NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls Will Have to Make Due with Low-Risk Veteran at SG

Chicago Bulls fans have waited through the offseason and a near-150-day lockout for the Bulls to address their shooting guard issue. The 2011-12 version of a solution may not be that exciting to Bulls fans. That doesn't mean it won't be successful, but the chances of a big-name replacement for the three-headed monster that scared no one is unlikely.

So while Bulls fans can rest assured there will be no repeat of Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer, it doesn't appear that the likes of OJ Mayo, Monta Ellis or Arron Afflalo will be wearing Bulls uniforms either.

The next tier down could be a shaky proposition as well. That group includes Jason Richardson and Caron Butler, who is naturally a SF. There has been some mention that Luol Deng could possibly play the two, but that could be a huge challenge.

On top of that, both players must agree to take the mid-level exception to join the Bulls. If another contender offers them a bit above the MLE, then the Bulls could lose out on that front. That leaves the Bulls picking through lesser players for the MLE or high injury risk veterans like Tracy McGrady at the veterans minimum.

The one thing the Bulls and their fans must realize is that the core is very young. Fans would be smart not to believe that just any 2-guard will get the Bulls by the Miami Heat.

While many are calling for Jason Richardson, this three-point-happy version of J-Rich may not put the Bulls over the hump. The Bulls need another player to get his own offense. Richardson is a spot-up shooter and doesn't spend a lot of time on the free throw line these days.

Everyone seems to be plotting a team that will defeat the 2010-11 version of the Miami Heat. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Heat will be the same team they were last year. Even that team took four of five from the Bulls, including two on the United Center floor.

It is true all of the games were close, but the Bulls are more than an adequate 2-guard away from assuring a win in a repeat series. Notice, I said assuring—while it is possible, the acquisition of an adequate 2-guard, doesn't make the Bulls the favorites.

The Heat will add a player or two as well, and they will get better from a chemistry standpoint. It is wrong to assume that someone like Jason Richardson automatically makes up for the 4-1 series deficit from last year's Eastern Conference Finals.

The 2-guard the Bulls need may not be available this offseason. That is a bitter pill to swallow, but it is probably true. For now, it seems the Bulls will have to settle for a short contract extended to a veteran and hope it is enough.

A better 2-guard option would take a lot more of the guess work out of the equation.