2010 NBA Free Agency: How C.J. Watson Helps the Chicago Bulls
Yesterday, Internet sources stated that Golden State Warriors PG C.J. Watson would be involved in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls supposedly will send a second round pick to the Warriors for Watson, who will earn $10 million over three years with the first two years guaranteed.
Even though he had a very successful college career, Watson went undrafted and became a journeyman. He played for the San Antonio Spurs Summer League team, then overseas, first with the Pallacanestro Reggiana from Italy and later on the PAOK Thessaloniki BC.
After a season in Europe he decided to comeback home and revive his NBA career. After a failed effort to join a couple of teams, he decided to play in the D-League, where he averaged 26.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.38 steals in 38.1 minutes a game.
The Warriors picked him Watson, and he backed up All-Star Baron Davis until Davis left for the L.A. Clippers.
Since signing with the Warriors, he has shown improvement every year, and last year he had career-high averages in points (10.3), rebounds (2.6), assists (2.8), steals (1.6), FG% (.468), and minutes (27.5).
This move was made by the Bulls to fill in the gap left by Kirk Hinrich, who was traded to the Washington Wizards. Even though Watson won't be as much as a leader as Hinrich once was for Chicago, he is a good shooter with quick hands that help him make steals.
This acquisition was really important, especially because the Bulls need a player that can score and make some defensive plays when Derrick Rose is resting.
The only problem I have with him being Rose's backup is that he has no playoff experience. Other than that, I think the Bulls made a very smart move here. Watson can make some room for himself and hit some shots, or help his new teammates get open, whether it be Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah down low or Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer from the perimeter.
The next move the Bulls should do is get a big man that can shoot, a hole Brad Miller left after signing with the Houston Rockets, and an experienced point guard.
Right now, it looks like the Bulls are making all the right moves to have a chance at winning it all.
