Rountable: Smiling through the Dwyane
The BC staff give their take on an up and down relationship
Did you see this buyout coming so early? What’s your initial reaction?
Michael Walton: I did not see this buyout coming this early at all. And my initial reaction is “…wow”. At this point, I never expect GarPax to keep it simple. Getting this buyout done before the season started will allow the Bulls to focus on the task at hand: rebuilding and preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft.
Daniel Boldt: I think we all saw this buyout coming. Dwyane Wade did not belong on this team. The Bulls were trying to save face with their fans for failing to sign Wade back in 2007. After the Butler trade, it was clear Wade would not want to play here with a group of young players who aren’t ready to compete.
Geoffrey Clark: I thought he would last at least a month and a half with the Bulls. At least there could be notoriety on the roster for a little while. Instead, there’s no longer a single player left in Chicago with even a past to speak of. That hasn’t happened in a long time, and I’m really not cool with it. Every team needs a focal point. It’s hard to blame anybody who doesn’t want to watch a team where one doesn’t exist. Maybe those empty United Center seats people have been pining for will finally happen.
What was your favorite Wade in Chicago moment?
DB: My favorite Wade moment in Chicago was a game against Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and the New York Knicks. I was in attendance and saw Wade turn back the clock and score 35 while grabbing 10 rebounds. It was the first time I had ever seen Wade play live, and it was nothing short of awesome.
GC: That’s easy. Feb. 6 in Sacramento, the Bulls were up two and the Kings were trying to tie or win it with 13 seconds left. Though he probably got away with fouling DeMarcus Cousins prior to the inbound, Wade knocked the ball away and went in for a game-clinching dunk. Cousins got upset and was hit with his second technical. That gave him 16 for the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. Cousins had already worn out his welcome in Cow Town and was shipped to New Orleans soon after this.
MW: My favorite Wade moment in Chicago was from Game 2 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff showdown with Boston. Riding the high of the surprising Game 1 victory, I was ready to buy into the three-headed monster of Wade, Rajon Rondo, and Jimmy Butler. Wade had 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, and no turnovers. His creative passing got others involved. It also was the first time in Chicago where he appeared to have found a great balance between taking over and sharing the rock.
Who the hell is going to start at shooting guard opening night?
GC: How about me? I couldn’t do worse. Actually, you have to go with Denzel Valentine if your goal is to develop young talent. What does starting Justin Holiday really do for you? A mediocre veteran on a rebuilding team trying to earn the top draft pick is both an ugly and unnecessary proposition. The Bulls went young, so they have to play young. Otherwise, they’ll end up with a far poorer version of the #ThreeAlphas in Holiday, Robin Lopez and Nikola Mirotic. That’s no knock on Niko. He just fell into an elder statesman role.
DB: Justin Holiday probably gets the start at SG with Lavine likely to miss time. Denzel Valentine could win the position in preseason, but look for Holliday to grab that role.
MW: I fully expect Justin Holiday to start at shooting guard for Chicago on opening night. His familiarity with the Hoiberg’s system — he played for the Bulls in 2016 — and his length make him a solid starting option. Denzel Valentine is an intriguing option because of his ability to stretch the floor (35 percent from 3-point range last year), but his defense leaves much to be desired. Expect to see lots of Holiday even if he does not start.
How do you like Wade’s fit in Cleveland?
DB: He could be a starter in Cleveland coming off 18 PPG, but I’d have to imagine there is some regression in his game this season on account of age.
GC: The Cavs have enough offensive firepower in their starting lineup, especially with the recent acquisition of Isaiah Thomas. Wade can fill the role of veteran scorer off the bench easily, much to the chagrin of Derrick Rose. That bench is not getting any younger with a bunch of 30-somethings. Though Wade will add to that, he can easily score with greater ease than anyone there now. Time for buddies D-Wade and LBJ to play together once again.
MW: I like Wade’s fit in Cleveland a lot. Whether he comes off the bench or starts, the Cavs are the perfect place for him as a secondary ball-handler. His scoring burst are sporadic, but his playmaking is going to be necessary to keep Cleveland afloat until Isaiah Thomas’s return.
