will the Bulls go all the way this year with Ben Wallace now with them?

Question

Like everybody says " all they need is a dominate big man"

Answer 1

not this year. there are too many great teams in the west

Answer 2

The Ben Wallace deal was really risky, but it was a good risk for the Bulls to take. The deal in and of itself does not make the Bulls a contender and I'll get into the why in a moment.

First, it's important to understand just how good defensively this deal makes the Bulls. They already have a number of great individual defenders in Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni among others. It was enough to make them one of the very best defensive teams in the league last season. Adding Ben Wallace, defending Defensive Player of the Year can only help and help a lot. Moreover, his athletic style will really fit well with this young Bulls team.

It's important to keep in mind, however, just how bad the Bulls are offensively. Ben Gordon is really their only player who can consistently create his own shot and even he's streaky. He's also one-dimensional at this point in his career. The Pistons with Ben Wallace were a great defensive team, but against the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavs they were playing 4 against 5 at the offensive end because Ben Wallace has absolutely no offense to his game. What's more, he's 32 years old, so in the final two years of his new four year deal, Bulls fans might be wondering why they're paying a 35/36 year old an upwards of 18 million dollars a year to average something like 4 ppg, 6-7 rbpg, and a couple blocks. Granted, that's worst-case scenerio.

Why doesn't this deal alone make the Bulls a contender, because they haven't addressed their glaring weakness. They desperately need an all-star calibar go-to-guy who can draw double teams and create open looks for other players. Ben Gordon is the only sort of go-to-guy they have, but he's still developing. The latest rumor is that they're making another push for Kevin Garnett, and even though the Wolves said they won't deal him, you just never know.

The strong rumor I've heard lately (which some say is a done deal) is that the Bulls will trade Center Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for PJ Brown and JR Smith (who's in Byron Scott's doghouse). That would free up cap space to go after a much needed power forward. If they're unable to land Kevin Garnett, my guess is that they'll rekindle their efforts to get Al Harrington in a sign and trade.

The bottom line is they'll be in the mix with Big Ben if for no other reason than they're one of the best defensive teams in the league and from top to bottom the East is a lot weaker than the West. But, until they can find a fix to their problem on offense, they're going to be hard pressed to be serious contenders for a title, in my opinion.

Answer 3

They won't go all the way, and I am a Bulls fan too. Sure Big Ben will make a difference defending the bigger bodies in the east (better the Tyson) but they really need an offensive guy down low. They got a lot of great young uns in Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, Deng...But not as good as the talents in the league. They work hard every night and are a great defending team, but they'll need a huge stroke of luck to get to conference finals let alone the nba finals.

Answer 4

No they need a forward who can score too, they should go after Ben's ex teammate Rasheed. Then you can put them in the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat. Even if the Bulls are good next year, it all depends on whether the refs want to give Dwayne Wade another ring.

Answer 5

The Bulls will have to go through Miami, Cleveland and New Jersey which they already proved they can beat Miami and New Jersey now Lebron might be a hand full for them. I say not this year but soon!

Answer 6

Not a chance. Ben is at the end of his career .. 32 years old ... his rebounding and blocks have gone down EVERY year for the last 3 years ... and you just bought him for almost $60 million. Good luck Chicago. Chicago will finish 4th in their division

Answer 7

THE BULLS WILL TAKE THE CONFERENCE THIS YEAR!

Miami had to really struggle against Chicago in the playoffs, now with Big Ben Chicago will get over Miami.

Answer 8

it doesnt matter. wallace brings alot of things to a team that many other players cant. even though he getting old. he can still get the job done. he did an excellent job on shaq. he indemidates players. and no one makes rebouding look better. why wouldnt u want the defensive player of the year on your team. he really does all the dirty work for a team.

Answer 9

no way, Wallace is not dominate. He is horrible on offense.

Answer 10

hell yea with big ben and tyrus thomas they have a damn good chance