bulls waste no time meeting with ben july 1 [Archive]

ducks

07-01-2006, 12:25 AM

AUBURN HILLS - Two NBA officials confirmed Friday night that Detroit center Ben Wallace, considered by most to be the top free agent available this summer, is scheduled to meet with the Chicago Bulls in Chicago today. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents today, but they can not sign players to contracts until July 12.

The Bulls are one of the few teams that will have enough salary cap space to sign Wallace, who as an unrestricted free agent can sign with any team he wants.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/storie...7030.xml&coll=1

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 12:32 AM

I'd go if I was Ben.

He can be the guy to put that team over the hump, instead of being underappreciate in Detroirt where he's won a ring already anyways. He can battle Shaq and do everything he does in Detroit in Chicago as well...and stick it to Flip. Pistons are on the downslide in my humble opinion.

ducks

07-01-2006, 12:33 AM

if ben signs with them
bulls could still do traded and improve
they would be scary
they would have all those forwards still

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 12:40 AM

If it's either ben or Garnett I would pick Ben.

If they can somehow land both, and keep either nocioni or ben jordan in the backcourt they would be a nice team.

atxrocker

07-01-2006, 12:49 AM

man, i was already high on chicago before this possibibilty. i really like the guy, alot. if he moves from detroit or not I think Chicago will be a force to reckon with in the east next season. that said, Detroit should be in good condition regardless to compete in the east.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 12:53 AM

duncan2k5

07-01-2006, 12:58 AM

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:00 AM

I hope Chicago gets good.

I used to live there and moved here, right when the Spurs got Duncan...so hopefully when the Spurs start sucking again the Bulls will be doign well so I"ll have a winning team to root for. :D

Heinrich
Gordon
Nocioni
Garnett/Ben
Chandler

That's not too bad of a lineup. Assuming the trade to get Garnett doesn't include any of thoe starters...though I bet they'd have to include Chandler/Deng in any deal. Pure speculation though.

If I were Ben I too would take a trip to the Bulls to set the market before I signed my 4 year deal with Detroit.
IMO you are wrong about the Pistons being on the down side they still have three more years IMO. :fro

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:04 AM

if chicago gets ben, they would be the best defese in the L. with their two draft picks (both with very good size and defense), especially their wingman from switzerland, they are gonna be young, athletic, and hungry

No offense, but between Heinrich and Gordon you may have the softest backcourt in the league defensively.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:05 AM

If I were Ben I too would take a trip to the Bulls to set the market before I signed my 4 year deal with Detroit.
IMO you are wrong about the Pistons being on the down side they still have three more years IMO. :fro

They went from winning it, to losing it...to not even getting to it.

You think Flip will be a better coach next year, or the team will be making any notable additions? I think at best they stay where they are now...at worst they drop to a 2nd round and out type playoff team.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:18 AM

Sinch when was Heinrich a poor defender? I would say he is a top 3 defensive PG in the league. Only JKidd and a washed up Gary Payton are better in my opinion.

I guess basing my opinion of him defensively on what he did against Wade isn't fair.

But if you just watched that series, Heinrich looked like the second coming of Steve Kerr...on defense.

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:18 AM

They went from winning it, to losing it...to not even getting to it.

You think Flip will be a better coach next year, or the team will be making any notable additions? I think at best they stay where they are now...at worst they drop to a 2nd round and out type playoff team.

What are you smokin?? Flip didn't shoot 30% vrs the heat. They won't sit still they will go after Wells and resign Ben and pick up a back up point.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:22 AM

What are you smokin?? Flip didn't shoot 30% vrs the heat. They won't sit still they will go after Wells and resign Ben and pick up a back up point.

I'm just saying, they've lost there swagger.

Re-signing your superstar isn't a big accomplishment...that just keeps you at your status quo. I'm not sure what backups your looking at for PG but the ones I've seen haven't been mentioned in the same sentence as Detroit...and as for Bonzi, he's just an older Maurice Evans. I don't know why you would do that he's a terrible defender. Just play Evans more minutes, he plays better D and won't whine like a bitch all the time. Him and Antoine Walker would make for an interesting Poker game.

