Bulls need go-to guy; LeBron needs full support
Chicago misses Gordon’s closing touch, while Cavs add Shaq, but need West
Gary Dineen / Getty Images ContributorWith the loss of Ben Gordon in free agency, the Chicago Bulls need Luol Deng to step up as their go-to guy, writes NBCSports.com contributor Ira Winderman.
ASK THE NBA EXPERT MAILBAG
By Ira Winderman
NBCSports.com
updated 2:28 a.m. ET Nov. 1, 2009
Editor’s note: Watch for each installment of NBA reader mailbags on the 1st and the 15th of each month during the season.
 | Ira Winderman |
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You ask, we (try to) answer:
Q: How will the Chicago Bulls do without Ben Gordon? Does Cleveland have all the supporting players that LeBron James needs to win?
— Adam, Peoria, Ill.
A: While Chicago came out of the gates with an impressive victory over the Spurs, I understand your concerns. The Bulls certainly could have used Gordon's scoring in their second game against the Celtics.
Gordon was the Bulls' definitive go-to player last season, particularly in those playoff showdowns against the Celtics. With Derek Rose possessing such a shaky shot, there is legitimate concern about whether Chicago has a closer.
This might have to be when Luol Deng finally steps forward. Ensemble teams are wonderful to watch for the first 45 minutes of games, and Chicago certainly has an encouraging depth of talent. But, as in baseball, you can only go so far without a closer.
As for your Cavaliers question, I would say yes, if Delonte West can make it all the way back from his offseason issues.
Otherwise, after filling their need for length on the wing with Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, the Cavaliers could find themselves lacking when it comes to playmaking and ballhandling. Don't understate West's significance to Cleveland's title hopes.
Q: With the pressure of LeBron possibly leaving Cleveland, do you think the acquisition of The Diesel can get The King his ring? To be honest, I don't think so, but I want to know.
— Moe
A: If Cleveland wins a championship, it will be because of LeBron and then because of the boost provided by the perimeter length of Parker and Moon.
But what Shaquille O'Neal can provide is a "moment," perhaps adding an extra playoff win or two for Cleveland. Considering where the Cavaliers stood last season, that could be enough to put them over the top.
Q: I like the new Lakers, but are they better with Ron Artest than last year?
— Ryan, Los Angeles
A: While plenty has been made about the chemistry issues regarding Artest, the reality is he is a more talented player than Trevor Ariza. So it ultimately comes down to how coach Phil Jackson manages the situation. And is there a better situation-manager in the game today than Jackson?
Last season, the questions with the Lakers were about Lamar Odom accepting a shift to the bench. Jackson massaged that move all the way to his 10th NBA title.
The greater issue is age and ailments. How much longer can Derek Fisher be the same player? Will all the wear on Kobe Bryant eventually show? Can Luke Walton and Andrew Bynum stay injury free?
When Artest wants to make something work, he makes it work, although the loss to the Mavericks in the season's second game certainly was disheartening.
Q: James the best player in the NBA? Yeah, right, whatever. How many rings? Oh, duck, the excuses are coming. We, in Lakers Nation, definitely take exception to that. Never mind, we'll take the rings instead.
— Mike, Dallas
A: Fine, but ask the 30 NBA general managers which player they would take if they could have only one.
Even putting aside age, the view is LeBron can do more.
Big-game experience and productivity? That's a different story. That's a Kobe story.
For a season, or to build around? I'm convinced LeBron would be the choice.
Q: End the regular season now and let's get to the playoffs! Everyone feels that either the Lakers, Spurs, Cavs, Magic or Celtics will win the NBA championship. I would like to know if there's anyone else who can actually make the Finals? My pick: Dallas.
— Vince, Spain
A: The one lesson the league has learned over the past decade is you can never sleep on Chauncey Billups, who has made his teams fixtures in the conference finals.
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While Denver's luxury-tax position cost it Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza in the offseason, there still is plenty of talent in place when counting Carmelo Anthony, Nene, Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen, J.R. Smith and, now, Ty Lawson.
If coach George Karl can hold it together for another season, the Nuggets could well wind up crashing the Spurs' and Lakers' party.
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