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Fan editorial by Thomas Tyler

During training camp the Bulls were buzzing and talking playoffs. Since getting off to a terrible start the rumors of trades and coaching changes are all over the internet. Should the Bulls make a trade? Yes. Should they fire Bill Cartwright? Not necessarily. Since getting off to a 2-4 start in which all four losses were blowouts the Bulls have been competitive. They have averaged 96 ppg while giving up 98.6 during the last eight games. Although far from impressive, it is not really that bad considering the two wins came on the road against two of the best teams in the east and all six losses came against teams with winning records. It is not realistic to believe they will get a win on the remainder of their annual road trip, so 4-12 looks like reality when they return to the United Center. That should not be a major concern, simply because they are not games they “should” win. So, should returning to the United Center 4-12 cost Bill his job? No. Cartwright needs to re-establish his control of the team, the way he did when he first took over for Floyd. Then, he and the team need to focus on re-establishing themselves at home and put the start behind them. They play the Bucks on December 1st, that is a game they should win and must win.

The trade to Toronto may happen, and could help as it will make them a much better defensive team. However, two other trades would make them better this year and give them some room to acquire some good free agents next summer. First, Paxson should call his brother in Cleveland and offer Rose and Fizer for Ricky Davis and Ilguakas. The salaries are a good match. Fizer would be a good back up for Boozer, on a team that is loaded with centers. Rose would add a veteran to a very young club and should benefit from the ability of James to penetrate and pass. Davis has been criticized, but has a very good game. Ilguakas would be a great backup for Curry, giving them solid scoring, rebounding and interior defense off the bench.

Secondly, Pax should call the Knicks and offer Crawford, Marshall and Eddie Robinson for Ward and Kurt Thomas. The Knicks want Crawford, and Marshall would be a good fit, Robinson is the sticker in this trade, but would be necessary to make the salaries match. To his credit, Robinson has shown signs of wanting to earn his pay this season and looks like he just needs more minutes to become a solid contributor. Ward is a good point guard. He shoots well, is a decent defender, and distributes the ball well. Thomas would be a perfect backup for Chandler and would provide good defense, scoring and rebounding off the bench. Ward is a free agent at the end of the season, so they would have no obligation to keep him. Crawford could end up offered more than Pax is able or willing to match, so he should get something for him while he can.

Last thing, call Rodman. Yes this seems far fetched, but Rodman, while weird, to say the least, is the best rebounder ever and is constant hustle. He'll show the kids how to really compete. Who really cares if he wears shoes while on the bench? The fact is, three of the current banners would not be in the United Center were it not for the worm. He would be affordable and would love to say he helped save the Bulls.

The Bulls schedule after the all star break is favorable for a good run. Many good teams have looked bad and bad teams have looked good early in the season. If the Bulls can get to the break no worse than 5 games below .500 then the play-offs are more than reachable. Changes do need to be made and there is no doubt Paxson will make the ones he feels he needs to. However, changing coaches right now could prove premature. Give Big Bill the right people to work with, and if he can’t get it done with in a reasonable time with the new roster, then make the call for a new head coach.