Bulls Looking to Move into Lottery?

Still, that hasn’t quite been enough – something the Bulls learned after getting bounced by the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.

That’s one big reason general manager Gar Forman is keeping his options open heading into the draft and free agency.

And the options are there.

In fact, the Bulls own an option on the contract of backup point guard C.J. Watson. Also, the deals belonging to shooting guards Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer (believed to be $5 million apiece) expire at the end of next year. That makes them valuable trade commodities.

On top of that, the Bulls own the No. 29 pick in the draft. Their goal, some will tell you, is to move up, perhaps even into the lottery.

In order for that to happen the Bulls will have to offer a player (or players), and probably include their first-rounder. They’re said to have their eyes on guards such as Connecticut’s Jeremy Lamb, Syracuse’s Dion Waiters or Duke’s Austin Rivers.

via Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio

Got 1

Was really suprised of Finals played out. Not so much that Miami won just that they won in five games and won four straight. After watching the Finals I kinda feel like San Antonio had a better chance. I think the Spurs are more disciplined. I guess experience really pays off. Going into the finals I felt certain the Thunder would win. The Thunder did not look like a championship team at all. Miami sure did. They were not the big 3, they were like the big 8. Everyone pitched in. The supporting cast was superb. Players don't win championships. Teams do. I think the series with Boston pushed them to the top of their game and they were primed and ready for the Finals. I think it obvious Lebron is the best in the league. He is unguardable. But he is still nowhere near Jordan. Lets put that to rest.
Congrats Miami!!

Mickael Pietrus Hopes to Return to Boston

Like (Brandon) Bass, (Mickael) Pietrus expressed a desire to return to the Celtics.

“Mike enjoyed his year there and I think he gave Boston a significant lift in the playoffs,’’ (Bill) McCandless said. “Obviously, the Celtics have to consider who, what, and where for their team. Does (Kevin) Garnett come back? Does Ray (Allen) come back?

“The reality is, Mike really enjoyed the season and he loves Boston, he really does.’’

via Gary Washburn and Frank Dell’Apa of The Boston Globe

Grizzlies Weigh Need vs. Talent in Draft

Memphis is in great need of perimeter shooting and help at point guard. But who knows what talent will be available to the Griz at the end of the first round. (Chris) Wallace, though, is confident he can reel in a player capable of helping the team next season.

“It’s going to come down to the classic dilemma of whether you take need or talent and upside at what wouldn’t be deemed a need position,” Wallace said. “The further you go back in the draft the more you look for one thing that’s a real identifiable, certified NBA characteristic a guy has — whether its shooting, athleticism, rebounding, whatever — something that will enable a guy to get on the court.”

Last season, the Griz grabbed Kansas freshman Josh Selby with the 49th pick in the second round, in large part because of his athleticism and raw scoring ability. Now, the organization is trying to determine which guard position Selby will play.

via Ronald Tillery of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Pacers to Bring Back Donnie Walsh?

There’s a possibility that former CEO Donnie Walsh will return to the franchise in some capacity, multiple sources told The Star.

It’s uncertain what role Walsh will play with the franchise.

That question should be answered next week when team owner Herb Simon returns to Indianapolis for meetings to help clear up the team’s murky front office situation.

Walsh has attended some of the Pacers predraft workouts at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, according to sources.

via Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star

Brandon Roy Ready for a Comeback

The rumors are true, and for better or worse, Brandon Roy is going to give it another go. Roy’s friend Will Conroy said on Twitter that he and Roy were together answering questions Friday night, and provided photo evidence.

Roy retired this season due to his knee condition which robbed him of most of his games over the past three seasons. But Roy has hinted more than once in media interviews over the past six months that he intends to make a comeback. And if the conversation with Twitter via his friend Conroy actually was him, he confirmed the rumors. Brandon Roy wants back in the game.

Perkins Believes Garnett Will Return

Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins said he has talked with former Celtics teammate Kevin Garnett and believes the 17-year veteran wants to return to the NBA next season.

Garnett did not speak with the media after the Celtics’ Game 7 loss to the Heat June 9 and has given no hint of his plans next season. He hugged Doc Rivers after exiting Game 7 and gave the coach a pat on the head, moving Rivers nearly to tears.

Garnett is an unrestricted free agent and could re-sign with the Celtics or test the market and be courted by teams for the first time in his career. Garnett has never been an unrestricted free agent.

“I feel like if he does return to basketball, I think that that would be the team,’’ Perkins said of the Celtics. “I heard Kevin say a few times that he wouldn’t want to play for anybody but Doc, so it will be interesting to see. I still think he got a lot more years in him. He got a lot of love for the game and it would be hard to see Kevin walk away from the game right now.’’

via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe