Smith sings with Bulls

2 yr., $10 M--Sixers apparently offered 3yr., $10 M according to the
Inquirer.

Did the Bulls overpay or have salaries for forwards hit a new high
after Orlando's actions?

wes

wrote in message

>2 yr., $10 M--Sixers apparently offered 3yr., $10 M according to the
> Inquirer.

A reasonable, sensible, offer by the Sixers.

> Did the Bulls overpay

I'd have to say yes. I liked the way Smith played in the second half of
last year, but all things considered, in no way is he a $5 million/year
player.

>or have salaries for forwards hit a new high
> after Orlando's actions?

Also probably true. How long it will last, that is another question. A few
games like he played the first half, the Bulls are going to be scratching
their heads, wondering why they are giving $5 million a year to the guy.
Presumably the Bulls are going to throw a lot of $$$ at Noah, and then give
him loads of playing time to justify the salary and high draft pick, so I
wonder what kind of minutes Joe Smith might get. Is P. J. Brown coming
back for another year?

When the Magic miss the playoffs this year, they will also wonder why they
threw all that $$$ at Rashard Lewis.

Ian is right, it's smarter to save dough for 2008 than overpay Joe Smith
now.

Steven Hunter had a career year (for him) last year, and I'm positive it
was because the Sixers moved him out from under the boards, and got him
facing the basket. Still, I'm dismayed with the idea of him again starting
at PF for the Sixiers this year. Probably Korver will get a lot of minutes
there. He's a better rebounder than given credit for, and plays big men
much better than smaller quicker guys. Still, ask him to play too much at
PF and his body will be one giant bruise by December. Let's hope one or more
of the rookies (Hill, Jason Smith, Amundson) is ready to make a contribution
or that Shavlik is able to take his game up a notch.

I'd still like to sign Mihm!

----- Kurt Straub