Bob Lanier

07-01-2006, 01:22 AM

The Pistons are finished. Ben should go for his payday.

they will go after Wells and resign Ben and pick up a back up point.
And just where will they find the cash to do all that? Remember, Moneybags has limits. And I missed the announcement that Bonzi would be available for the veteran's minimum.

Bonzi, he's just an older Maurice Evans.
:lmao :lmao :rollin :smchode:

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:25 AM

The Pistons are finished. Ben should go for his payday.

And just where will they find the cash to do all that? Remember, Moneybags has limits. And I missed the announcement that Bonzi would be available for the veteran's minimum.

:lmao :lmao :rollin :smchode:

From Espn

No less a source of intrigue, to me, is what happens with the Pistons' $5 million mid-level exception. There are rumblings that Sacramento's Bonzi Wells is willing to take a pay cut to reunite with former Blazers buddy Rasheed Wallace and provide the jolt Detroit needs after crashing out of the East finals. That would be an undeniable steal, especially after seeing how much Wells hurt San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs, but the Pistons also crave a point guard who can push the pace -- not a Chauncey Billups specialty -- and are said to be high on the list of New Orleans-Oklahoma City's Speedy Claxton.

In the dream-scenario event that they both become candidates for the $5 million exception, Detroit would have an interesting choice to make: Wells or Claxton. You'd figure then that the Pistons would have to sign Wells and use their smaller exception ($1.7 million) to pursue Pistons alumnus Chucky Atkins or Bobby Jackson for the backcourt.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:26 AM

No one in the league can guard Wade. He is too damn quick and strong. Generally, Heinrich is an above average defensive player.

Also, Kerr wasnt that bad of a defender. I remember him playing suprisingly well on the defensive side in that Dallas series a few years back.

Of the two, Gordon is weaker. The guy goes for every damn fake and seems to be flat-footed at times. Heinrich is alright, not a great defender...but I'm sure he could be Ron Harper type who can play defense in the right system with a good defensive big man behind him.

...and no, I'm not referring to Luc Longley.

Mr. Body

07-01-2006, 01:26 AM

Chicago's future is so bright, they'll have to wear shades. What a job they've done.

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:26 AM

I'm just saying, they've lost there swagger.

Re-signing your superstar isn't a big accomplishment...that just keeps you at your status quo. I'm not sure what backups your looking at for PG but the ones I've seen haven't been mentioned in the same sentence as Detroit...and as for Bonzi, he's just an older Maurice Evans. I don't know why you would do that he's a terrible defender. Just play Evans more minutes, he plays better D and won't whine like a bitch all the time. Him and Antoine Walker would make for an interesting Poker game.

First off Mo was traded the other day. Second the 29yr old Wells sure tourched you guys.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:27 AM

First off Mo was traded the other day. Second the 29yr old Wells sure tourched you guys.

Oh, shit he was? Where? For who?

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:29 AM

First off Mo was traded the other day. Second the 29yr old Wells sure tourched you guys.

He had a big game or two.

But when things stopped going his way he started faking injuries and finding excuses for him fucking up. Pulling on your leg and taking yourelf out the game when you're getting embarassed does not make you a bigger man, Bonzi. :D

To his credit, I guess things would be going his way more often in Detroit.

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:29 AM

He went to the Lakers on draft night for the 52 pick.

Slinkyman

07-01-2006, 01:30 AM

Where would Wells play? I doubt he'd take less money and less playing time but if it happens would be a huge pick up for detroit.

Bob Lanier

07-01-2006, 01:31 AM

There are rumblings that Sacramento's Bonzi Wells is willing to take a pay cut to reunite with former Blazers buddy Rasheed Wallace and provide the jolt Detroit needs after crashing out of the East finals.
Rumblings, no doubt, originating in Bonzi's agent's office; creating the illusion of a competitive market where none exists. Bonzi for the MLE anywhere is a pipe dream.

the Pistons also crave a point guard who can push the pace -- not a Chauncey Billups specialty -- and are said to be high on the list of New Orleans-Oklahoma City's Speedy Claxton.
Fantastic! I'd take Speedy over Chauncey in a heartbeat. Or, less preferably but more realistically, as his backup. I can see the Pistons using the MLE on Claxton or Cassell.

