Back where end of Curry era began

By Sam Smith
Tribune pro basketball reporter
Published April 1, 2006

CHARLOTTE -- This is where it all changed for the Bulls and the future of the franchise. Not necessarily for worse, though that is still to be determined.

But it was a year ago here, almost to the day, that Eddy Curry experienced the heart arrhythmia that led to his trade and a dismantling of the team that drove to the first playoff appearance in seven years.

"I think about it sometimes," Ben Gordon said. "We lost a lot of guys who helped us get to the playoffs. But it's out of your control. There's nothing you can do about it."

It's not a question raised much now because Curry isn't playing well and the Knicks are fighting to avoid the league's poorest record. Still, everything changed for the Bulls that day.

Although no formal offer could be made, the Bulls were committed then to giving Curry a major contract extension. Negotiations broke down over a DNA test and the Bulls made the trade that will get them the Knicks' No. 1 draft pick this June and the right to swap first round picks in 2007. In the end, it certainly could benefit the Bulls.

But the Bulls likely would have extended Curry and probably would have held off on Tyson Chandler. When they realized they were going to lose Curry, they couldn't afford also to lose Chandler and gave him a big $63 million, six-year extension. But because they also lost Antonio Davis in the deal, they effectively lost their frontcourt and now remain in a fight just to make the playoffs.

They likely will use the Knicks' draft pick on a big man and start over. Would Curry have made a difference? Would they have been able to build on their 47 victories from last season and have a more solid core? Would his presence have taken pressure off the other players, especially Chandler, who have struggled with more attention on them?

"My mind doesn't work that way," coach Scott Skiles said. "We're a different team now and we have to go on."

Chicago needs a big man. They gonna trade the pick.

Posted by islesfan:

Posted by Nalod:

Chicago needs a big man. They gonna trade the pick.

And then use next year's Knicks pick on Greg Oden.

That means you don't think we're gonna be good next year?!?!?!?!?

i think they're trading it for a premier frontcourt player..