MW: OK, so it seems like everyone is buying out Rondo in their own minds and giving the young kids the keys to the Ferrari that they’re probably going to wreck this season because the Bulls are going to be so bad in 2017-18. Since it’s truly a new day in Chicago, who gets the “point guard of the future” label slapped on them? It’s safe to assume it’s Kris Dunn’s role now, correct?
DB: If the Bulls are truly embracing the tank, then roll out Cam Payne and Kris Dunn and let them play as much as possible to figure out if there actually is a “point guard of the future” on this roster.
DC: If Rondo isn’t back, I don’t see an issue. Dunn should be the starter without question. Grant might as well get one more shot at proving he can do something so he should be the back up. MCW shouldn’t be back. And even if the Bulls front office won’t admit it, the Cam Payne trade was absolutely tragic and he shouldn’t be a factor in any decision relating to the Bulls and their NBA roster.
BH: Let Dunn run the show. I mean, we traded Jimmy for him. Let’s see if Dunn’s got the goods. If not, there’s always Cam Payne!
IK: If Rondo leaves, and MCW leaves as expected, the Bulls will still have a thousand guards. Just kidding, they’ll have (counts on fingers) 9 guards, including Morrow and Canaan. I’d hope they actually try to develop these guys and maybe get rid of the lost causes (Payne for one) and maybe acquire a solid backup, veteran young guard to teach these kids with Dunn, Valentine, Zipser, Lavine, and Grant.
WL: After Yogi Ferrell found his stride in Dallas last season, I wonder if it might be interesting to take a bunch of 10-day flyers and see if you can find something that works. There are a lot of these guards like Ferrell who worked well in college, but didn’t really fit an NBA mold. It might be interesting to see if the Bulls can find a kid who can work a little magic without a big contract.
MP: Whether Rondo stays or goes for the 2017-18 season, the Bulls need to focus on playing their young guards, especially Dunn. Now that the Chicago front office has committed to a rebuild, there is no reason not to let players like Dunn and Jerian Grant play and gain experience in the league. Sure, having point guards who can’t shoot well isn’t going to help them win games, but who cares, because, remember, we’re tanking now! Hopefully the extra playing time will allow someone to blossom and improve their game.
RP: The jury is clearly still out on Jerian Grant, and for good reason. He had his fair share of struggles last year. But if the Bulls are actually rebuilding, they might as well run out the young players who have had to sit behind Rondo and Wade and Butler for a year. Grant has no value if they don’t play him, especially now that there really isn’t any reason to attempt a playoff run.