Darko, Was money on Nocioni well spent? Options

[eddog2]

Okay so Milicic reportedly signed with Memphis for 3 years $21 million. I pose the question of whether or not the Bulls paying Nocioni roughly the same (actually slightly more) for his $5 year $38 million. That averages to $7.6 million a season whereas Darko reportedly will be making $7. No to mention Nocioni isn't a starter and is a SF. The only positions in this league were a bench guy could demand starters money are PF/C and PG. Other than that SF's are a dime a dozen.

I don't agree with the practice but it is what it is.

I question whether or not we would have been better off making a strong push to Milicic instead of resigning Nocioni. It just would seem that for the same money I'd much rather have Darko at the 4/5 and play Tyrus at 3/4 than have Nocioni creating a log jam at 3/4 when we already have Deng & Tyrus. I think Darko could have solidified our low post needs for at least the next 3 years and possibly longer if he were willing to sign a 5 year deal.

It is pretty frustrating that instead, Memphis forced us to overpay for Nocioni while also getting the player that I really wanted in free agency.

Darko/Gasol
Gasol/Warrick/Swift
Gay/Miller
Miller/Kinsey
Conley/Stoudamire/Lowry

That is going to be a pretty good lineup. Good outside shooting with Gay/Miller. Good PG play. Good low post game with Darko/Gasol. Athleticism with Gay/Warrick/Swift. They are going to be very good in a couple of season if not pushing for the playoffs this year.

[SoxFan1]

Memphis really kicked our ass this offseason. The only thing that would make it much worse would be for us to trade Deng, Tyrus, and Gordon for Gasol.

[eddog2]

Memphis really kicked our ass this offseason. The only thing that would make it much worse would be for us to trade Deng, Tyrus, and Gordon for Gasol.

That's probably what they are praying for after outplaying Paxson so far this offseason.

They would probably be better in the long run if they gave up Gasol for Tyrus, Noah, & Gordon. However, although many people here (including yourself) would probably love that deal, I don't think it would make us a for sure title team.

However, it would lead to Memphis becoming one of the elite teams in the West in the next few years.

Darko/Noah
Noah/Tyrus
Gay/Tyrus
Miller/Gordon (?)
Conley/Lowry

That's one super young team with great outside shooting, great defensive players, and explosive athletes that can run on both ends of the court.