Could Bulls’ Picks Signal Thomas’ Departure?

The Bulls definitely strengthened their front line in last week’s draft by selecting Wake Forest forward James Johnson and USC power forward Taj Gibson.  The Johnson pick, made at 16, seems to be a solid one.  “The Bulls have wanted Johnson for a while,” writes ESPN’s Chad Ford.  ”He’s a good athlete who can play the three and the four on both ends of the floor.  His game needs to develop, but when he gets going, he’s something.  He reminds me a little of Chicago’s Tyrus Thomas in one way - he’ll play great one minute and have his coach pulling his hair out the next.  With Thomas on the trade block, Johnson may ultimately be his replacement.”

“Gibson is a good pick for the Bulls in that he’s long and athletic and has some upside,” Ford says of the USC product.  ”But with so many young, skinny frontcourt players, I’m not sure how he fits exactly.”  These picks seem to make it more likely that the team will be trying to find Thomas a new home this offseason.  He’s shown flashes, but his inconsistency has been his trademark thus far.  With these two rookies on board, it may be time to ship Thomas while he still has some value.

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