will be interesting to see how he fits in and is used.

The last two players who will be relied heavily on are the rookies James Johnson and Taj Gibson. James Johnson is supposed to be a good offensive player who can run the floor and knock down shots. From the tape I have seen on him he seems to run the floor well, but I think it will take him some time to develop his shot and become the important six men we need from him offensively off the bench. Taj Gibson is a defensive player which may provide some defensive energy off the bench, but the Bulls roster seems to be stacked with those types of players. I don’t see him getting much playing time and doing much as a Bull this season. Thus, it will be up to Hinrich and Miller to keep the game close when the starters are resting and James Johnson and Pargo will need to step it up and define their role with the team.

James Johnson Hazing Period

The Chicago Bulls training camp just started a few days ago. I did a post on James Johnson who is one of the Bulls rookie. This article in the
Chicago Tribune talks about how our top draft pick is doing. It also talks about the veteran leadership the Bulls have in Brad Miller and Lindsey Hunter. Both of them are helping Johnson learn the plays and what to do. Brad Miller who is more of a jokester is the one who is making Johnson do the typical rookie stuff like get doughnuts and stepping on Johnson's back during pushups. I didn't like the Hunter signing at first, but maybe it is a good thing.

Here is a video on Johnson's experience in training camp so far.

A Look at the Chicago Bulls 2009……….James Johnson

James Johnson was just drafted by the Bulls with the 16th overall pick in the 2009 draft. He is a 6-8 forward who weighs 257 pounds coming out of Wake Forest after his sophomore year. James Johnson can play both forward spots and the Bulls like his game being able to drive to the basket and spot up. Johnson will be given a chance to play a lot backing up Luol Deng at small forward. Johnson has said he prefers to play power forward, but the Bulls have plenty of options there already. The Bulls bench is young, inexperienced, and most importantly unproven besides for Kirk Hinrich. Thus, Johnson will have a chance to be a big part of the Bulls coming off the bench and providing a spark. Johnson reminds me a little bit of Luol Deng in the little I have seen him play.


Here is a highlight video of James Johnson.

A Look at the Chicago Bulls 2009……….Small Forward

The Bulls will have Luol Deng as the starting small forward. Luol Deng was injured most of last year and has taken a few steps back the last few years. He has to show he was worth the 5 year contract the Bulls gave him. Deng need to have a big year and be the offensive player and rebounder we need him to be. The Bulls have Rose to handle and distribute the ball, they have Salmons to shoot the ball, and they need Deng to be a big contributor to the team’s success. Backing up Deng the Bulls don’t have a ton of depth. They will be counting on rookie James Johnson. Johnson played mostly power forward in College and the Bulls already have a logjam at Power forward/center so Johnson doesn’t figure to get much playing time there. Johnson will get most of his playing time at small forward backing up Deng, so he needs to make the most of it. If Johnson struggles the Bulls can have starting shooting guard John Salmons back up Deng at Small forward and have Hinrich or Pargo take Johnson’s playing time.

A Look at the Chicago Bulls 2009………. Expected Depth Chart

Basketball will be starting soon with the season officially starting towards the end of October. Here is how the Bulls roster is shaping up after the off-season where they added James Johnson, Taj Gibson, Jannero Pargo, and brought back Lindsey Hunter for reasons I will never understand. Aaron Gray is still a free agent, but supposedly they are talking to him and want to bring him back. I guess we will see what happens.
Position Starters Back-up Reserves
Point Guard: Derrick Rose Kirk Hinrich Lindsey Hunter
Shooting Guard: John Salmons Jannero Pargo
Small Forward: Luol Deng James Johnson
Power Forward: Tyrus Thomas Taj Gibson Jerome James
Center: Joakim Noah Brad Miller Aaron Gray (FA)

Now that we have previewed the front office and coaching staff……on to the players! I was debating if I should look at the players by starters and then the bench or go by position. You will have to see what I decide.

Power Forwards the Bulls are Considering

The Chicago Bulls have many needs they wish to upgrade from offensive minded post players to swingman shooters. Yesterday I looked at some of the players the Bulls seemed to target. Today I look at a few power forwards who I like which may be available when the bulls draft today (with their 16th pick) which could potentially help the Bulls biggest weakness and need, a power forward/center. My favorite big guys are Blake Griffin and Jordan Hill. Because the Bulls don’t have the first overall pick like last year to draft Blake Griffin or a top five pick to take Jordan Hill here are some other power forwards who may be available to help the Bulls.

James Johnson- A 6’8 forward who can play both the small and power forward spots. He has a big wingspan and has great scoring ability. He could be the biggest offensive player of all of the players I am mentioning.

DeJuan Blair- A undersized 6’7 power forward that has great leadership skills and makes the most of what he has. Blair is a safe steady pick who doesn’t have a high ceiling, but you know what you get. A smart, steady basketball player.

Tyler Hansbrough- A 6’9 forward, like Blair he is undersized, but he can shoot. Hansbrough had a great College career, but many doubt he can take it to the next level. This is because of his lack of athleticism. He has a great work ethic and is a smart basketball player. He was a great shooter, rebounder, and free throw shooter in College. Thus, I think he will do better than people think and be a good role player off the bench, if not better.

Earl Clark- He is 6’10 and a skilled Offensive player and also athletic. This combination makes him intriguing.

Out of these four power forwards I don’t know who would be the best fit for the Bulls if there their still available when we draft. Blair is the safest choice, Johnson is very offensive minded, and Earl Clark has a great make up and could be a great fit for the Bulls, but still needs to develop.