NBA Free Agent 2011 Predictions: Chicago Bulls Will Finally Nab a Shooting Guard

The Chicago Bulls needed a shooting guard more than anything last season, but could not seem to find one with a complete set of skills.

They were employing Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer at the 2 spot during their crucial playoff series against the Miami Heat and each brought something to the table but also took something off.

Bogans is a great defender, Korver can shoot the lights out and Brewer is an all-around mediocre player.

What Chicago needs at the position is a player who can do a little of everything really well.

Derrick Rose can score and distribute like an MVP should, Noah and Boozer can get boards and bang down low. Deng is the perfect complementary swingman and now they need to find a SG who can pop threes, has the athleticism to defend players like Dwyane Wade, and score or defer when necessary.

The Bulls are most likely going to be right at or over the cap when free agency starts, so their best bet is finding players who are available cheap and quite possibly cut from other teams via the new amnesty clause.

Let’s take a look at some players who should be available to them.

Vince Carter

The Phoenix Suns would be stupid to pay Vinsanity $18 million this season and cutting him would cost just $4 million.

If they decide to go this route, the 34-year-old former All-NBA player would be a solid option for the Bulls. He is often criticized for not taking control of games when it is called for, but as a complementary player, could be a great option.

He is still one of the more skilled NBA guards in the league and having him be a second or third-banana behind Rose takes all the pressure off him to be clutch.

Richard Hamilton

Rip is probably going to be released from the Detroit Pistons and the 33-year-old former NBA champion would be a solid pickup for the Bulls.

He is an excellent shooter, although he has fallen more in love with the three point shot as Detroit has become more irrelevant, and a great defender when motivated.

A move to the Windy City would revitalize his career and commitment to the game. He definitely still has enough left in the tank to start next to D-Rose after mailing in the last few seasons.

Jason Richardson

J-Rich would be taking a pay cut to play here, but a guarantee to start and a high probability to win a ring might sway him to move to Chi-town.

He has yet to win a championship in his career and has only been to the playoffs three times. He would almost be assured of a fourth appearance if he were to join Chicago and apparently winning is more important than money in this stage of his career.