I think I heard on the telecast someone mention "stretch 5" in reference to Markkanen. Would be interesting. Shooting bigs to me are alot like drafting QB's in the NFL. Alot dont work out, but that doesnt mean you dont draft them because when you hit you hit big.
To me the big question that will awnser if you got value on this deal is how Levine bounces back. He has potential as a catalytic offensive player. Its not microfracture, so it shouldnt be a long term detriment.
With Dunn, I think they would been better off getting future assets even if you are talking about late first rounders. Give yourself some capital for maneuverability during a rebuild. Dunn could be a good defensive 3rd guard who wont be an offensive hinderance if he gets his offense going. But there is also a good chance he is a flat out bust, and not on team by then of the year
Yeah, I am in agreement with you about Markkenan long term as an offensive five. I think his ability to draw opposing big men away from the basketball poses some interesting matchup problems. He's highly skilled on the offensive end.
But then he has to play with a rugged four with size and rim protection capabilities, because he won't provide that.
But for next year, with Lopez on the team, he'll likely play as a 4. Next year's draft has size capable of playing alongside him. Also, Luka as well.... Who... I'm also high on.
Dunn can still be a quality starter. He just has to be in a lineup with shooters. He isn't going to mesh with Wade well due to spacing issues, unless the Bulls go inverse on offense for certain chunks of time with Mirotic and Markennan on the court to provide spacing, then Dunn can drive.
Dunn is a driver, slasher. He is probably already better than Rose in his passing off of drives, his ability to locate teammates off of drives, and interior passing off of drives. That isn't to say he will be as good as Rose one was... But he does do some things better. Certainly, a better defender. So, while I don't think Dunn will ever be an elite player, I think he can prove to be an elite defender, effective at driving and kicking out, and develop into a qulity starter. Obviously, he has a ways to go in that regard. But there are tools there.
Complete agreement with Levine. Bulls will have much better spacing with him next to Dunn. His defense needs major work, but then again, if he was a complete player... He likely isn't part of any deal.
Not a great haul. But they were never going to improve by trading Butler. The point was to tear it down and rebuild around youth and picks.
Not annoyed with what they did, it had to be done, and admittedly I did not think they would do it.... But I am annoyed they had to include the 16th pick.... And annoyed they sold the 38th pick.
The front office has been mistake laden the past several years. They have a history of hanging onto players too long and not being able to get any return on them. I figured Butler would be another along the lines of Taj, Gordon, Deng, etc.
The offers were only going to get worse as the trade deadline approached and Butler was only under contract for one more additional year.
