My father, a 40-year STH for the Trail Blazers, said we would love Robin Lopez. Saw him play a couple times when he was in Portland, and he was effective. MVP replacement, no, but. . .
- pdx2ord

Supposedly they were going after Grant in last year's draft - he went 3 spots (I think) before the Bulls picked in the first round.

This is not the MVP - explosive - get to the rim and finish in any circumstance - franchise player - Rose.

This is a good 15 PPG - 5 assist serviceable point guard who settles for jumpers (and threes) far too often given his shooting percentage.

He also seems (perhaps unfairly) to be a complainer who was too vocally looking toward free agency after next season (I think) - hard to tell whether his on-court (relative) passivity was due to his injuries or his desire.

IMO, it was about as good as a deal as you could get. Nobody is going to give you much for a guy who was injury prone, HIGHLY overpaid, and on the last year of his contract. To me, this just says they weren't going to re-sign him as a UFA, so they figured they better get SOMETHING for him rather than nothing. They got one serviceable player, a young guy who may, or may not be good, and some salary filler. IMO, not a bad trade at all.
- hawkfan79

Thanks guys. I am a fan of all sports (I actually prefer watching high level Futbol over the MLB), but my scouting of league wide players is limited the the NFL (Fantasy football) and the NHL. I know that Robin Lopez is a monster with decent touch, but he has also been injured lately, right? Jose Calderon is a nice depth player but the 2015 1st rounder is who really intrigues me. He played on a bad team last year but only averaged 5ppg. This is my last NBA post, but I just feel like trading D-Rose for a 1st rounder would have been a better option. Are they really trying to contend for a title next year? or is it a full rebuild around Butler?

Thanks guys. I am a fan of all sports (I actually prefer watching high level Futbol over the MLB), but my scouting of league wide players is limited the the NFL (Fantasy football) and the NHL. I know that Robin Lopez is a monster with decent touch, but he has also been injured lately, right? Jose Calderon is a nice depth player but the 2015 1st rounder is who really intrigues me. He played on a bad team last year but only averaged 5ppg. This is my last NBA post, but I just feel like trading D-Rose for a 1st rounder would have been a better option. Are they really trying to contend for a title next year? or is it a full rebuild around Butler?
- EnzoD

My guess - a rebuild around Butler.

And I'm not sure Butler is dynamic enough to build around - good numbers, but haven't seen any ability to be the floor leader (or locker room leader).

No Rose, Noah, Gasol - McDermott (meh) and Mirotec (meh) remain - Lopez and Grant may be part of the future - they're looking at cap room for 2 max contracts next summer.

If they can get any max players to come to Chicago. It's been a problem.

Thanks guys. I am a fan of all sports (I actually prefer watching high level Futbol over the MLB), but my scouting of league wide players is limited the the NFL (Fantasy football) and the NHL. I know that Robin Lopez is a monster with decent touch, but he has also been injured lately, right? Jose Calderon is a nice depth player but the 2015 1st rounder is who really intrigues me. He played on a bad team last year but only averaged 5ppg. This is my last NBA post, but I just feel like trading D-Rose for a 1st rounder would have been a better option. Are they really trying to contend for a title next year? or is it a full rebuild around Butler?
- EnzoD

That's the million dollar question. They shouldn't try and contend next year, they don't have the roster for it. At the same time, while if they find the right deal for Jimmy Butler, they should trade him, they shouldn't get rid of him just for the sake of moving him. He's still 26/27 years old who averages over 21 points a game and a standout defensive player. Those kind of players don't grow on trees so they need to really "win" a trade to get rid of Butler IMO.

TODAY, Seabrook is NOT "expendable". But, his contract, going forward, is going to be an anchor.
It's better to trade a guy a year too soon, than a year too late.

If you can get a high first rounder for him, you have to consider it.
- tompo1015

I know that "Fancy Stats" are not the end-all, be-all when evaluating a player. BUT, for a guy who was an objectively Top 15 Dman a few years ago, #7 needs a BIGTIME bounce back year on the defensive end. Sure, Gustaffson and company are not great defenders. But, Pernell Karl Subban is considered a liability in the defensive zone, and his advanced stats are far better than Seabrooks last year. He had some of the worst advanced stats of ANY dman in the NHL. I think Seabrook may be the "unknown" guy that Stan is looking to move....

