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By Sam Smith | 10.17.2014 | 9:45 a.m. CT | asksam@bulls.com | @SamSmithHoops
Are these Gerald Green trade rumors real, or are they just fake like the rest of the rumor mill?
Shaun Chalmer
Is there any danger of Snell not making the team? I'm hearing many in the Chicago media talk a lot about how he's now the "forgotten man". I hope that's not case, because while I know he's still raw I still think he has a fruitful career ahead of him.
Rahul Chatterjee
Duncan and Parker are not coming from knee surgery. Can Noah and Rose count on regular season rest? I do not understand the pressure.
William Blanco
Following immediately on the heels of that realization (of the potential of Rose and Butler) is the recognition that the fulfillment of their performance together (Rose and Butler) is threatened by injury that will limit one or both of them. It’s my contention that coaches do not possess an accurate understanding of the equation of superior conditioning of pro athletes today versus body fatigue that accumulates over years of intense play, a part of which is overly long schedules and back-to-back games, sometimes three days in a row. Or, alternatively, the coaches are indeed aware, but the pressures for winning in a current season blind them too much to the broad health picture of their players.
Rich Platt
With the 31st looming fast, any idea what Jimmy Butler’s choice will be, or are us fans still going to be left in the dark?
Kieron Smith
We hear the "in contention" words thrown around often; however, is that satisfactory for Bulls fans? Had everyone (primarily Derrick) remained healthy during the last two seasons, maybe we could make a case for making it to the NBA finals. In our current situation (with age the primary factor), I don't believe we have the luxury to sell the idea of "being in contention". Derrick, Jimmy, Kirk, Taj, and Joakim, have helped maintain the continuity and core values of this team. Pau, McDermott, Mirotic, Brooks, et al. are here to fill the talent void. In short, we can't afford to wait any longer. Patience is great, but do you see as I, a fire sale if we do not win it all this year? How long can we throw the word "potential" with aging (and perpetually injured) players? This has to be "The Season".
Greg Mendel
How much credit, if any, does Boozer get for Taj's offensive development? As horrible as Boozer is on defense he is one of if not the most skilled big men if you ask me. We may not have seen a lot of it as Bulls fans or it was just overlooked because of the horrible team defensive skills. But I feel he had to have something to do with the improved offensive game from Gibson and if that's the case then I guess he was worth that contract after all. We got some decent years out of him despite his poor defensive efforts and a solid offensive mentor/coach. If only he could have learned some defense from Taj we would have been sitting pretty and he may still be on the Bulls.
Brandon Revering
Derrick Rose had been coined a scoring guard because of necessity, with more options now on offense how do you see his roll changing? Will he average double digit assists? Are the Bulls a better team if Derrick is shooting less or are they still reliant on his scoring?
Tim Koncel
I hope Thibs keeps starting Dougie. MD would make the 2nd unit stronger - not having two rookies on the court at the same time is important. I Like MD a lot but DM is already more dynamic - can create his own shot, get to the line and is a far better rebounder, which is going to be very important against the Cavs in particular. That said you know how Thibs supports his vets. And while DM will grow as the season progresses he will be a rookie all over again in the playoffs.
Chris Moore
Nikola Mirotic is obviously shining right now. Is there any chance that Taj can slide over to the 5 spot to backup Jo so that Nikola can get more playing time?
Caden Jang
With a healthy D Rose do we have the nucleus to win 60+ games this year?
Antwan Ward
Just a stray thought -- Scott Skiles caught some grief for saying about Tyrus Thomas "We ask him to sprint the floor. To my knowledge in his career he hasn't done it one time. Not one time." But I see TT is no longer with Charlotte, so the 6'1" SS played for 10 years in the NBA and 6'9" TT played for 8. One of them made the most out of little talent; the other made the least out of a lot of talent. I think there might be a lesson there.
Stu Gilbert
Just wondering your opinion on why the Bulls always seem to whiff on the big fish in the free agency pool? We went for T-Mac and Duncan in 2000 (if my memory serves me correctly) and ended up with Ron Mercer (bad) and Brad Miller (decent), had a crack at Wade and LBJ in 2010 and ended up with Boozer (decent for a season or two) and this offseason went hard at Melo and ended up with Gasol (will be good for two seasons I’m thinking). Is it our history and legacy of championships and MJ combined with Chicago fans expectation that is scaring off potential pick ups? Or is there something else at play here?
Marcus Ling
How high up do LeBron's powers really go? The last 2 players to beat him out for the MVP award have been stricken with injuries the following year. I know Durant's injury isn't as serious as Rose's. Yet. But don't be surprised if Durant misses extended time with more injuries this year. For LeBron truly is the chosen one and anyone who beats him out for an NBA award shall be cursed forever!
Billy Habibi
