Jan 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa (10) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Suns defeated the Sixers 124-113. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Well Pippen Peoples, I was scouring the internet and I saw that Leandro Barbosa was signed to a skid row veteran’s minimum deal with the Golden State Warriors. This one was kind of a shock. Considering that with all of the injuries and lack of defense, I don’t think he would make a NBA roster. But he is not the only player that has been discussed in Chicago Bulls rumors who has been recently picked up. Let’s look at Leandro and other players who have used Chicago Bulls rumors to parlay themselves into contracts.
Feb 5, 2013; Memphis, MTN, USA; Phoenix Suns point guard Shannon Brown (26) dunks the ball while guarded by Memphis Grizzlies point guard Jerryd Bayless (7) during the game at the FedEx Forum. Phoenix Suns defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-90. Mandatory Credit: Spruce DerdenUSA TODAY Sports
1) Shannon Brown
Shannon Brown after being cut by the New York Knicks which was a surprise to me, was picked up this week by the Miami Heat for the veteran’s league minimum.
I did a feature on Brown after one of the Pippen Peoples asked me who I thought the Bulls should consider for the 13th and final roster spot for the minimum requirements of players on a NBA roster.
I saw Brown as a solid backup perimeter player the Bulls would need to move Jimmy Butler up to the three slot. He has the championship experience playing with Pau Gasol winning two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
That’s why I was surprised that Phil Jackson cut Brown from the team considering that he has a pretty good understanding of the triangle offense. I really thought that the Chicago native would be a good fit with the Bulls considering that the relative lack of interest would be a boon for the Bulls.
Well he must be good enough for the reigning four time Eastern Conference champs. I tend to pay attention to Pat Riley and his signings. If he thought enough to sign Brown to a deal maybe he has something left in the tank. Brown will get a chance too. Maybe more than he would have with the Bulls. With Dwyane Wade basically a lock to miss 10 to 15 games to either rest those knees or some other injury, Shannon Brown can fill in and keep Wade’s creaky knees somewhat alive until April.
If Shannon Brown can give the Heat the 10.7 points per game he gave Phoenix being a part-time starter and sixth man along with more moves to come, the Heat will be just fine in the post LeBron era.
Jan 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa (10) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Suns defeated the Sixers 124-113. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
2) Leandro Barbosa
It is amazing what good representation and a good networking scheme can do for a player. This was so good, even I was inspired. Leandro Barbosa used one exhibition game against the USA squad when the entire backcourt looked disinterested and sloppy to tally up 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. I would like to extend an invitation to Jeff Schwartz and Sam Goldfeder to help with me with my future business dealings because what these guys did was amazing.
Leandro Barbosa signed a one year deal with the Golden State Warriors. With the injury to Shaun Livingston which will sideline him up to six to eight weeks, the Warriors felt the need to bolster the backcourt depth.
So let me see, play one game halfway decent against the US squad. Then obtain a 20 minute conversation with Tom Thibodeau. After that, get the announcers to mention your desire to play in the league every time you touch the ball. Finally get your name in the paper linking yourself with the Chicago Bulls then get signed to a NBA team. Brilliant!
Feb 25, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Elton Brand (42) and Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) fight for a rebound in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
3) Elton Brand
Last but not least, there were Chicago Bulls rumors flying around that Elton Brand who is entering his 16th season in the NBA was coming back to where he started. The Chicago Bulls drafted him number on way back in 1999 out of Duke before trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers in a draft night trade in 2001.
Brand appeared in 73 games with 15 starts for the Atlanta Hawks last season. He was a major component in the Atlanta Hawks shocking the league by making the playoffs after a season ending injury to Al Horford. After making the playoffs, Brand and the Hawks gave a bigger shock to the Indiana Pacers taking them to seven games in the first round before falling.
According to Hawks beat writer Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta and Elton Brand are in negotiations for a new contract.
"The Hawks could add a 15th player before the start of training camp next month. They are in negotiations with unrestricted center Elton Brand who played last season with the team."
I see two things at play here. Number one, if anyone needs a job in the NBA, attach your name to any of the millions of Chicago Bulls rumors going around and a team will take a look at you. This is baffling to me.
Number two, what’s the holdup with the filling of the roster spots? I’m not hip to the “we have time until the season starts” mess. This is getting ridiculous.
Derrick Rose needs his knees monitored, plus coming out of the FIBA World Cup, he doesn’t need to be going through marathon practice sessions for the franchise to save a buck for the last three roster spots.
Have we all forgotten about Joakim Noah? He is coming off knee surgery as well. Couple with the off and on foot problems that he had to deal with last year, he has no business getting overworked either.
Pau Gasol is 34 years old. Do I have to remind anyone about Father Time’s record? Last I heard, he’s still undefeated. It’s time to work efficiently as well as smart. Gone are the days of last year. Gar Forman and John Paxson has had a good free agency period over the summer.
Oct 31, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (right) chat prior to a game against the Sacramento Kings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
It’s time to finish the job. Fill out the roster.
Well Pippen Peoples, you’re up. Even I’m running low on candidates at this point. What three players (and they need three to preserve players) do the Bulls need to fill out this roster? Leave your comments below and Pippen Ain’t Easy may use your comment in future articles.
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