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Chicago Bulls As bad as it looks, there's hope for the future in Chicago
By Marty Burns, CNNSI.com Bulls fans thought they had hit rock bottom last year. But after another dismal season, it only got worse in the offseason. First, GM Jerry Krause traded popular star Elton Brand to the Clippers. Then, Michael Jordan decided to come back -- in another team's uniform. As bad as it looks for Chicago fans, there is hope for the future. In 7-foot small forward Tyson Chandler and 6-foot-11 center Eddy Curry, the Bulls have two potentially dynamite big men around which to rebuild. Chandler, the No. 2 pick overall who was acquired from the Clippers for Brand on draft night, has Kevin Garnett type skills but he's making the jump straight out of high school. Same goes for Curry, a Shaq-type monster who was the team's first-round pick (No. 4 overall) out of suburban Chicago.
While the Baby Bulls cut their NBA teeth in training camp, head coach Tim Floyd will try to work in a trio of newcomers. Former Hornets small forward Eddie Robinson, signed as a free agent, will bring some much-needed athleticism on the wings, while veteran power forward Charles Oakley and point guard Greg Anthony provide leadership. Along with shooting guard Ron Mercer and center Brad Miller, Floyd hopes the Bulls won't have to rely on their young kids right away. Unlike in past years, Floyd won't have to spend as much time teaching the triangle offense during camp. The Bulls plan to run a lot less of it, as they try to build a new offense geared for their big men. Of course, for some fans, the loss of the triangle will be just one more sad reminder (along with the sight of No. 23 in a Wizards uniform) of a dynasty long ago. Standout stat: 5 Team categories led by the recently traded Elton Brand last season (points, rebounds, blocks, field-goal percentage and games played).
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