Rasheed Wallace to the Chicago Bulls? It's Time for This to Happen

Perceptions of Rasheed Wallace, who wants to make a return to the NBA, are wide-ranging and many of them are negative.  Throw in the fact that he’s been out of the NBA for a year and a half and it can really seem foolish to consider signing him. 

But it’s not like the Chicago Bulls are searching for a significant contributor.  What they do need is another big man to stack the bench a bit more, which columnist Bob Bajek highlighted a couple days ago.   

There are certainly question marks with Wallace.  Will he be willing to accept a minor role, in which he may not appear at all in some games?  Will his uncontrolled antics lead to dissension and unnecessary technical fouls?  Does he have anything left in the tank after being out of the game for a year and a half? 

These are viable questions, but all indications point in favor of giving 'Sheed a chance.

Two years ago, Wallace accepted a bench role with the Boston Celtics, who went all the way to the Finals before losing in seven games to the Lakers.  Moreover, Wallace was coached by former Boston assistant and now Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. 

Not only does it appear that Wallace would willingly accept a spot on the “Bench Mob,” but he has also learned many of Thibodeau’s coaching principles and could aptly adjust to Chicago’s style of play. 

In regards to Wallace’s famed antics, I doubt this would be an issue, mainly because he wouldn't be seeing the court as much as he did in his Portland and Detroit days, when he gathered T’s at about the same rate that he notched blocked shots.  

And concerning his level of play, this also shouldn't be of concern, because he won’t be asked to log loads of minutes.  If he can provide spot minutes here and there and be ready to fill in if one of Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson or Omer Asik get hurt, then super.  This would be his role.  

Furthermore, who else is there available to sign?  Leon Powe and Joel Przybilla aren't as skilled and their playoff experience is a mere glimmer compared to Rasheed's bevy of playoff stints (including winning a championship with Detroit in 2004).

Last year, the Bulls possessed savvy veteran Kurt Thomas, who bolted for Portland in the offseason.  While that’s not a major loss, it’s still a loss that creates a void.  Right now, the Bulls are laden with injuries.  

Asik, Boozer, and Brian Scalabrine were the only healthy big men playing last Saturday against Charlotte.  And in last night's loss to Indiana, the Bulls were forced to insert Scalabrine late in the game due to Boozer's lackluster defense (and the fact that Gibson remains out with an ankle injury).

Those situations are predicaments—predicaments that should most definitely be avoided come the playoffs.  If such situations resurrect themselves in the playoffs, having a body like Rasheed would not only be helpful, but pivotal.

While the initial thought of signing Wallace may be perplexing, further indications reveal that his presence is worth the gamble.