I've had the chance to watch the Bulls and Wizards on consecutive nights. Anyone else think the Bulls are the team with the brighter future? Granted, the Lakers shouldn't be up at night, worrying about 'da Bulls' anytime soon, but the Bulls definitely have some talent to work with. Hassell's a player, Fizer is improving, and though he's as raw as they come, Curry definitely has some tools. Add Crawford, whom Jordan was very complimentary of in articles this summer, Miller, Mercer, Chandler, and Artest, and the Bulls have a pretty exciting young nucleus (they still shouldn't have traded Brand, though). There was a stretch in the 3rd last night, however, where they couldn't hit the water if they were in the middle of the ocean, where they could've used a potential difference maker (Duke's Jason Williams?). But they definitely have some pieces, they just need some time. The Wizards also have a nice collection of young talent in Hamilton, Alexander, Brown, and Lue, to name a few. With time, they certainly could develop into a nice, competitive team. The difference, of course, is Jordan. I, for one, never doubted that Jordan could be effective, and never had a problem with him coming back to the league if that's what he wanted to do. We all know that MJ wakes up with 25 pts, 5 boards, and 5 assists every morning, so his productivity was never a question. But after MJ 'mentors' his troops, (maybe they make the playoffs this year, next year, or both years) re-retires, and re-assumes his GM duties, what are the Wizards suppossed to do about his missing 25 pts, 5 boards, and 5 assists a game? (which is going to put him in an interesting position, trying to figure out how he's going to compensate for himself) If MJ really wants to 'mentor' his players, wouldn't you think they'd be better off with him coming off the bench, playing a secondary role and being an extension of the coach on the floor, thereby allowing one of the others (Alexander) to get as much playing time and experience as possible? Yes, in the short term, the Wizards may have more success because of the Hall of Famer on the perimeter, but the Bulls are being given a chance to growing together, though it's a very painful process right now, which will make them the better team in the future. Just my $0.02.
no way the bulls have the better team with or without Jordan. Hamilton and Alenxander's scoring abilities are unmatched on the Bulls Roster. Laetner still has some game. Witney is defienetely as good and younger than Anthony. Brendan Haywood, I guarantee you guys, will be an all-star caliber player. Bobby Simons has some talent.. Add Kwame Brown, Tyronne Lue, and Eton Thomas and I think this team is head and shoulders better than the Bulls and a handful of other teams as well.
