NBA Free Agents 2011: Would Nick Young Be a Good Fit at SG for Chicago Bulls?
As a restricted free agent, Nick Young won't have the final say in where he plays during the 2011-12 NBA season.
After a legitimate breakout season, Young will be looking to land a multi-year deal and secure his role as a prominent scorer in the league.
Young's 2010-11 season saw the shooting guard stuff the stat sheet with one impressive performance after another, and he really established himself as someone who can contribute on the offensive end.
His average playing time of approximately 32 minutes per game was the highest total of his career by almost 10 full minutes, and he responded favorably to an increased role after being relegated to inconsistent playing time throughout his tenure in the league.
There's no doubt that the Chicago Bulls could use a player exactly like Young to pair in the backcourt alongside franchise point guard Derrick Rose.
However, it's certainly no slam dunk that the scenario comes to fruition.
As alluded to in the opening, Young's restricted free agency complicates the process of him potentially joining a new team.
Additionally, Chicago has over $60 million committed for the upcoming campaign (as well as over $50 million for 2012-13), and Rose is still operating on his rookie deal, needless to say, the Bulls will need to take care of a contract extension for the reigning MVP.
And then there's the issue of defensive play. To be concise, Young lacks a commitment to excellence at the defensive end of the floor, and that's an element of his game that almost certainly won't sit well with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Despite the defensive shortcomings, Young's offensive abilities are undeniable. The pairing of he and Rose would give Chicago one of the most explosive guard combinations in all of basketball, and would give the team a much needed boost on the perimeter.
Chicago struggled with its offensive production from the shooting guard spot using a three-pronged combination of Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver, and that's an area that the team will have to upgrade if the team holds legitimate championship aspirations.
Even if the team decides that Young is the right fit for the club, the Bulls are going to have a tough time luring him out of Washington as the Wizards will have the final say in whether or not he'll be back with the team.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Chicago have a legitimate interest in bringing Young aboard when transactions can finally resume, but it shouldn't be something that the team counts on.
In addition to being a restricted free agent, Young is another player who has flirted with the possibility of heading to China.
While talk of playing in the CBA has dragged since it originally came about, it's going to be tough for the Bulls to make a serious play for Young.
Prior to the lockout, Washington assistant coaches visited Young, JaVale McGee and Jordan Crawford and provided them with instructions for a program that they wanted the young players to follow.
"It means a lot. I put in some years and I got a chance. They are sticking with me, so that’s a sign of them sticking with me,” Young said. “The Wizards are all I really know right now. I talked to the coaches, and Ernie [Grunfeld] and the people in the front office. You never know how it goes. It’s up to my agent [Aaron Mintz] and I hope they can work something out.
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It doesn't sound like either side wants to part with the other.
