
DRAFT PICKS:
Derrick Rose, G, 6-3, Memphis -- The Bulls have promised to bring Rose along slowly, but they are counting on him to eventually change their style of play, with an emphasis on moving fast and sharing the ball. Omer Asik, C, 7-0, Turkey -- He's expected to remain overseas for a few years while the Bulls retain his rights, but Asik is regarded as one of the top big man prospects in Europe. The 21-year-old has a solid frame and is fairly athletic.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Bulls need someone who can make the game easier for his teammates. They're not likely to find a top-notch superstar this summer, but helped themselves immensely by adding Memphis point guard Derrick Rose with the No. 1 draft pick.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: All of the Bulls' attention is focused on their two restricted free agents, G Ben Gordon and F Luol Deng. GM John Paxson plans to hold off on any trades until the team knows what will happen with their two leading scorers. The Bulls won't let either player walk away, but may explore sign-and-trade scenarios.
No other free agents are on the Bulls' radar because re-signing both Deng and Gordon would push the payroll near the luxury tax threshold. Elsewhere on the team, F Demetris Nichols is a restricted free agent and is expect to remain with the Bulls for another season. G Shannon Brown is unrestricted and will not return. G Chris Duhon signed with New York as a free agent, ending his four-year career with the Bulls.
PLAYER NOTES:
--Joakim Noah didn't exactly distinguish himself during summer-league play in Orlando. Last year's lottery pick averaged 2.0 turnovers a game and committed 16 fouls in just 93 minutes of action. His scoring average (6.4) was seventh-best among Bulls.
--Tyrus Thomas was the Bulls' leading scorer (18.0) and rebounder (7.7) in Orlando. He had the high-scoring single effort among Bulls, pouring in 25 points in the club's win over Orlando.
--Demetris Nichols certainly didn't hurt his chances of sticking with the Bulls next season with his performance in the summer league. He led the team in three-pointers made (seven) and ranked second to Thomas in scoring at 13.6 per game.