Ty Lawson is officially hitting the market in search of his third team in a year. The point guard departed Denver and signed to Houston, but he spent more time on the bench than on the court. Still regarded as a playmaker, Lawson will have the attention of several teams aiming to make a playoff run. The Chicago Bulls need to be one of them.
The Bulls have a starting point guard in Derrick Rose. That is not being disputed. However, Rose's injury history is a red flag and a major hurdle the Bulls have in front of them as they aim to be contenders in the Eastern Conference. With the free agent market filling up with big names, the Bulls need insurance on the bench at the point guard position.
The Bulls would be a solid fit for Lawson. He does not have to worry about competing for a starting job, but he can come off the bench to provide relief for Rose. The Bulls just spent the last three games without Rose as the point dealt with a hamstring injury. The Bulls lost two of those games. Mike Dunleavy and E'Twaun Moore were the starting backcourt and they were not enough. Lawson would be a big upgrade.
Rose made it clear that he will sit if he does not feel healthy. The point guard has stressed his health is important, especially with free agency a year away, which means the Bulls could be without Rose more times than not for the rest of the season.
"Just don't want to take any risks,'' Rose said. "I love the way I'm playing. I feel like I'm playing to win. I feel like I'm in a good mood, a great place mentally. Just trying not to risk all of it by going out there and playing crazy.''
The Bulls need healthy bodies. Rose made his return to the court on Tuesday, but Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic are still dealing with injuries. Doug McDermott and Pau Gasol are trying to make up the difference, but it has not been enough for the Bulls. They have the talent on the roster to make the playoffs, but one more playmaker would be a solid addition to the roster. Lawson makes the most sense.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg admits he is frustration with the team right now. The loss to the Miami Heat certainly did not help things. Chicago wanted to contend against the Cavaliers this season with Rose healthy, but instead they sit in the No.9 position in the standings. The Bulls need all the help they can get if they intend to play in the postseason.
