Free Agents Still up for Grabs
Great news fans! Chicago can now sign a 14th player to their bench, as of Nov. 19.
The team has been restricted from signing a 14th player since they’ were $758,602 below the hard cap, but on Monday the pro-rated minimum amount drops to $753,873 for a one-year deal, which means a player can be added starting today.
That said, lets look at some current free agents. The team might look at free agent such as Mickaël Piétrus, Jannero Pargo, Hassan Whiteside and Kyrylo Fesenko, Chris Douglas Roberts. I’ll break down my top three from the players above.
If you noticed the list, none of the players are point guards, simply because the Bulls have way to many. The team already has Derrick Rose, but while he is out, they have Kirk Hinrich, Nate Robinson and don’t forget about the rookie, Marquis Teague.
That said, out of the five candidates above, who is the best for the team? Let’s break down each player individually.
Mar 14, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Former Celtics small forward Mickael Pietrus during a stoppage in play against the Golden State Warriors during the at Oracle Arena. Boston defeated Golden State 105-103. (Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE)
First let’s start off with Mickaël Piétrus. At 30-years old, Pietrus has a lot of NBA experience, nine to be exact, playing for the Warriors, Magic and other times alike. He last played for the Celtics, averaging 11 points per game, with 1 steal and 1 assist.
He however fell to the floor at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia in a game against the 76ers on Mar. 23. He was taken off by a stretcher and diagnosed with a third grade concussion and couldn’t play till the playoffs begun. After that incident he averaged seven points per game, three rebounds, and one assists.
All things considered, I really think the Bulls should consider signing Piétrus. At the shooting guard position, the Bulls have Richard Hamilton and Marco Belinelli. Hamilton has been putting up points as a starter, however Belinelli hasn’t. He is currently averaging only five points off the bench, so it’s evident they need someone else. That someone else should be Piétrus.
Oct 12, 2012; Champaign, IL, USA; Former Chicago Bulls center Kyrylo Fesenko before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Assembly Hall. (Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-US PRESSWIRE)
Second up the list, Kyrylo Fesenko. In his time with the Pacers, Fesenko, a center, averaged only three points, however he had three blocks per game. Fesenko joined the Bulls training camp. He only grabbed one rebound in four minutes of playing time against the Cavaliers in pre-season. I think the Bulls should consider him again. Fesenko is a huge center that can block shots and rebound well. The Bulls only have Joakim Noah and Nazr Mohammed, so a third center won’t hurt. There’s also the possibility that Noah could get hurt, like he did in last year’s playoffs against the 76ers.
Although he doesn’t score much, he takes outside shots. The only other downside is that he is foul prone.
March 30, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Former Sacramento Kings power forward Hassan Whiteside warms up prior to a game against the Utah Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE)
Last up on the list is another center. Hassan Whiteside. Only having 2 years of NBA experience, Whiteside last played with the Sacramento Kings. Just like Fesenko, Whiteside didn’t put as many points, but contributed greatly to the Kings, by averaging two rebounds, one block and two points.
Two centers were chosen because quiet frankly, the Bulls need another one. As stated earlier, the possibility of Noah or even Mohammed going down is great. You just never know.
All in all, all free agent candidates would greatly contribute to the team. It’s a matter of whether or not the team would pursue a 14th player or not.