Starting shooting guard Richard Hamilton has a nagging strained left groin that has kept him off the floor. Also, backup point guard C.J. Watson has a dislocated/sprained left elbow and has been out the last few games.
Another capable backup guard would be an excellent addition, as John Lucas III should not be counted on in the long-term.
Also, the Bulls lost Kurt Thomas to the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency and lack a true backup big man in case either Carlos Boozer or Joakim Noah get injured. Sorry Brian Scalabrine fans, but the Jolly Giant doesn’t make the cut.
Having a decent backup who doesn’t just occasionally play garbage minutes once every 10 games will provide great frontcourt insurance.
Here are six free agents who would shore up the Bulls’ title chances.
Former Miami Heat PG Eddie House:
The Miami Heat surprised the NBA when they cut backup point guard Eddie House before the season started.
House, a 33-year-old sharpshooter, was released so the Heat could keep rookies Terrel Harris and Mickell Gladness.
This wasn’t a knock on House or his abilities, as he scored 6.5 points per game on 39 percent shooting from three-point range last year.
A player of House’s abilities would give the Bulls an experienced NBA veteran who is a decent defender and a definite upgrade over Lucas.
Former Orlando Magic PG Gilbert Arenas:
Formerly with the Orlando Magic, point guard Gilbert Arenas is probably the most talented option left in a thin free-agent market.
Arenas, a 30-year-old guard who was amnestied by the Magic, was very effective for the Washington Wizards the past two years as a starter. In Orlando, Arenas struggled to get his game going off the bench as Magic coach Stan Van Gundy didn’t use him correctly.
Agent Zero has good size (6’4″, 215 pounds) and is a great off-the-ball shooter. Arenas also has great court vision and would have more opportunities to score with Derrick Rose passing him the ball.
While Arenas isn’t the player who could consistently drop 30 points a night, Agent Zero would provide the Bench Mob with another scorer, especially if C.J. Watson is out for a long time.
Former Charlotte Bobcats C Joel Przybilla:
Probably the best big-man possibility for the Chicago Bulls is Joel Przybilla.
The bad news is the 32-year-old center is thinking about retirement after the Charlotte Bobcats released him.
At 7’1″ and 265 pounds, Przybilla provides length and toughness in the post like Omer Asik currently does.
Przybilla has 377 career starts and could fill in if Joakim Noah suffers an injury.
Last year, Przybilla managed four rebounds a night despite having an injury-plagued season.
The Minnesota product has received interest from the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Former Miami Heat C Erick Dampier:
The Chicago Bulls need a fifth big man who isn’t Brian Scalabrine, and former Miami Heat center Erick Dampier could be that guy.
The 36-year-old Dampier is a 6’11”, 265-pound athlete who is a decent defender and was known for his offensive rebounding.
However, Dampier’s ability to gain offensive rebounds for the Heat dipped last year, as the Mississippi State graduate pulled down one offensive board a night.
Dampier had 2.5 points and 3.4 rebounds a night for the Heat while averaging 16 minutes a game.
It’s true Dampier’s abilities have diminished a bit, but he has some gas left in the tank.
Former Memphis Grizzlies PF Leon Powe:
Leon Powe is another power forward the Chicago Bulls should target.
The 27-year-old Powe has five years NBA experience who averages 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds a night.
One reason why the Memphis Grizzlies didn’t bring Powe back was Powe struggles with injuries and commits too many fouls.
Despite his injury and foul troubles, Powe is effective around the rim and draws fouls.
The 6’8″, 240-pound Powe has more scoring ability than Scalabrine, but is a defensive liability.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder PF/C Etan Thomas:
Former Oklahoma City Thunder big man Etan Thomas would be a valuable fifth member of the Chicago Bulls frontcourt.
The 33-year-old Thomas is a nine-year NBA veteran who is a big body (6’10”, 260 pounds) that has the ability to score down low.
The Syracuse product has a long injury history and hasn’t played much for the past few seasons, but he would be an upgrade over Brian Scalabrine.
Source: Bleacher Report
Photos: zimbio.com