This edition of Chicago Bulls rumors comes to me with mixed feelings. Let’s get the good feelings out-of-the-way…
THANK GOD!!! THE BULLS DIDN’T SIGN RYAN HOLLINS!
For the last month or two, Chicago Bulls rumors have been rampant as the Bulls have made attempts to round out their bench with either a backup big man or a guard.
The Bulls went with the big guard.
As all Bulls fans know, Chicago Bulls rumors linked with free agent players come a dime a dozen, but it seems the Bulls finally picked a player to meet the NBA minimum roster requirements. According to Priority Sports Agency, the Chicago Bulls signed E’Twaun Moore.
I realize that Priority Sports represents Moore so this story should be legit based on this release on Twitter…
"Priority Sports@Priority SportsCongrats @ETwaun55 on signing with @chicagobulls. Nothing like staying at home!"
However, every hardcore Bulls fan knows that the front office won’t say anything until the press conference. The Chicago Bulls to this point have not yet officially announced the signing.
Pippen Ain’t Easy was right there with the analysis and breakdown when Moore was on the Bulls radar about a month ago. Along with the Bulls, it was rumored that the Cleveland Cavaliers had an interest in bringing in the former Orlando Magic guard. I think the interest waned a little in Cleveland around the Kevin Love courtship period.
I made my opinion known that I wasn’t a fan of the Bulls signing E’Twaun Moore, but there is a very good reason why the Bulls signed Moore…
He’s cheap Pippen Peoples, he’s REAL cheap.
Check out what Shams Charania says about the rumored deal.
"Shams Charania@Shams CharaniaFree agent E’Twaun Moore has signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls, league sources tells RealGM. First year’s 50 percent guaranteed."
Okay Pippen Peoples, the comments section is down below. How many of you think Moore will be around by the end of the year? The last time the Bulls lined up contracts for Mike James, Lou Amundson, Ronnie Brewer and Chuck Smith that were similar to Moore’s (think of the guys that never got off the bench during the playoffs), they were used for a possible trade deal to try to land Carmelo Anthony. When Anthony resigned with the Knicks, those players were renounced except for Smith who was traded. This might be in E’Twaun Moore’s future to match up salaries in a future trade. You know, the throw in guy.
Moore averaged 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and less than one steal per game last season. He shot 42.8% from the field while shooting 35.4% from the land of the extra point and 76.8% from the charity stripe.
For Moore’s career, he averages 6.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists shooting 40.7% from the field, 35% from the three-point line and 79% from the free throw line. One thing is for sure he is consistently mediocre.
Something doesn’t set right with me when the Orlando Magic, one of the worst teams in the NBA lets you go for Ben Gordon. Yeah, I know what you are thinking. Ben Gordon is an upgrade over E’Twaun Moore. Sure, when he played for the Bulls back in the day. As soon as he signed that contract in Detroit, his career imploded. How bad? Gordon was deactivated and sent away from the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) last year just to see if they could trade him. When they failed, Owner Michael Jordan bought out his contract ONE DAY after the deadline for playoff eligibility. Cold Mr. Jordan! Cold! Ben Gordon is known in league circles for a bad attitude, bad shot selection and his defense…wait a minute. What defense?
E’Twaun Moore fits a need for the Chicago Bulls in the short-term. I mean REAL SHORT TERM. He will be in training camp being a warm body to keep the teams even for scrimmages. If the Bulls are smart, they will keep a close eye on Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah’s knees and they do need a player that will do two things.
1) Do what the Bulls need them to do, practice and take up space on the bench during games quietly without complaint.
2) Take any deal they offer and be happy with it.
One of the Pippen Peoples, Mick McMickenson had a comment on one of the articles about the free agent rumors concerning Leandro Barbosa…
"Been ripping on the bottom of the barrel free agents a lot, eh Ronnie?Is anybody good enough for you Mr. Agers? Do you want the Bulls to go after LeBron or KD as the 13th man coming off the bench for the vet minimum?"
Actually there are plenty of players that are good enough for the Bulls, because everyone in the NBA can play. The question is how many veteran players besides Mike James do you know is going to come in and sit the bench for a partially guaranteed deal? I’ll wait.
Basically from a talent standpoint, I am not a fan of this signing. I have no idea why Ramon Sessions is on the brain so heavy but if the Bulls would have picked him up, I would be happier. However, there is no way he would have signed a deal that Moore signed. I believe that the Bulls are not done dealing so let’s see how this scenario plays out.
One of the Pippen Peoples, Michael Cunningham has a great point…
"“What’s wrong with Phoenix Suns Gerald Green? The Bulls have been in the midst of several trades and free agent signings over the summer and none have involved Green. I wonder why when Phoenix is so willing to trade him and his low salary $3.5 million.”“The Bulls could certainly use an athletic wing player in Thibs defensive scheme, and Green’s game has improved to the point that he has a good shot to go with his ability to attack the basket offensively. Green would be great coming off the bench. He’s entering the prime of his playing career, and has a lot going for him as a player.”"
Talent wise, Mike I agree. But for sitting the bench and accepting it, it won’t happen. Plus with that $3.5 million dollar price tag, you know as well as I do, the Bulls won’t touch him.
Well Pippen Peoples, there you have it. The Bulls have satisfied the league minimum of players that have to be on the roster. I’m sure that the front office has something up their sleeve. For more in-depth analysis on the roster going forward, keep it locked to Pippen Ain’t Easy, your best choice for Chicago Bulls news, previews and reviews.
Like us on Facebook: Pippen Ain’t Easy and follow us n Twitter: @BullsBeatBlog. Join the discussions, join the fun.