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The playoff run of the Chicago Bulls came to a very sudden halt in the second round after getting knocked out in five games. This team is going to need to figure out which direction they want to go next season, but I believe they need to make it a point to sign one of their free agents. Chicago would be best served if they keep Marco Belinelli around.
Averaging 9.6 points a game during the regular season, Belinelli may not have lit up the scoreboard, but his value comes in from his ability to make big shots at critical times. There were a couple of occasions this year when Belinelli made the last shot of the game to get the Bulls a victory. Derrick Rose will be back next season and if the Bulls can plug Belinelli into the starting shooting guard position next to a healthy Rose, his numbers will go up.
He has had seasons where he averaged in double figures, but he has never had a point guard like Rose next to him during those times. It is obvious that the Bulls are going to need to make some roster moves before next season begins. I believe one of the moves that must be made is finding a way to retain Belinelli; they could just sign him to a one- or two-year contract worth $5 million. I think Chicago is still a solid team going into next season but must be sure to keep enough of their players to be competitive. The first signing this summer needs to be Belinelli.
Andy Schmidt is a columnist/writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ASchmidtSports, like his Facebook page or add him to your network on Google.
