50 Years of the Chicago Bulls (1966-)

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 22, 2016

Intro:

After enjoying trypio's Minnesota Timberwolves dynasty and michgcs' Sacramento Kings dynasty, I've decided to try one in the same vein.

As mentioned in the title, it has been 50 years since the Chicago Bulls joined the NBA. Since then they've had a slew of legendary players play for them, Michael Jordan the most prevalent.

I don't have much experience with running a team in FBPB, so this should be a fun learning experience for me.

My goals are:

1) To win an NBA title before the 1990-1991 season (their 25th)

2) To win more than 6 NBA titles

3) And lastly, to attain a W/L percentage better than .522

So with that being said, off we go!

First look at the team:

Budget:

Team Budget: $209,000

Salary Cap: $190,000

Total Salary: $64,717

CENTERS:

None

POWER FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/LenChappell1966_zpsbxlyljl2.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/NateBowman1966_zpskqlkc79t.png

Chappell is obviously the better player at this position, with his better shooting and athletic ability. Bowman is a pretty decent backup.

SMALL FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/BobBoozer1966_zpsqlnaklsz.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/ErwinMueller1966_zpsunppwdha.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/McCoyMcLemore1966_zps5eylcu9t.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/JimWashington1966_zpsuhgalsnc.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/JohnClemens1966_zps3ovbr6wr.png

My best player at this time seems to be Boozer. With those skills, he can play at any position. Washington and McClemore are also usable. I'll probably be trading either Mueller or Clemens for a center before the season starts.

SHOOTING GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/JerrySloan1966_zpsfmsolstd.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/GerryWard1966_zpslu1v3rhm.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/DaveSchellhase1966_zpsmxxasb9x.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/KeithErickson1966_zpsyl0aoyrm.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/DonKojis1966_zpsspd0hapi.png

I have two good pieces in Sloan and Kojis and a nice backup in Erickson. Ward and Schellhase are tradeable at best.

POINT GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/GuyRodgers1966_zpsocc92wiv.png

Rodgers is my my only point guard to start out with. He has great passing ability, but that's it. I might have one my shooting guards start at PG with him as backup.

Final thoughts:

For an expansion franchise, this team has a few good players to build around, namely Sloan and Boozer. My two weakness are at point guard and center, something i will attempt to fix in the preseason.

BHK1978 · July 22, 2016

I am way too lazy to look up the original Bulls' roster. So I am sorry if this question could easily be answered by me looking it up...

Are you drafting players that were on the actual Bulls (Like Jordan, Reggie Theus, etc.) or are you going to be drafting the best players available?

I know that Jerry Sloan and Bob Boozer were on the original roster so it looks like you kept the expansion draft close to reality.

I might not comment much on this but I will be following along because I think this is a cool concept.

johnloch · July 22, 2016

Will follow this one!

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 23, 2016

1966 Preseason

<div style="text-align:center;">Free Agency:

No free agents so nothing to say.

==================================================

My Trades:

DETROIT PISTONS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/GerryWard1966_zpslu1v3rhm.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/JohnClemens1966_zps3ovbr6wr.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/ErwinMueller1966_zpsunppwdha.png

+

1968 Round 2 Draft Pick (Chicago)

CHICAGO BULLS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/ReggieHarding1966_zpsmc04phsp.png

Why?

As mentioned previously, I needed a true center. I went through all the teams and this was the most decent center I could get. I had to give up a draft pick to get the Pistons to accept the trade. Schellhase is the last tradeable player remaining.

==================================================

NEW YORK KNICKS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/Prologue/DaveSchellhase1966_zpsmxxasb9x.png

CHICAGO BULLS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/DaveDeutsch1966_zpsith9a53g.png

Why?

AS also mentioned, I needed a backup point guard. Deutsch was the best I was getting for Schellhase. As you can see I didn't have to give up a draft pick this time. When you're an expansion team, draft picks are everything.

