Deng-erous on Defense

Laugh all you want about Carlos Boozer getting a vote for the NBA All-Defensive Team, but what isn't so funny is Luol Deng earning enough to actually make it on there.  He got Second Team honors, which is a good achivement itself.  Considering he was an All-Star this year, some accolade was bound to come sooner or later.  What about the fact that he did with a bad wrist?  We could debate back and forth about how both he and Derrick Rose battled injuries this year and yes, Rose did have the better year, at least until the ACL tear.  But Deng had the best season of his career, bar none.  His offense was amazing, but as has just been decided, his defense was more than worthy of recognizing.  Tom Thibodeau preaches defense to everybody on his team, but clearly, Deng rose to the occasion more than anybody else.

No one has ever denied his value to the club, which also raises the question of whether he should sit out the London Olympics.  A native of the host city, Deng has made no secret of his desire to represent his country during a once-in-a-lifetime event in Britain's capital.  Still, with wrist surgery on his to-do list, many fans believe he needs to put his team first.  After all, they need him on an annual basis whereas Britain only needs its sons every four years.  Still, I can't argue against sentimental value.  I must admit I have a lot of that as a person.  So if Deng wants to play, then by all means let him.  After all, the Bulls aren't likely to be title contenders next year anyway.  Rose's recovery will ultimately determine the answer to that question.  We as fans need to prepare to sacrifice a championship year so that our two biggest stars can make a fully healthy run.  That said, with nothing to lose, Deng should do his best to represent the Union Jack, get the surgery and then come back as strong as ever.

Congrats on the honor, Luol.  Keep watching your wrist doing regular activities in the meantime.