Bryant Will Never Be a Bull

Last June, I wrote in Woman’s Eye that the acquisition of Kobe Bryant by the Bulls was a pipe dream. I still believe that today. That’s why I was relieved to hear GM John Paxson’s statement yesterday that the Bulls were never close to a deal for the disgruntled Laker. Paxson seems like an upfront guy, and if he says the Bulls and Lakers were “never on the verge of a deal,” then I believe him.

He was smart to put things to rest. With a new season underway, trade talks were on everyone’s mind, including the Bulls players who were rumored to be going to LA. Paxson needs his players to have their heads in the game right now. Making a statement now assured them that no one – not Ben Gordon, not Ben Wallace or anyone else – would be leaving Chicago any time soon.

Since all this trade talk escalated earlier this week, I’ve had a hard time believing that this deal would take place let alone that Paxson would even consider making it. Paxson was part of the Bulls championship teams of the early 90s. Even with a superstar like Michael Jordan leading the way, the team played well together. When Paxson took over as GM, he and coach Scott Skiles weeded out the deadbeat players on the team, those who were lazy, self-absorbed or lacked integrity. For Paxson, character and integrity are just as important as talent. He understands what kind of team is needed in Chicago to win a title, and he has done well to build one that embraces teamwork and plays with integrity and has character. Does that sound like a Kobe Bryant-style team to you?

Kobe is just one more distraction that the Bulls don’t need. If the Bulls really, really wanted Bryant here in Chicago, they would have found a way to get the deal done. The Bulls are better off with the team that they have and perhaps make a deal down the road for a lesser-known player who will provide what the Bulls need, without the unnecessary distractions that could hurt them in the long run.

Don’t get me wrong. The Bulls could certainly use someone with Kobe’s talent. They just don’t need the baggage that comes with it..

Bulls’ Trade for Kobe Just a Pipe Dream

Ever since Kobe Bryant wrote on his Web site (kb24.com) several weeks ago that he wanted to be traded from the Lakers, analysts have been speculating about whether a trade would actually take place. Bryant named the Chicago Bulls as one of three NBA teams that he would like to play for, but I think a trade by the Bulls for Bryant is highly unlikely.

Since taking over as Bulls’ GM several years ago, John Paxson has rebuilt this team on good sportsmanship and unselfish play. He and coach Scott Skiles have weeded out deadbeat players and brought in players who play hard and with heart. Good character is just as important as talent. There are no superstars on the Bulls; Ben Wallace is about as close to one as you’ll find. The trio of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich are emerging superstars in their own right. The Bulls already have good team chemistry, and they have earned a reputation in the NBA as being an unselfish team. Bryant, on the other hand, isn’t exactly known for his generosity on the court. Paxson and Skiles are looking to improve for the immediate future, and Bryant would certainly provide some of the inside scoring that the Bulls desperately need. But Bryant’s character may not fit in with the Bulls’ team philosophy, which is why this trade is just a pipe dream.