==================================================

Other Trades:

None

==================================================

Preseason Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/1966PreseasonResults_zpsazhpykmf.png

Pretty underwhelming to say the least. As you can tell, Bob Boozer simply dominated in preseason play. Guy Rodgers will definitely be my starting point guard. That trade I made for Harding appears to be a good one. The media is predicting that the Bulls will finish last in the Western Division. I'll try to prevent that from happening

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 23, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1966-1967 SEASON - BEFORE TRADE DEADLINE

==================================================

My Trades:

None

==================================================

Other Trades:

None

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonB4TD_zpscvin4bfj.png~original

Not surprising considering our status as an expansion team. Harding, the source of most of my rebounding, went down with a ruptured disc early in the season. Since then, the team has suffered two 5-game losing streaks. Things can only get better from here.

==================================================

Standings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/1966TDLeague%20Standings_zpsdyxmc9lo.png

It appears at this point that the media was right. At the trade deadline, we possess the worst record in the league, owing to our bad performances on the road. On the positive side, it means that we have a chance of picking first in the rookie draft.

Let's see how the rest of the season pans out!

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 25, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1966-1967 SEASON - AFTER TRADE DEADLINE

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonAFTD_zpsqvj2b0by.png

Things ended up going downhill after the trade deadline. An injury to Sloan didn't help matters. I hoped that Harding's return to the starting lineup would help, but as you can see, it didn't. Let's hope things improve next season.

==================================================

Player Stats:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonFinalAverages_zpspwjzjf61.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonFinalShooting_zpsngph2il8.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonFinalEfficiency_zps54hzr3ks.png

It is quite obvious that Bob Boozer is my best player right now. He can shoot the lights out on a consistent basis, and play the big man position well. Don Kojis and Jerry Sloan also had very good seasons. I will be building my team around those players.

But holy turnovers Batman! As a team, we were the worst in the league in turnovers per game with 24.6. No wonder we had so many long losing streaks, we kept giving the ball away! I'll try to sign a better ball handler in the offseason to try to remedy this.

==================================================

Final Standings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonFinalStandings_zpsjyb1q0wr.png

We simply got clobbered by the rest of the league, for reasons already stated. I honestly didn't expect us to make the playoffs, being an expansion team in their first season, but I was hoping for a more respectable record. We had some good players on the team, but that didn't translate into wins. We had an even record at home and only won 6 road games the entire season. Guess there's always next year.

On the plus side, since we had the worst record in the league, we get to pick first in the 1967 draft. That's something to look forward to.

Playoffs:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1966-1967/66SeasonPlayoffs_zps6y1ht8q4.png

Not surprising considering how beast the Celtics were during the season. I really expected the Lakers to upset the Warriors in the Western Division Championship, but I'll go with it.

==================================================

My Awards:

Bob Boozer: 2x Player of the Month, NBA All-League 1st Team, NBA All-Rookie 1st Team, NBA All-Star Game participant

Don Kojis: NBA All-Star Game participant

Guy Rodgers: NBA Assists Leader

==================================================

League Awards:

MVP: Rick Barry (San Francisco)

Rookie: Rick Barry (San Francisco)

Defender: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

6th Man: Leroy Ellis (Baltimore)

All-League 1st Team

C - Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

PF - Rick Barry (San Francisco)

SF - Bob Boozer (Chicago)

SG - Dick Barnett (New York)

PG - Jerry West (LA Lakers)

All-League 2nd Team

C - Jerry Lucas (Cincinnati)

PF - Willis Reed (New York)

SF - Chet Walker (Philadelphia)

SG - Dave Bing (Detroit)

PG - Sam Jones (Boston)

All-League 3rd Team

C - Nate Thurmond (San Francisco)

PF - Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati)

SF - Dave DeBusschere (Detroit)

SG - Larry Siegfried (Boston)

PG - Kevin Loughery (Baltimore)

All-Defense 1st Team

C - Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

PF - Rick Barry (San Francisco)

SF - Ben Warley (Baltimore)

SG - Dick Barnett (New York)

PG - Howard Komives (New York)

All-Defense 2nd Team

C - Bill Russell (Boston)

PF - Joe Caldwell (St. Louis)

SF - Lou Hudson (St. Louis)

SG - Dave Bing (Detroit)

