LeBron James the greatest? Like the Spurs, we’re not buying it
The Chicago Bulls Need to Set an Example for the NBA and Focus on Building a Team, Not Chasing Stars
by Caleb Nordgren (@chisportsguy41)
When the NBA Finals came to an end, the champion San Antonio Spurs stood out over their star-studded opposition because they played as a team instead of relying on individual brilliance.
The Chicago Bulls should be taking notes.
The Bulls have recently been linked to Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony, as their front office goes looking for another star to pair with Derrick Rose. They’ve even been thrown out as a possible destination for LeBron if/when he opts out of his contract in Miami. But acquiring any of those three would be a mistake.
The Bulls dealt with plenty of adversity this year, and the year before that. They banded together after Rose went down (both times) and fought their way into the playoffs. They relied on many contributors rather than just a few. And now they want to throw it all away because they want someone who can do it all themselves? Please.
What of a role player like Taj Gibson with Melo or Love or LeBron in town? “Hey Taj, can you just play defense and rebound for us? You won’t ever get the ball on offense, but at least you can watch (star player) take 25 shots a game for us and get all the credit!” No sane player would accept that kind of role!
And what about Carlos Boozer? He would simply be discarded like yesterday’s trash because he’s “not good enough” and “makes too much money.” Never mind the work he’s put in for the team over the last four years. “What have you done for us lately?” cry Gar Foreman and John Paxson as they go chasing after players who either didn’t make the playoffs at all or got their butts kicked in the Finals.
And Kirk Hinrich? So long, heart and grit and hustle. So long, veteran leadership. We only want stars around these parts.
The Bulls let Marco Belinelli walk last summer and the team he signed with immediately won a championship.
Jordan never needed his team to sign another star to win titles.
You do the math.
Don’t get fooled again, GarPax.