TODAY, Seabrook is NOT "expendable". But, his contract, going forward, is going to be an anchor.
It's better to trade a guy a year too soon, than a year too late.

If you can get a high first rounder for him, you have to consider it.
- tompo1015

I think there is some validity to this, but the problem some may fail to observe is that there is NO replacement for Brent Seabrook in the org. and arguably none on the open market.

Hypothetically say you trade Seabrook and Shaw to Calgary for their number 6 and say... Jokipaka. And then sign Campbell. The D core is weaker. You have 2-3 experienced defensemen (2 and 4 and 51). The bottom 3 are an unproven Kempny, TVR, and Jokipaka. At least with 2, 4, and 7, you can split them up or unite and there will be some chemistry. Otherwise, your best D pair is 2 and 4 (without Seabrook) and a mash of 3-6. The guy is absolute value to the team.

Am I open to shopping him, yes, but ONLY if an experienced and cost controlled defenseman comes back (e.g. Hamonic).

I know that "Fancy Stats" are not the end-all, be-all when evaluating a player. BUT, for a guy who was an objectively Top 15 Dman a few years ago, #7 needs a BIGTIME bounce back year on the defensive end. Sure, Gustaffson and company are not great defenders. But, Pernell Karl Subban is considered a liability in the defensive zone, and his advanced stats are far better than Seabrooks last year. He had some of the worst advanced stats of ANY dman in the NHL. I think Seabrook may be the "unknown" guy that Stan is looking to move....
- EnzoD

The thing is, Seabs is the only physical dman the Hawks have, that's a big hole to fill, and I"m not sure who's out there that can replace that. I really think this (unfortunately long) offseason can really help our core players who have played a crapload of hockey since 2009.

The thing is, Seabs is the only physical dman the Hawks have, that's a big hole to fill, and I"m not sure who's out there that can replace that. I really think this (unfortunately long) offseason can really help our core players who have played a crapload of hockey since 2009.
- hawkfan79

Ya I really think, despite all the speculation and buzz, that StanBo plays it safe this summer. I think the biggest move might be trading Kruger+Shaw. I know its possible, but it just seems out of character for StanBo to move a guy like Crow, Hossa, Seabs, Anisimov....TWT but I suspect another "tinkering around the edges" type of summer from Stan....and then BLOW IT UP next summer if the cap does not make a huge jump.

EDIT: I will repeat though, Seabrooks possession and shots against metrics were not even Top 6 in the NHL. THey were below a 3rd pair dman average....just saying. Interpret that as you will.

Still think moving Crawford for as much cap space as possible is the right idea. Bring in Campbell if he's willing to take a cheap 1-1.5mil deal(instantly have our best D unit in years), bring back Shaw and try to add one other forward to the depth chart thats not a rookie(preferably a LW).

IMO if we keep Crawford our forward depth will simply not be good enough for Cup contention. Moving him would give us the space to possibly fill in 2 forward spots. Thats a huge difference, ESPECIALLY if it allows to keep Kruger and Desjardins on the 4th line. As it stands Desi, Kruger, and Schmaltz look like our 3rd line with a bunch of Ice Hogs(Hartman/Moose/Motte) making up a 4th line. Not nearly enough.
- SimpleJack

I've been thinking (usually the first problem), I'd go a slightly different direction.

- Move Seabrook (his cap hit is larger than Crawford and year 3-8 of that deal, I'm guessing, are going to get progressively worse)
- Crawford can cover up some of the mistakes of the D
- Sign Campbell (or similar vet) to 1-yr deal, low money deal (~1-1.5mil)
- Go young with the other 3 spots, i.e. TVR, Kempny and some combo of Gus/ Svedberg/Forsling/Polka
- Bring up more kids for 3rd line
- Use remaining cap to shore up forward ranks as best as you can
- Do not sign Shaw for more than 2.5 or for more than 3 yrs

Ya I really think, despite all the speculation and buzz, that StanBo plays it safe this summer. I think the biggest move might be trading Kruger+Shaw. I know its possible, but it just seems out of character for StanBo to move a guy like Crow, Hossa, Seabs, Anisimov....TWT but I suspect another "tinkering around the edges" type of summer from Stan....and then BLOW IT UP next summer if the cap does not make a huge jump.

