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| Tuesday, October 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last year: 13-37, eighth place in Central Coach: Tim Floyd Arena: United Center (21,711) Last NBA title: 1998 Record the last 5 years/NBA rank: 263-115 (3rd)
Outlook By Roman Modrowski Basketball News When the draft lottery cards revealed the Bulls had landed the No. 1 pick, Jerry Krause clenched his fists and grinned like a kid who just was told he could have another piece of chocolate cake. But Krause wasn't celebrating like a general manager who expected that pick to lift his team out of lottery status. Krause knew that wouldn't be in the cards. The emphasis for this season is to develop the draft picks, including No. 1 selection Elton Brand and No. 16 pick Ron Artest, as well as second-rounders Michael Ruffin and Lari Ketner. Victory this season will be measured by development rather than wins and losses for two reasons. The most important reason is because Krause is planning to make a serious bid for next year's top two free agents -- Tim Duncan and Grant Hill. The Bulls will have as much room under the salary cap as any team in the league to sign those two players because Krause loaded this season's roster with lower-tier free agents signed to one-year contracts. Most of those contracts won't be renewed and the money will be used on the free agent market. Krause refused to pursue this year's top free agents, including Penny Hardaway, Shandon Anderson and Joe Smith, despite the impact those players would have had on this season's won-lost record. He felt it was more important to be in position to take a run at next year's franchise players. As a result, Krause lured free agents who would help the young players and be able to stay positive during a rebuilding year. He signed Will Perdue and B.J. Armstrong, who were part of the Bulls' first threepeat and understand the complicated triangle offense. Krause also unloaded the remaining five years and $20 million of Brent Barry's contract when he traded the shooting guard to Seattle for Hersey Hawkins. Hawkins, Perdue and Armstrong are leaders who will be positive influences in the locker room. Another reason the Bulls won't be consumed by their number of wins this season is because they have two first-round picks next year, including San Antonio's if it falls between 16 and 29. Theoretically, the worst thing that can happen to the Bulls is if they make the playoffs, only to lose in the first round. But not many expect that to happen. Second-year coach Tim Floyd is better prepared now that he's experienced his first full training camp. He's vowed his support to Krause's rebuilding strategy, but another losing season could try his patience. That's why winning and losing, at least this season, won't be measured in the standings by the Bulls' brass. How the fans feel about it could be a different story.
Point guard Armstrong was signed to a one-year contract but should start the season on the injured list after having his left knee scoped. That leaves Cory Carr and Rusty LaRue as contenders for the backup spot. Carr is an athlete who doesn't shoot well, and LaRue is a shooter who does little else.
Shooting guard Fred Hoiberg, who played for Floyd at Iowa State, can ignite from the perimeter but can be beaten on defense by the league's quicker guards. Second-year player Corey Benjamin has potential to be an exciting player, but he can't carry over his practice moves to game time.
Small forward Kukoc led the Bulls in points (18.8), rebounds (7.0) and assists (5.3) last season, but the double-teams and triple-teams he faced resulted in the lowest shooting percentage of his career (.420). He is still the only proven scoring threat on this team. Artest has flashed some very impressive offensive moves in the preseason. If he proves he's got a jump shot and can play more under control, he'll have the complete package.
Power forward Brand should be in the starting lineup for the opener and never look back. Kornel David has good range on his jumper and has impressed the team with his energy and willingness to learn. Ruffin is a bruiser type who plays outstanding defense, and Ketner can be a force when motivated. Both have potential.
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