NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Should Sign Tracy McGrady and Another Off-Guard

When Stephen A. Smith emphatically proclaimed that the Chicago Bulls would sign Tracy McGrady post-lockout, many fans groaned at the notion. I share there sentiments if McGrady is the only upgrade to the 2-guard position.

There is no reason he has to be. The Bulls could sign T-Mac to a veteran's minimum deal, which is believed to be the terms of what the deal would look like. That still leaves room for the Bulls to sign a more permanent shooting guard prospect.

Mind you, I would in no way imply that McGrady should start for the Bulls. In my opinion, his receptiveness to a bench role would be the key factor in offering him a deal. 

If T-Mac still believes this is 2000, then the Bulls are better off taking a pass, but I don't believe that is the case. A healthy, motivated and on-board McGrady could offer the Bench Mob something they didn't have last year—a scorer.

Gone are the days when McGrady could go for 30 points consistently, but he is still capable of scoring spurts, especially from the arc. McGrady is also still capable of getting to the line and creating for teammates. McGrady's averages of 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game would have made him the Bulls' best reserve last year.

Most importantly, he could give the Bulls scoring bursts when Rose sits, as well as remain on the floor in the fourth quarter if he has the hot hand.

Signing McGrady is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move and it still enables the Bulls to sign someone like Arron Afflalo. Afflalo is a younger and better all-around player than McGrady, but he doesn't offer the potential overall offensive effectiveness that McGrady does and the Bulls need.

The Bulls could decline the option on Keith Bogans' deal and allow Ronnie Brewer to back Luol Deng exclusively.

There is no reason the Bulls can't double-dip into this year's free-agent crop to fill their 2-guard needs.