Chicago Bulls: Jason Richardson Is the Right Man for the Shooting Guard Job

The Chicago Bulls are in desperate need of a new shooting guard to pair with reigning MVP Derrick Rose in the backcourt.

Bulls fans have discussed this topic ever since their team lost to the Miami Heat in last season's Eastern Conference Finals. And they'll continue to talk about it until the team adds that much-needed shooting guard to the roster here shortly.

So, who will be D-Rose's starting backcourt mate when the Bulls begin the season on Christmas day out in Los Angeles?

It could be Rip Hamilton, Vince Carter, Caron Butler, Arron Afflalo, Nick Young or Shannon Brown. Then again, it could also be Monta Ellis, Tracy McGrady, O.J. Mayo, Courtney Lee, Marcus Thornton or Jamal Crawford.

But who the Bulls really should acquire is none other than unrestricted free agent Jason Richardson.

A back-to-back slam dunk champion in 2002 and 2003, 30-year-old Richardson is no longer one of the game's top dunkers, but he would still be what the Bulls need: another scorer to take pressure off Rose. 

Last season, Richardson averaged 15.6 points per game as he split time with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic. He had four games in which he dropped at least 30 points, including a season-high 39 against Denver and 38 versus Memphis.

Richardson would provide exceptional long-range shooting to the Bulls lineup. He finished with 189 treys last season, second-best in the league behind Golden State's Dorell Wright. He also averaged 2.4 three-point field goals made per contest and shot 39 percent from deep.

Carlos Boozer, who was signed by the Bulls last offseason, was expected to emerge as a second scoring option to Rose. However, despite having a decent regular season in Chicago (averaging 17.5 ppg) he disappeared in the playoffs, putting up just 12.6 ppg. 

With his abilities to take the ball to the basket and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, Richardson could very well become the scorer that Boozer was supposed to during the postseason.

The most the Bulls can offer Richardson is the mid-level exception, which the 10-year veteran just might accept if he wants a chance at winning the first ring of his career and the opportunity to play alongside one of the game's top players in Rose and top coaches in Tom Thibodeau.

Signing J-Rich means the Bulls wouldn't have to lose any key players in a trade like Joakim Noah, Luol Deng or Taj Gibson. If Richardson does indeed land in the Windy City, he might end up being the final piece to the Bulls' championship puzzle.