We have come to the last pick in the 1st round.  This of course belongs
to the Chicago Bulls.  Their net GM is:

  Andy Knipp

The Bulls select:

  Othella Harrington, PF, 6-9, Georgetown

===========================================================================  
Overview
--------

The World Champion Chicago Bulls have just completed the best year in
NBA history. While there are a number of concerns, i.e. the signing of
players like Micheal Jordan and Dennis Rodman and the signing of Coach
Phil Jackson, the immeadiate future of the Bulls looks pretty good.

The team is the oldest in the NBA.  There are (maybe) 2 years left
before a major rebuild must be done.  However, until it is broke,
there is no intention to "fix" anything. The core players need to
return, however if some young prospects can be added, they will.

Team Depth:
-----------

Here is a breakdown by position:

Center:

The 2 headed monster (of BWG's) of Luc Longley and Bill Wennington was
a decent center combination.  If the opportunity to select a future
NBA center presents itself, then that will happen. However, quality
centers at the 29th pick just aren't there.  The other centers on the
team, John Salley & James Edwards are likely gone.  Edwards will not
be resigned, Salley may be back if he really wants to play.

Power Forward:

Dennis Rodman is the starting PF, even though he is a free agent, it
is critical for the Bulls to resign him.  His attitude has been great
on the court & he is a valuable asset for the team.  He wants a large
contract, though he will not get the $10M per year a Horace Grant will
get.  Rodman is too risky & will require the right coach (& Jack
Haley) to keep him focused.

Backup Dickie Simpkins should also be resigned.
 
Small Forward:

Scottie Pippen had a fine year, and seems to be happy again. No major
trades will happen.  There is concern with SP playing in the Olympics
again, he really needs some rest after a long NBA season and playoffs.
However, he is playing & will (hopefully) be healthy when next year
starts.

Toni Kukoc has become a real NBA player.  His defense continues to
improve.  Kukoc has found a nice touch from the outside & still
possesses great passing skills. There is talk of trading Kukoc, it
could, for a really compelling player, happen.  Don't count on it.

Jud Buechler is another backup. He is an UFA, however I don't expect a
lot of interest in him.  The Bulls should get him back next year & he
can play an important role.

Shooting Guard:

MJ desires 20Mil per year & will get a big contract for 2 years.  This
will break the cap, in a big way.  There is no question he has earned
the money and will get an acceptable contract.

Steve Kerr will also return to the Bulls.  His ability to hit the 3
point shot will always be required by a Phil Jackson coached team.

Point Guard:

Ron Harper was listed as the starting PG.  While he is not a ball
handler, MJ & Scottie bring the ball up, Harpers defense was critical
to the championship run.  Harp defended guys like Penny Hardway and
Gary Payton and was very successful at this.  His defense helped MJ in
that he Jordan was not required to defend the best player on the
opposing team.

Randy Brown was the backup & got very little playing time.  He showed
tough D and that is enough to get a spot on the team next year.

Needs:
------

The Bulls need depth.  There are no players of that quality this deep
in the draft.  I expect the Bulls to take a leap on a high risk/high
potential player.  Look for a very young player, European, or an
underachiver.  Since even finding a decent backup this far down in the
draft is doubtful, the Bulls will take a flyer on a prospect & hope he
turns out to be a Toni Kukoc.

My selection:
-------------

Othella Harrington, PF, Georgetown

Others Considered:
------------------
I did not think Harrington would fall this low, so I picked him.  We
do not have the PF of the future in camp now, however, there are a
couple of good young players.  Other positions need depth more, but I
figure Harrington is that much better.

IMHO, Tony Delk would have been a very good pick.  He is a Steve
Kerr/John Paxson type player who can actually play D.  He would not
need to bring the ball up, so I think he would have fit in well.

I was all set to pick Predrag Stojakovic & wait for him to be ready to
play (similar to Kukoc).  I still think he would be a fine NBA player.

I toyed with picking Eric Gingold.  You can't teach height.  Look for
a reach in the 2nd round.


Other Moves:
------------
Resign Phil Jackson (he wants 3 Mil/year).  How many games can he win
as opposed to Ron Harper?

Jordan & Rodman should also be resigned.  The current payroll will go
up by a good $20 Mil per year.  That is the cost of doing business &
the investment in Jordan, Rodman, and Jackson will pay off.

The Bulls are actually under the cap now and could look to trade or go
for a mid-priced FA.  This would have to happen before MJ or Dennis
are resigned.  If a SG, PF, or C are available, this would be
considered.