PG - Bob Weiss (Philadelphia)

All-Rookie 1st Team

C - Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

PF - Rick Barry (San Francisco)

SF - Bob Boozer (Chicago)

SG - Dick Barnett (New York)

PG - Jerry West (LA Lakers)

All-Rookie 2nd Team

C - Jerry Lucas (Cincinnati)

PF - Willis Reed (New York)

SF - Chet Walker (Philadelphia)

SG - Dave Bing (Detroit)

PG - Sam Jones (Boston)

What? How on earth are the entire All-League 1st and 2nd teams also on the All-Rookie 1st and 2nd team? They're basically a copy/paste of each other. That doesn't seem right but I'll roll with it.

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 25, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1967 OFFSEASON: DRAFT

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Retirements:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67Retirements_zpsaulo7v4w.png~original

==================================================

Expansion Draft:

Two new teams will join the league for the 1967-1968 season; the Seattle Supersonics and the San Diego Rockets. I only had to expose one player to the draft, and that was Dave Deutsch. He becomes the 10th and last pick to Seattle. Erwin Mueller, a player I traded to Detroit before last season, is also picked by the Supersonics.

==================================================

1967 NBA Draft:

1. Chicago - Walt Frazier (SG)

2. Detroit - Lou Dampier (PG)

3. New York - Mel Daniels ©

4. Seattle - Skip Thoren ©

5. San Diego - Darel Carrier (SG)

6. Baltimore - Earl Monroe (PG)

7. Cincinnati - Steve Jones (SG)

8. St. Louis - Connie Hawkins (SF)

9. LA Lakers - Bob Netolicky (PF)

10. San Francisco - Dan Anderson ©

...

15. Chicago - Byron Beck (PF)

==================================================

My Picks:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/WaltFrazier1967_zpstvj04fla.png

For the first pick in the draft, I had to choose between Walt Frazier and Lou Dampier. While Dampier has better ball-handling, Frazier is better at passing and slightly better on defense. He looks like a starter right out of the box.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/ByronBeck1967_zpsfhykgtf6.png

I decided that I needed an upgrade at Power Forward and found this guy sitting in the draft pool. He has lots of potential and is a better ball-handler than my current PF, Len Chappell.

==================================================

Whats next?

As mentioned before, I need to find another good ball-handler, this time at the Center position. I also need to resign Don Kojis, who was an integral part of the offense last season. But since we had a losing record in our first season, we may not be attractive to a lot of free agents.

==================================================

Finances before free agency:

Team Budget: $372,128

Salary Cap: $225,000

Total Salary: $71,750

Cap Room: $153,250

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 26, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1967 OFFSEASON: FREE AGENCY

==================================================

Top 9 Free Agents That Switched Teams:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/1967TopFreeAgents_zpsegijxgyj.png

Yes, that's right, I said 9. Both the Supersonics and the Rockets get a huge boost from their free agent signings. As you can see, I was unable to resign Don Kojis. No matter, I still have two good scorers in Frazier and Boozer. I also went for Don Nelson, Darrall Imhoff, and Rudy LaRusso. In all of these cases, in their other offers box, mine was the only offer listed. Then, when their names disappeared from my current offers list, I first checked my team roster to see if I had signed them, but I hadn't. Somehow, someway, they had signed with another team that hadn't showed up in the other offers box! How is that even possible? In other games I've played, I haven't been able to sign big free agents when I can because of this very problem. Someone please help me!

Sorry about that rant, let's see what players I did manage to sign.

==================================================

My Signings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/EltonMcGriff1967_zpsqaq1ih3h.png

As I mentioned, I was focusing on getting better ball-handlers. Both these guys were undrafted rookies. McGriff is going to be my backup center this coming season.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/HankWhitney1967_zpszst6ejxc.png

After I lost Don Kojis to the "ninja offer", I had to find a decent small forward to replace him. This guy had the best ball-handling rating of the available small forwards at the time.

