Official NBA Playoffs Discussion/Prediction Thread

I have faith in John Paxson and the Chicago Bulls organization to not make any stupid moves this offseason, as they did avoid a potential Pau Gasol trade, which would have clearly set Chicago up for failure and a first round elimination (if they even made it) in the playoffs.

No good can come of any team, really, that is willing to send 4 or 5 decent-to-rising stars to another team for one aging superstar.

Another interesting turn of events,

Portland is considering taking Durant as the number 1 overall pick, over Greg Oden.

Draft is only 10 days away.

Yah I think theres a 0% chance that Portland takes Durant.

Howard is an All Star, and will be one for the next 10 years, Thomas needs to get past his immaturity and just play more and he will be fine

Yeah, I agree... comparing (at this point, atleast) Tyrus Thomas and Dwight Howard is a little bit different. Dwight Howard is going to be the best center in the league for years to come (already is in my opinion), even though his offensive game still has tons of room to improve. It's just the way it is.

Where as Tyrus Thomas still has a LOT to learn, but I think in time he can be an all star too. I agree he needs to play more next season though, and it'll pay dividends. Skiles can't jack him around and play him 35 minutes one night, let him put up 20 points, 10 boards, then send him to the bench for the next 2 weeks. I really don't want to trade him, but if we're not going to let him play, what's the point of keeping him around?

He needs to develop more of an inside game, and put on some weight... he's going to be a good ball player though. He's got the skills to do it, there's no question about that... it's all a matter of coaching and devotion, and I think there's enough of both there that it should work out.

Also, for the record, the players on the Bulls I'd make available in trade talk would be Hinirch, Nocioni, Duhoh (which will happen regardlessly), and Gordon under the right circumstance.

I like Hinrich, but he's just not very polished a lot of the time and he comes off as a total headcase. And as a point guard, you don't want that. He cost us many games due to boneheaded fouls and plays last year. However, knowing he's our team captain/leader, and that he's pretty much untouchable in the org's eyes when it comes to trading him, I figure that won't happen. But I wouldn't make him off limits.

Nocioni is going to have a great year next year if he's at full strength, and he's a good player, but we've got 2 others that play similar to him (Deng who is superior, and now Thabo who really came into his own at the end of last year). Not to mention Tyrus who shares some traits as well. I'd rather trade Nocioni and let Tyrus get the bulk of the playing time that crosses over, because I figure even if Nocioni stays, it's only going to be for one more year and he's going to be coming off the bench most of the time anyway. And he's good enough to start for most teams.

Duhon's a mess and the city hates him, get him out while he still has some value as a bench player who can drill the 3.

Gordon I've always been mixed on trading, and still am, because almost all of the time last year (sans the playoffs, when it was all Deng, and the few other instances he [Gordon] crapthe bed) he basically carried our team, and was the only person who would score whether it be in the clutch, or just period. He really seemed like our true leader most of the time, not Kirk Hinrich.

I'd deal the #9 pick too coupled with something else, if it would land a low-post pressance, or if it could move up a couple of spots for a higher pick where it would be almost a lock to nab a guy like Jianlian or Horford.

Hinrich is actually the untouchable in all this, Nocioni is a RFA so he might be traded no matter what. Gordon is always mentioned in trades, hes solid, but should not be the centerpiece to a KG/Pierce/Kobe deal, in my opinion.

Essentially its Hinrich and Deng as the untouchables. What the Bulls need ideally, is Mike Conley Jr and push Hinrich over to the 2-guard, Gordon off the bench or dealt

Yeah,

haven't heard a single rumor yet about Chicago sending Hinrich anywhere, so I doubt he would be involved in any possible trade.

Deng always seemed to be the untouchable one throughout the season, especially when the Gasol trade rumors fell apart because Chicago refused to include him in any scenario. But, now, if a superstar player comes along like Kobe or KG, it seems him and Gordon are always included. And, besides Duhon, I believe Nocioni is most likely to be included as a piece in any potential trade for Chicago this summer.

Gordon and Paul Pierce have about the same value these days if you ask me. Pierce being grouped into the same caliber as KG and Kobe is wishful thinking. Pierce is well older than Gordon and hasn't won a damn thing nor can he lead a team.

I would say they won't, but Billy Knight is a intellectually- disabled person, so you never know.

If there is a 6'9" forward available, Billy will take him.