EDIT: I will repeat though, Seabrooks possession and shots against metrics were not even Top 6 in the NHL. THey were below a 3rd pair dman average....just saying. Interpret that as you will.
- EnzoD

No doubt he needs a bounce back year. I'm also not really comfortable icing 6 finesse defensemen either so even in a diminished state he provided a need. And like I said, hopefully he's kicking back and relaxing this summer and resting because he's played a crap ton of minutes over the last 8 years. Now if they find a deal where they can get a similar style D-man at a lower price, I'd say go for it, but I think you probably can't find him anywhere....

Yes, those shots can work wonders. But they don't work the same for everyone and they ALWAYS wear off and one probably builds up an immunity to them as they get more shots.

Take advantage of the relief you get from the shot, it doesn't address the root cause, to rehab yourself out of the herniation without the horrible pain that comes with it and see your chiropractor. One thing is sure a back will never improve/recover without an exercise program.

With 4-5 weeks of the most simple targeted exercises without weights (easily found on the internet) at home and at 40 yrs old I rehabed myself out of drop foot in 5-6 weeks, without a chiropractor. It works.....If it doesn't you need the very, very, very, very last resort, back/neck surgery.

And stay away from oxycotin. Took one and within 5 minutes I knew exactly why and how people get addicted to those things. I was flyin in 10 minutes and I was a teen in the 70's, if you know what I mean.
- Mr Ricochet

Good to hear you got relief and I hope it stays that way for good.

On Monday I'm getting a Synvisc injection in both knees, having a tough time sleeping and I hope it works.

I know that "Fancy Stats" are not the end-all, be-all when evaluating a player. BUT, for a guy who was an objectively Top 15 Dman a few years ago, #7 needs a BIGTIME bounce back year on the defensive end. Sure, Gustaffson and company are not great defenders. But, Pernell Karl Subban is considered a liability in the defensive zone, and his advanced stats are far better than Seabrooks last year. He had some of the worst advanced stats of ANY dman in the NHL. I think Seabrook may be the "unknown" guy that Stan is looking to move....
- EnzoD

#7 has gotten the short straw when it comes to partners for quite awhile.

Would you rather have

A:Shaw and Kruger at $6 million or

B: Ladd and Yak at 6. million

Shaw and Kruger to Edmonton for Yak and Maroon

NBA Draft tonight....awesome....


EDIT: I've been doing a bit of reading up on the Derrick Rose trade (yes I know its a hockey blog but its still a Chicago Sports blog) and the consensus is a pretty poor return for the former MVP. Anyone with more basketball knowledge care to weigh in on the D-Rose trade return?
- EnzoD

Ugly truth is that Derrick Rose is not that good at basketball anymore. Highly injury prone, horrific defense, way overpaid. According the PER stats (a comprehensive statistical player analysis) Rose was ranked 81 out of 85 PGs last year. Bulls performed significantly better with him on the bench. Bad feelings all the way around. Make no mistake, this was a pure salary dump, Robin Lopez is a replacement level player, Grant ceiling is a solid backup PG, he is a classic dime a dozen NBA player. This is essentially the Bulls moving on from the tragic Rose era and building around Butler, or if they trade him, building around the assets he will bring.

I wish him the best and I think he can be an excellent addition with a fresh start and hopefully some injury luck. There was a time that if NBA GMs held a fantasy draft, he would have been picked by a handful 1st over Lebron, and the rest 2nd. What could have been...

I've been thinking (usually the first problem), I'd go a slightly different direction.

