NBA 2011 Free Agency: Chicago Bulls Current Needs and Targets

Christmas has come early, Bulls fans, as the search begins for a new shooting guard to play alongside Derrick Rose. After coming close to returning to the NBA finals, the mission is to improve on last season and win the whole thing. Their odds are 4-1 or 5-1 in most places and that's with the current team in place.

Can they do it as constructed? I'm not sure. But, the proposed schedule favors a young team like the Bulls also, the dreaded circus trip isn't on the schedule thanks to the lockout. So there are some advantages here as well as a few bumps in the road.

First thing to question is the health of Joakim Noah's ankle. He was sent home by the French National team because of his physical. Can he hold up during the constant back to backs?

The next question is about the depth of the team. The Bulls' biggest strength is also their biggest weakness. It's their depth that helped them get the top record last season but it was missing something. It was missing an offensive punch. That leads me to their needs.

Their biggest need is a starting shooting guard. The names mentioned have been Jason Richardson, Brandon Roy and Jamal Crawford. I mentioned Richardson and Roy in a previous article, "Chicago Bulls: The Five Players They Should Go After" and why they make sense. I have caught a little bit of heat for the suggestion of Brandon Roy and that's fine, it is great for a debate and discussions. Both Richardson and Roy would put Bulls in the same conversation with Miami. As for Jamal Crawford, I love his offensive game but he's not the defensive player that Bull's coach Tom Thibodeau desires so he wouldn't be a fit. Going against what I have stated before, Jason Richardson is exactly what the Bulls need. Also, don't count out the possibility of the Bulls reaching out to Nick Young or Sonny Weems. Both of them are young, inexpensive options at shooting guard.

The backup point guard position was virtually non-existent last season for the Bulls. This is no slight to C.J. Watson but he's more of a small shooting guard in a point guard's body. The word is that they have contacted the agent of T.J. Ford and that's music to my ears. I have long admired Ford's toughness, plus, he's a ball-handler and very willing passer who doesn't mind taking a big shot. You can have him come in for Derrick Rose or move Rose to the two guard spot and play them together. I applaud the Bulls for inquiring and I hope that he signs.

The last thing that they need is a rugged perimeter defender. A guy who only looks to do the dirty work outside of the paint, similar to Meta World Peace, but without the distractions. Last season they took a long hard look at Raja Bell and Matt Barnes before they signed elsewhere but this season Shane Battier might be the guy that fills that role. He's a strong defender, a solid shooter, and a good locker room guy who might be willing to take a small role on a team looking to win it all. Caron Butler is another great choice provided that he's healthy enough to contribute. He is still capable of scoring 15-18 points a night and he would provide the scoring of the bench that the Bulls need.

If the Bulls solve two of their three biggest needs they will be in great shape going into their opening game showdown versus the Lakers on Christmas day. I can't wait.