Chicago Bulls: Why Trading Omer Asik Is a Bad Idea

The Turkish monster. The Turkish delight. The Turkish Mamba?

Okay, maybe I went a little too far.

Whatever you want to call him by, Omer Asik has turned into a prolific defensive stopper in this league.

That is why, if the Bulls want to make any moves this year, it should be to not trade Asik—nor even discuss him in a package unless they are getting a superstar in return.

Why you ask?

Because this guy is one of the primary reasons the Bulls have the league’s best record so far. He is a huge reason why the Bulls are winning and have the best defense in the league.

He has been more of a factor than Noah, Gibson and even Boozer at times. Asik has been probably the most reliable big man the Bulls have had all season. For a good chunk of the season, he has closed out games with his defense.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau has put this guy out there for entire fourth quarters.

It’s only his second year in the league, but he is being used as a veteran. He doesn’t score a lot, but still manages to earn the trust and respect from his coach and teammates to close out games.

Asik is probably the best back-up center in the league. Also, I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying that he has the potential to be a top 10 center in this league and the third best defensive center behind Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler.

In fact, if you want to talk defense Omer Asik is a better defender than Joakim Noah.

He has a slight height advantage to Noah, has longer arms and is literally a steel wall at times. Asik has this great capability to go straight up with his long arms up and contest shots without drawing fouls. It is awfully hard to go to the rim when you have an eight foot wall in your way.

Just look at the video to the right and see how Asik blocks an excellent scorer in Dwayne Wade. He makes it look like such a clean block, when in reality there might have been a foul. You know you have a great player if he bleeds for you. Literally. 

Plus, Asik is a rebounding machine. If you compare rebounds per 48 minutes (RP48), Asik would have 16.1 compared to Noah’s 14.9. Asik plays only around 18 mpg and averages an astounding 6.0 rpg. If the Bulls play him starter minutes, they can expect 10-15 rebounds from Asik with ease.

All you have to do is look at the game against the Bobcats. Omer comes in to the game knowing he’s coming off the bench. All of a sudden, literally minutes before tip-off, Noah is scratched from the game. Asik starts instead and what does he do in his first start of the season?

January 21 vs. Charlotte

Pts: Six (2-5 FG, 2-6 FT)

Rebounds: 15

Steal: Three

Blocks: Two

This is the type of line you expect from Noah, but it really shows the Bulls the true potential of Asik.

Don’t get me wrong though. Noah is the better player as he is capable of being a 15 and 10 guy on a daily night but from a fundamentally defensive standpoint, Asik is the better defensive player.

With Noah and Gibson now going through injuries, it is even more important to hold on to Asik. He isn’t a flashy player. He just comes in, fills his role and wins games.

Maybe it is a good thing Gibson is injured right now. It will allow the Bulls to see what Asik can do in heavy minutes for a week or two. Noah’s season isn’t going exactly the way the Bulls wanted. Maybe Asik’s high caliber play will motivate Noah to do better as well. That’s what teammates are for, right?

Bottom line

Asik is the Bulls anchor on defense this season and there is no way they should part ways with him.

There are numerous teams who would love to have Asik starting every night such as the Heat or even the Thunder.

Omer is a player who can reach the all-nba third or even second defensive team.

I wouldn’t use Asik to get OJ Mayo, Courtney Lee or even Monta Ellis.

Now if the Magic want an Asik for Howard swap, then you’re talking.

In the words of Stacey King, “Asik and Destroy!”