NBA Free Agency: Why Chicago Doesn't Need LeBron James
I can't say that getting LeBron James would be a bad thing for the Bulls. In fact, it would be a great thing. Basketball will once again be prime in Chicago, Bulls fans will begin to come out of their 12-year hibernation and finally Chicago will become a major force in the NBA. However, I'll play devil's advocate and make the case for why the Chicago Bulls shouldn't pursue LeBron James, and rather, seek another free agent come 12:01 AM Thursday.
First things first.
The whole talk about "If LeBron wants to win a championship fast, he comes to the Chicago Bulls," is bologna. Yes, Derrick Rose is astounding (his 26.8 points per game last season was good enough for 5th in the NBA) and Joakim Noah's 11 rebounds per game was tied for 7th overall in the association, but the duo still need another potent big-man in the low post. Not another 25+ point per game player.
LeBron averaged 7.3 rebounds per game (47th in the NBA) and 1.01 blocks per game (51st in the NBA). Still not exactly the "big man" Chicago would need.
Though it is undeniable that his steals per game (1.64, 10th in the NBA) and assists per game (8.6, 6th in the NBA) are astounding. But what's to say that once LBJ comes to Chicago, he tries to take over the role of lead scorer? Chicago needs that big man.
A guy like Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer or Joe Johnson and even Dirk Nowitzki would fit in tremendously.
Keep in mind that the Bulls will suddenly become a defense-first team overnight now that former Celtics defensive coach Tom Thibodeau is in charge. I suspect the new head honcho would like a new player to usher in his defensive scheme.
One would say LeBron James is that player, right?
Wrong.
Despite being a phenomenal defensive basketball player, LeBron James is more concerned with scoring.
That's why the Bulls need not sweat over James come July 1, and instead, go for the defensive-first guy such as Chris Bosh.
Bosh can post up, create mis-matches and dish the ball around for Derrick. That formula, coupled with Joakim Noah's rebounding ability, the Chicago Bulls could be set up to win the NBA title within the next three seasons. Even without the King James.
