Chicago Bulls Rumors: Chicago Would Be Wise to Take Pass on Joel Przybilla
The Chicago Bulls need another big man, but not one who isn't sure he wants to play. The Bulls have been rumored to have interest in free-agent center Joel Przybilla for what feels like six months. He has apparently been trying to decide between the Miami Heat, Bulls or whether to play at all.
"The Bulls have worked him basically since the lockout ended and I’ve heard they continue to talk to him. It seems more now a question of whether he wants to play, which he is not sure about. He has moved back to Wisconsin and is a family guy and one of those rare players who apparently can live without the game. He knows the Bulls want him. I think so do the Bucks, where he could be the starting center with Bogut out. I suspect that’s become a consideration as its sounded to me he would like to be closer to home than Miami. Have to respect that.
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I agree, you have to respect it, but you don't need to chase him. One of the Bulls greatest strengths is their chemistry. I contend that bringing in a free agent that takes this much wooing is potentially damaging to the locker room.
Other players on the roster have been in that locker room, on the trainer's table and on flights playing back-to-back-to-back games all season. Przybilla has been relaxing with his family. He would have an uphill battle entering the locker room under those circumstances.
It's a gamble, and the Bulls must ask themselves, is it worth it?
We aren't exactly talking about Wilt Chamberlain. Przybilla has scored four points, six rebounds and one-and-a-half blocks per game in his career. He has battled injuries throughout his career, only playing in 70 games or more four times.
He's played for four teams and he's 32 years old. That resume shouldn't bring about a bidding war, or a long waiting period. While the seven-footer could add some decent depth to the Bulls front-line, he should be offered a deal, and given a deadline.
If he hasn't signed by that time, the Bulls should move on.
The Bulls are talented enough to compete with any team in the NBA, with or without Przybilla.
