My guess is that the Bulls will attempt to engineer a sign-and-trade next summer should Gordon walk. Gordon, of course, has the power to decline that since he will be an unrestricted free agent. But I agree with your larger point: Gordon, for all his deficiencies, is a better fit alongside Derrick Rose because he's a pure scorer. I thought Deng would click more quickly with Rose this season, but so far, that hasn't been the case. The Bulls have the ability to re-sign Gordon but it would prevent them from being a major player in the 2010 free-agency class.

\ Is the rap against Larry Hughes deserved?

-- Richard, Arlington Hts.

I tolerate Larry Hughes more than most. I don't see the ability to finish at the rim as much as during his prime. He seems to get an inordinate number of shots blocked. I also think he's a better defensive player than he gets credit for, although he often leaves his teammates in bad position because he's a risk taker at that end who goes for steals. I actually think the way Vinny Del Negro is using him is perfect. He's bringing him off the bench but giving him enough minutes to keep him interested. Then again, just when you're ready to praise Larry Hughes, he goes and has a stretch as he did late in the Spurs game, where he basically reverted to never-met-a-shot-I-didn't-jack Larry.

K.C. is your answer man

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