John Paxson: Stand Firm, Stay the Course

Chicago fans would have liked the Bulls to go deeper into the playoffs. This year, it was not the case.

Given the current alignment of the Bulls, certain tweaks must happen to ensure continual longevity.

This is my advice to John Paxson.

First and foremost, the three or four guard lineups are just cute. You don't win basketball games that way, however.

To facilitate this criticism, the first move would be to get rid of a couple of the team's small guards.  

Kirk Hinrich Is Expendable

Hinrich is an average role-player. He has his place in the NBA—but not with this team. Hinrich dribbles too much and takes too long to set up the play.

This style of play always leads to the Bulls scrambling to beat the clock. Their lack of height makes them a liability defensively, even though Hinrich is a good defender.

So what do you do with him?

Get rid of him. A true backup point guard needs to be brought in as Hinrich's replacement.

Ben Gordon Is Too Valuable To Lose

For all those who hate on Ben Gordon because of his defense, hear me out.

Where can you find another player capable of matching his scoring prowess? Where in the draft or free agency do you find a prolific scorer of his caliber? That guy is not out there, so the Bulls need to make do with what they have. 

Sign him, please.

More Moves for Paxson

Here's a trade—Luol Deng for any bum available with an expiring contract.

Andrei Kirilenko is entering the final year of his contract. This seems like a perfect fit for Deng to get his act together. Jerry Sloan would not tolerate the crap that the Bulls have.

Next, we need a star acquisition—how about Hasheem Thabeet? Alone, this move would not produce a low-post scoring threat. However, couple him with Joakim Noah and you just might get enough scoring from both to justify the pickup.

With the magical trades of Hinrich and Deng, that leaves Salmons at the three. On the contrary, let's let Salmons come off the bench and let Tyrus Thomas start.

T.T. is athletic enough to play and defend the small forward. He had some nice stretches against Paul Pierce. Send Tyrus Thomas back to the summer league to play small forward exclusively so he can further develop his natural position.

Here is my 2010 lineup—PG D. Rose, SG BG7, SF T. Thomas, PF J. Noah, C H.Thabeet.

This lineup may not win the Bulls a championship next year, but it will keep them under the cap for 2010.