Big Ben to Cleveland

Farewell to thee: Ben Wallace, Adrian Griffin, and Joe Smith.

"How do you do?" to Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Cedric Simmons, and Shannon Brown.

Today the Bulls were involved in a three team deal with the Cavs and the Supersonics. The Cavs received Wallace, Joe Smith, and a 2nd round pick.

Going through blogs and responses around the web, this is a trade with a range of reactions--from the best deal in the history of the Bulls--to this is as dumb as the Gasol trade for the Grizz.

I think I'll go ahead and say it's in between. Bold statement I know.

Here is what I do like: Gooden. He's a dynamite rebounder, he can score from the block, and does have a decent jumper (though not as good as Joe's). He is a willing defender and I've heard he's a positive type player in the locker room.

The Bulls can start him at the four, and let Noah play the five. Tyrus is best off the bench. He's an energy player, not a skill. He doesn't have the size of Noah, but he has athleticism--and that is always in style. I look at it that Chicago now has three 4's that can rotate, and all three are above average athletes.

What worries me: Larry Hughes. Once an All-Star with Washington, Hughes has been plagued by injuries in recent years, never living up to his billing as LBJ's Pippen. Dumb comparison to begin with, but it was there. I hate his contract almost as much as Big Ben's. He crowds the back court--Hinrich, Thabo, Ben G, Larry Hughes, Duhon--remember Skiles idea to play Deng at the 2?

Having said all that, it might work. Start Hinrich, Thabo, Deng, Gooden, and Noah. The potential second unit might be Ben Gordon, Larry Hughes, Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas, and Aaron Gray. Doesn't look too bad on paper. Duhon is still there to run at point if need be, and everyone could shift over and push out Gray and play a little small ball, ala Golden State.

Ok, the trade happened Chicago, it's time to deal. The players are there to stay, the deadline has passed.

Change the philosophy.

Our D will be there, the players who played stellar D last year are here. But on offense, r-u-n. Run. Run. Run.

Doesn't mean have Tyrus run the break, but use our youth and athletes. Why can't we play like Golden State or Phoenix? We have personnel, and really nothing to lose.

They have shooters--both long and midrange. They have posts that can beat people down the floor. The Bulls have hustle players to keep plays alive.

All I'm pleading is an attempt.