You'd figure then that the Pistons would have to sign Wells and use their smaller exception ($1.7 million) to pursue Pistons alumnus Chucky Atkins or Bobby Jackson for the backcourt.Alex Acker>Sucky Atkins. And I think Bobby Jackson just broke in half from the strain of being written about.

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:31 AM

He went to the Lakers on draft night for the 52 pick.

That must have been when I went to Starbucks. :lol My bad. I got back just in time to see the mavs/spurs earth-shattering picks.

Nice pick-up by LA. He's a Phil Jackson type player, next Devon George.

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:32 AM

Pistons pick http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=1054

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 01:32 AM

Where would Wells play? I doubt he'd take less money and less playing time but if it happens would be a huge pick up for detroit.

Off the bench for Rip and Tayshaun I presume.

Maybe at 4 when they rest Sheed or Ben.

That doesn't really make sense though because they have bigs (McDyess) they like to bring off the bench already...and Rip/Tayshaun play most the game. I guess he'll take Delfino's minutes? That's worth a 5 mill paycheck. :elephant

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:35 AM

Rumblings, no doubt, originating in Bonzi's agent's office; creating the illusion of a competitive market where none exists. Bonzi for the MLE anywhere is a pipe dream.

Fantastic! I'd take Speedy over Chauncey in a heartbeat. Or, less preferably but more realistically, as his backup. I can see the Pistons using the MLE on Claxton or Cassell.
Alex Acker>Sucky Atkins. And I think Bobby Jackson just broke in half from the strain of being written about.

Boy you a such a glass half full guy :lol

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:36 AM

Off the bench for Rip and Tayshaun I presume.

Maybe at 4 when they rest Sheed or Ben.

That doesn't really make sense though because they have bigs (McDyess) they like to bring off the bench already...and Rip/Tayshaun play most the game. I guess he'll take Delfino's minutes? That's worth a 5 mill paycheck. :elephant

Yes he would back up Rip and Tay.

Bob Lanier

07-01-2006, 01:36 AM

If Flip had any sense at all (a lost hope), Bonzi would start over Princess.

But, more likely, he'd get $5 million/year for 18-22 MPG and 6-7 shots per game coming off the bench for Rip and Tayshaun. As a point of reference, if he stays in Sacramento he'll probably get $7 million+/year for 35 MPG and 11-14 shots per game in a starting role. And the Kings probably have about as good a chance of winning the title in the next 5 years as the Pistons do.

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 01:39 AM

Ninja-Defense

07-01-2006, 02:27 AM

I know this is kind of late but since when has Heinrich been considered an above-average PG defender?!

Please_dont_ban_me

07-01-2006, 02:30 AM

I know this is kind of late but since when has Heinrich been considered an above-average PG defender?!

That might be an over-statement.

But when he's paired up with the likes of that front line...(malik allen?)...and is exposed int he backcourt next to Ben Gordon (who couldn't guard my nuts with a racket) he looks pretty bad.

Stick him on a good team and I'm sure he could hold his own. Even if he's not great.

NBA Junkie

07-01-2006, 04:49 AM

Chicago's future is so bright, they'll have to wear shades. What a job they've done.

...And, in just a few short years, they're gonna be in a bind when Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, and Nocioni are all up for extensions. No way in hell will they be able to keep all four.

They may be under the cap now, but they'll be sniffing luxury tax hell if they sign Ben to a big contract.

ducks

07-01-2006, 07:22 AM

Bulls
Source: Bulls targeting Wallace as top priority

July 1, 2006

BY BRIAN HANLEY Staff Reporter

The Bulls begin making telephone calls today as the NBA's free-agent contact period officially starts.

Teams can negotiate with players on the market but cannot sign them until July 12.

A source close to the Bulls said the team has targeted Detroit big man Ben Wallace, 32, as its top priority. Wallace, an unrestricted free agent, was expected to be a lock to remain with the Pistons until he and coach Flip Saunders had a late-season falling out.

If the Bulls are unable to land Wallace, Atlanta forward Al Harrington (unrestricted) and Seattle power forward Chris Wilcox (restricted), 23, are next on the Bulls' list of front-court free agents.

As for the just-completed draft, the Bulls got some immediate validation on both prospects they landed -- LSU forward Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha, a shooting guard from Europe -- by at least one team.

