Marc J. Spears @SpearsNBAYahoo Bulls announce signing of Rip Hamilton. https://twitter.com/#!/SpearsNBAYahoo/status/147142937678069761
If Boozer shows up and plays like he did in his Jazz days and not like a bum, they will get to the Finals.
WallaceNBA_ESPN Michael Wallace Bulls nab Rip Hamilton in move that makes them bigger potential headache 4 Heat. Very few 2s frustrate Wade like Rip.
He has enough to be a 3rd option, and a capable perimeter scorer to take the load off of Rose, which was the limiting factor in the Bulls' quest for the Finals. If Boozer grows some balls, the rematch v. the Heat would be something to watch.
Rip is going to play much better than he has in the last years..he just hasn't been healthy or motivated. His solid D and movement off the ball fit exactly what the Bulls need.
This is a bad move, they just need a defensive specialist and someone to hit 3s. He is a solid mid ranger shooter but not a great 3 point shooter. He is getting older and thus slower on defense.
Very good line up maybe better than Heat. Curry/Anthony-Noah Haslem-Boozer Lebron/Battier-Deng/Korver Wade-Hamilton Charmers-Rose
They lost Tyson Chandler who was their defensive rock. They lost Butler, who did not get them their championship, but was a key part of that team. They lost JJ, who also was a key part of that team (including championship team). Granted, they picked up VC, Odom and D. West, however, to me, Chandler was worth all of those guys and more for his defensive presence. He allowed Dirk to be Dirk and gave J Kidd a buddy to clear the paint on the offensive end. Also, Kidd is older, without a legit backup.
With the back to back (to backs!) the older teams will suffer. Spurs, Dallas, Boston,... Lakers. They will all have a hard time with the schedule. I can see Bulls, Heat, OKC, Memphis (laugh...) doing pretty well this year.