- Move Seabrook (his cap hit is larger than Crawford and year 3-8 of that deal, I'm guessing, are going to get progressively worse)
- Crawford can cover up some of the mistakes of the D
- Sign Campbell (or similar vet) to 1-yr deal, low money deal (~1-1.5mil)
- Go young with the other 3 spots, i.e. TVR, Kempny and some combo of Gus/ Svedberg/Forsling/Polka
- Bring up more kids for 3rd line
- Use remaining cap to shore up forward ranks as best as you can
- Do not sign Shaw for more than 2.5 or for more than 3 yrs
- dstainer

With all due respect D, that lineup doesn't survive the postseason.

Congrats!
- Al

Glad to hear all is going well. Good luck on the award.
- Jason Millen

Double congrats, Eli, I know you worked hard for it.
- John Jaeckel

Congrats and thanks for all your hard work here.
- hpk90

Congrats on the degree, awesome GPA, and new house Eli!
- ikeane

Congrats!
- MartiniMan

Great news Eli. Congrats on your achievements. Also thanks for what you do around here and taking the time.
- 93Joe

Thanks!

Honestly, I owe all of you a debt of gratitude as well. The long hours of coursework, research, commuting, house hunting, and everything else in between, I haven't had much time to have a social life. It has been everyone here that has provided comradery, friendship, and somewhat of a sense of normalcy (what is "normal" anyways?) that has kept me sane and kept me moving forward.

Without everyone in the thread, I'd probably be in a padded room by now.

Thanks!

Honestly, I owe all of you a debt of gratitude as well. The long hours of coursework, research, commuting, house hunting, and everything else in between, I haven't had much time to have a social life. It has been everyone here that has provided comradery, friendship, and somewhat of a sense of normalcy (what is "normal" anyways?) that has kept me sane and kept me moving forward.

Without everyone in the thread, I'd probably be in a padded room by now.
- EKB13

Well . . . not . . . EVERYONE

#7 has gotten the short straw when it comes to partners for quite awhile.
- Al

Agreed. He carried the D while Keith was out and got 4 as his partner. Slipped significantly babysitting the pups.

Well . . . not . . . EVERYONE
- John Jaeckel

Everyone that's still here.

Good friend of mine is from Jasper, AB, real pretty area in the foothills a short drive from Calgary
- John Jaeckel

i visit it at least 3 times a year and have family there. excellent place to raise a family and they treat there players like gold.

Would you rather have

A:Shaw and Kruger at $6 million or

B: Ladd and Yak at 6. million

Shaw and Kruger to Edmonton for Yak and Maroon
- Colbyboy

A

Would you rather have

A:Shaw and Kruger at $6 million or

B: Ladd and Yak at 6. million

Shaw and Kruger to Edmonton for Yak and Maroon
- Colbyboy

Can I have A1 and B1?

Well . . . not . . . EVERYONE
- John Jaeckel

Dont you know that banning is theraputic?

Yes, those shots can work wonders. But they don't work the same for everyone and they ALWAYS wear off and one probably builds up an immunity to them as they get more shots.

Take advantage of the relief you get from the shot, it doesn't address the root cause, to rehab yourself out of the herniation without the horrible pain that comes with it and see your chiropractor. One thing is sure a back will never improve/recover without an exercise program.

With 4-5 weeks of the most simple targeted exercises without weights (easily found on the internet) at home and at 40 yrs old I rehabed myself out of drop foot in 5-6 weeks, without a chiropractor. It works.....If it doesn't you need the very, very, very, very last resort, back/neck surgery.

And stay away from oxycotin. Took one and within 5 minutes I knew exactly why and how people get addicted to those things. I was flyin in 10 minutes and I was a teen in the 70's, if you know what I mean.
- Mr Ricochet

Spot on. I had three cortisone shots in my disks that didn't work but had one in my shoulder that did. The thing about back surgery is you are going to need to do core exercises afterwards anyway so why not do them before to see how you feel. I've had back issues for 26 years now and since I've been doing core exercises (about 2 years now), the pain is 90% less. It's still there (it will never go away), but it's not debilitating to the point where I spend 2 to 3 days in bed.

Would you rather have

A:Shaw and Kruger at $6 million or

B: Ladd and Yak at 6. million

Shaw and Kruger to Edmonton for Yak and Maroon
- Colbyboy

C

All of the above.