A source said the Phoenix Suns were attempting to trade up to select Sefolosha and traded out of the first round once the Bulls made a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers to get him.

The Phoenix source also had high regards for Thomas, whom the Suns believe will be the standout of this draft.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/bulls/cst-spt-bull01.html

Quadzilla99

07-01-2006, 07:32 AM

First off Mo was traded the other day. Second the 29yr old Wells sure tourched you guys.

Who won that series by the way?

ducks

07-01-2006, 07:36 AM

...And, in just a few short years, they're gonna be in a bind when Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, and Nocioni are all up for extensions. No way in hell will they be able to keep all four.

They may be under the cap now, but they'll be sniffing luxury tax hell if they sign Ben to a big contract.

they would have a shot at a couple of titles to

the owner if they are winning might pay some tax

also they may just trade one or 2 of them

Spurs9

07-01-2006, 09:16 AM

Chicago's future is so bright, they'll have to wear shades. What a job they've done.
Agreed, I think they will be very good next year.

Spurs Dynasty 21

07-01-2006, 09:27 AM

I hope they sign him, that means GOODBYE Pistons

Vinnie_Johnson

07-01-2006, 10:30 AM

Who won that series by the way?

My point was that Wells can score and post up. He would be a nice fit off the bench for the Pistons.

Bob Lanier

07-01-2006, 12:01 PM

I know this is kind of late but since when has Heinrich been considered an above-average PG defender?!
Hinrich's been one of the best defensive point guards since he entered the league. Right now, I'd say he's the best defensive point, period. Kidd is too slow, Payton too old, Harris too young, Watson too small, and Billups too lazy.

FreshPrince22

07-01-2006, 01:31 PM

Hinrich is one hell of a defender.

baseline bum

07-01-2006, 01:35 PM

The Pistons won 64 freaking games last year. There's no way Chicago is a better situation. Detroit will be right back in the mix for the title next season, and I expect them to come out of the east.

Bob Lanier

07-01-2006, 01:40 PM

Not with Flip Saunders as their head coach. It's as simple as that - Ben hates Flip, and Chicago will offer considerably more money.

Ben is a true franchise player, and if he signs with the Bulls and they make another significant trade or free agent signing to acquire a post player, they will easily be the best team in the East, no matter how many regular season games the Pistons win.

NBA Junkie

07-01-2006, 01:54 PM

they would have a shot at a couple of titles to

the owner if they are winning might pay some tax

also they may just trade one or 2 of them

I'm not so sure about that.

Young teams like Chicago usually have to endure a couple seasons of growing pains before they get to the next level. Problem is, when they're ready, the nucleus of this team will be different because of the new CBA. It's just too difficult to pay 4-5 guys a large amount of money. I agree that one or two have to go eventually. Luol Deng seems the most likely.

Signing Wallace would be a coup, but this team still lacks that go-to-guy who can deliver points in tight games consistently. Ben Gordon showed that in his rookie season, but didn't have the same impact this past season, except that game late in the year against Washington when he went bonkers from three point range.

Looks like Ben will be headed to another team that lacks a true star, but one that is more youthful than Detroit, yet just as team oriented as the Pistons.

Mr. Body

07-01-2006, 01:56 PM

I'm not sure Deng goes, the question between Nocioni and Deng. Tough call, but Deng is much younger and does many of the same things. I realize Nocioni has the developed game, has stepped it up hugely in the playoffs, and is a threat from range -- but I think Deng gets it here for his youth.

Taking it to the Hole

07-01-2006, 01:57 PM

No way Detroit wins another title without Big Ben guarding the middle. You'll make it as far as the second round, but not any farther. Ben is your team. The anchor of your defense. That would be equivalent to us losing our best defender Bruce Bowen, we would really suck afterwards. I know Bruce doesn't get paid what Ben does, but his value is just as high in my opinion.

ducks

07-01-2006, 08:06 PM

anyone hear how this went?

ducks

07-01-2006, 11:02 PM

Piston fans Brace Yourself

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some Chicago radio shows are saying that Ben might get a 15 million 4-5 years offer from the Bulls . Get ready if he chooses to leave. I hope these radio shows don't know what they are talking about.
posted by himat in the nba forum

I take it that the meeting went well