Bulls should say no to Yao

Imagine Bulls GM Jerry Krause squabbling with Chinese officials over the availability of 7-6 center Yao Ming. This is the best reason, writes Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times, that the Bulls should steer clear of the Chinese big man who many consider to be one of the top two draft picks in this June’s draft.

‘If anything, my fortune cookie tells me the sucker who drafts Yao will have no idea when he's coming, if he's coming or, once he does come, how long he's staying,’ writes Mariotti.

‘Unlike lesser products Wang Zhizhi and Menk Bateer, who gained quick approval and play in the league, Yao needs permission from three government agencies to play. He'll also be forced to turn over at least half his pretax earnings from all American sources, including endorsements, to Chinese agencies and sports authorities throughout his NBA career. The remaining half would be divided between Yao, the Sharks, his coaches and his registered agent, who, according to Sharks management, cannot be an American.’

‘And if he refuses in any way? Oh, he'll be fined obscene amounts, thrown off China's national team and basically be disowned.’

The Bulls should just leave the red tape to another organization and take the safe option (Jason Williams) or the smart trade (a package of Yao and others to Dallas for Michael Finley) concluded Mariotti.

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Miller time in Chicago?

Last season the Chicago Bulls decided to scrap their rebuilding plans and trade their leader Elton Brand to the Los Angeles Clippers for high schooler Tyson Chandler, drafted second overall. The idea was to stamp a more exciting brand of basketball into the city, keeping the fans interested while the team slowly moves back towards respectability. As the NBA’s youngest team got even younger, taking fellow high schooler Eddy Curry with their own pick, the Clippers and Atlanta Hawks took a different approach to the draft by trading their high lottery picks for players who became All-Stars this season, Brand and Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

This season the Bulls again have a high lottery pick, finishing the season tied for the last place in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors. There are many players who could help the Bulls when they draft – Jason Williams, Yao Ming, Dejuan Wagner, and Drew Gooden included – but do they actually want another young player with so many on their roster? With Jalen Rose now on board and demanding more veterans Sam Smith hints that the Bulls might follow the path caved by the Hawks and the Clippers and trade their pick for a seasoned veteran. How does Cavalier Andre Miller sound?

Some close to Miller believe the Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to run down Miller’s value in an effort to re-sign the NBA’s assists leader at a cheaper rate. Smith says there was talk during the season suggesting that the Cavaliers should be better if Miller was so good, and that he lacked leadership skills.

Eligible for an extension this off season, Miller will become a restricted free agent after the 2002-03 season.

Cleveland will have their opportunity to sign Miller to an extension between July and October this year, with Miller’s agent Lon Babby telling Cleveland reporters that his client would seek a maximum contract in the $100 million range. This could be the very reason, writes Smith, that the Cavaliers could be pushing to deal Miller.

General manager Jim Paxson said in a radio interview "There's not a real sense of urgency" in re-signing Miller.

If push becomes shove the Cavs may look to get some young an inexpensive talent for Miller, and this is where the Bulls come in. How does the Bulls high draft pick and, say, Marcus Fizer sound?

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Bulls to the playoffs in the 2003-04 season.

Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald suggested that based on past actions by Jerry Krause, the Bulls will hang on their young players. As requested by Rose, Krause may bring some low-priced defensive minded veterans but most likely he will keep the youngsters. As Chandler and Curry will have plenty of playing time these following seasons, they will have a rapid improvement in their first few seasons. Take a look on how New Jersey, Detroit and Boston moved up this season. This is what will likely happen to the Bulls. To achieve this goal the Bulls will have to play defense and keep Best if they don’t select Jason Willians. The draft pick should bring a shooter to the team. In the free agency, the Bulls must go after a veteran center and backup small forward. And the most important step is to build chemistry. Keep the team together.

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