C.J., Ronnie Bulls No More

Looks like Taj Gibson will have to find a new pair of teammates to celebrate with if he wants to repeat the image shown here.  That's because the Bulls have declined the options of both C.J. Watson and Ronnie Brewer.  While it may be painful for some to see two members of the original Bench Mob depart, the moves were necessary.  Teams have to move on to see who else can help out as they move forward, players who are better or can least approach the departing players' talent levels for better prices.  Okay, that's a cliched answer, but there was also the matter of whether the Bulls could afford their services for next season.  Gar Foreman and John Paxson thought otherwise, so there are now two players searching for a new basketball home.

Watson's departure was not unexpected.  A lot speculated he might be gone after his poor showing in the playoffs.  In fact, I called for it as early as after the last game.  Still, others weren't so quick to throw him out the door.  He was just put into an unfortunate spot with Rose hurt, they said.  Give him one more chance.  Then, the Bulls agreed to bring back Kirk Hinrich.  With Rose and recent draftee Marquis Teague also at the point, there was no more room for Watson in either the lineup or payroll.  Watson will play somewhere next season.  If he's not a veteran starter on a rebuilder, he'll find a place on the bench of no worse than a middle-of-the-pack club.  He can show flashes of greatness and find a groove as long as he's not asked to do too much.  Just don't place him where he'll be forced to step up on a consistent basis or you'll be disappointed.

Personally, I was a little more suprised with the Brewer decision.  I even said that he'd been the most likely out of himself, Watson and Kyle Korver to stay.  He did an admirable job of filling in for Rip Hamilton during all the time he missed during the past season.  His defense was a valuable asset to the bench.  True, he doesn't possess the offensive skill set Hamilton has even at this point in his career, but is still good enough to give you a few points every time he sees the floor.

However, with Jimmy Butler's rookie year in the books, the Bulls are eager to expand the Marquette product's playing time.  He needs to learn how to fit into a regular rotation now or he'll just have been a waste of a draft pick.  You know Tom Thibodeau doesn't like that proposition.  If he's going to have a lengthy NBA career, now's the time to start spreading his wings.  The cocoon of being a first-year player is gone now.  We're about to find out a lot more of what his capabilities are.

All this considered, there was no need to keep Brewer around.  Plus, it frees up more in payroll, allowing the Bulls a better opportunity to pursue someone else.  Also, it's something I can relate to.  Two months ago, after sticking around my college's radio station for almost a whole school year after graduation, I was told my time was up.  My successor for the job I held down needed to learn the ropes himself or it'd be detrimental to his development.  I could understand and I hope Brewer does with his situation too.  He will also be picked up by someone else.  He could go just about anywhere, but what you see with him is what you get.  He'll be the same player regardless of his destination or role.  He can be of help to any team.  I just hope he's happy in whatever new adventures await him.

The decisions regarding Kyle Korver and Omer Asik still need to be made.  I think the odds of Korver's return are a little better now, but don't be shocked if he too is shown the door.  I've also discussed the Asik issue at length, so I won't drag that out any longer.  For now, I wish C.J. and Ronnie the best.  They played well enough over these past two years to ingrain themselves in the minds of the fan base.  It was just time to look forward.  Still, there's no denying that some of their best NBA years came here in Chicago and they can never forget that.