Chicago Bulls Rumors: Is Jamal Crawford a Good Fit?

As reported by csnchicago.com's Mark Shanowski, the Bulls are looking to add two perimeter players.

According to sources, the Bulls are looking to give shooting guard Jamal Crawford his wish by bringing him back to Chicago. 

It would be a sign-and-trade deal that sends Ronnie Brewer and another player to Atlanta for the explosive Crawford. 

This move would allow the Bulls to sign a player like Caron Butler or Grant Hill.

As I backtrack, let me say that I am a fan of Jamal Crawford's fearless offense, but his defense leaves more to be desired.

Which is why I feel he's not a good fit.   

The Bulls would have two poor defensive players on the floor together for at least 30 minutes a game in Crawford and power forward Carlos Boozer.  That could spell disaster for a team with coach Tom Thibodeau who is a defensive taskmaster. 

The last time that the Bulls played was game five of the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami.  In that game, Boozer and Joakim Noah watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench due to their indecision on the defensive end of the floor. 

I can see the same thing happening with Crawford if he ends up signing with the team.

Thibodeau might be able to reach him, who knows?  But I will say that the skills are there.  He's good around the passing lanes, but what's missing is the desire to give his all on both ends of the court.

I give this potential move a lukewarm response and shrug.  If Crawford can feed off of Derrick Rose's unmatched will for winning and work hard on team defense, then the deal could work.

But be cautious my fellow Bulls fans.  It can go either way. 

I would rather get Aaron Afflalo or Nick Young but if there is a second perimeter player added to the mix, it might be Caron Butler or Grant Hill. 

The potential trade leaves the Bulls' full mid-level exception untouched.  Since they were going to use it to lure a player, consider this lineup:

Point Guard: Derrick Rose

Shooting Guard: Aaron Afflalo

Small Forward: Luol Deng

Power Forward: Carlos Boozer

Center: Joakim Noah

And the key reserves: Taj Gibson, Omir Ask and Jamal Crawford.

That would spell a plan.  Once again, General Manager Gar Forman is officially on the clock. Let's make it count.