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 27, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1967-1968 Team Roster:

==================================================

Budget:

Team Budget: $372,128

Salary Cap: $225,000

Total Salary: $81,921

==================================================

CENTERS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/ReggieHarding1967_zps0cdiwckh.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/EltonMcGriff1967_zpsqaq1ih3h.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/LenChappell1967_zpsum2u5eyw.png

POWER FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/BobBoozer1967_zpsnrsac8jd.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/ByronBeck1967_zpsfhykgtf6.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/NateBowman1967_zpsbnwl92qj.png

SMALL FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/HankWhitney1967_zpszst6ejxc.png

SHOOTING GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/WaltFrazier1967_zpstvj04fla.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/JerrySloan1967_zpsafhrzv19.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/KeithErickson1967_zpsara13mjf.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/McCoyMcLemore1967_zpslij4tb1l.png

POINT GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/GuyRodgers1967_zps4wr8sezt.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/JimWashington1967_zps57v6qgou.png

Despite losing Don Kojis to free agency (which I still haven't really gotten over lol), I managed to enter this season with a decent team. I'm sure Boozer and Sloan will fill the gap nicely.

==================================================

Preseason Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/1967PreseasonResults_zpscqnk3u8u.png

Although we finish with an even record in the preseason, things are really looking up. Frazier is doing very well as my starting point guard, and Boozer is dominating in the scoring department. The media is skeptical, however, as they are predicting we will finish second to last in the Western Division. I think we are capable of doing better than that this season.

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 28, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1967-1968 SEASON - BEFORE TRADE DEADLINE

==================================================

My Trades:

DETROIT PISTONS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/KeithErickson1967_zpsara13mjf.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/LenChappell1967_zpsum2u5eyw.png

CHICAGO BULLS GET:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Players/TomVanArsdale1967_zps6o6bmpiv.png

Why?

For one thing, I still needed a better ball-handler, and Whitney wasn't cutting it as my starting small forward. Also, Erickson had very little chance of making the starting lineup with Sloan at shooting guard. To top it all off, Harding was under-performing at the starting center position. Therefore, I needed a starting caliber small forward with good ball-handling skills, and Van Arsdale fit the bill. I was planning to trade Len Chappell this season anyway.

==================================================

Other Trades:

Philadelphia trade SF Roger Brown to LA Lakers for SG Gail Goodrich

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/1967SeasonB4TD_zpsokwsmaow.png~original

==================================================

Standings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/1967TDLeagueStandings_zpsnjsfvfdm.png

I must say I'm pleasantly surprised by our performance so far, especially after that trade we made for Tom Van Arsdale. That seemed to light a fire under the team that's still going as of the trade deadline. If we keep winning at this rate, we'll make the playoffs in just our second season.

Meanwhile, the two expansion teams are doing horrible, as can be expected. During the first game of the Supersonic's season, their big signing, Sam Jones, went down with a stress fracture and was out for over a month. During that time, the Sonics lost their first 19 games. On the other hand, the Rockets were off to a hot start, at one point possesing a 7-3 record and first place in the Western Division. As you can see, at the trade deadline, they have the third worst record in the league.

Let's see how the rest of the season goes!

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · July 31, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1967-1968 SEASON - AFTER TRADE DEADLINE

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonAFTD_zpsph2ksqiz.png

All I have you say is wow! This is not what I had in mind when I said that we were capable of doing better, but I'll take it. I guess I never realized how much of boost both Frazier and Van Arsdale gave us. Oh well, time to prove ourselves in the playoffs!

==================================================

Player Stats:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonFinalAverages_zpsa2ccvp30.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonFinalShooting_zpsl0wwwqux.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonFinalEfficiency_zpsriklxoav.png

I didn't get quite what I expected out of Frazier, but he has time to improve. Beck was a huge surprise as he performed very well in the starting lineup. It's also interesting that Rodgers still managed to lead the team in assists even though he was coming off the bench.

Boozer and Sloan's contracts are expiring so I will attempt to resign at least one of them. I should be better at free agency this time (I hope).

==================================================

Final Standings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonFinalStandings_zpsrrcorgpg.png

Both the Celtics and the Lakers lost key players in free agency last year, which probably contributed to their mediocre play this season. As would be expected, both the expansion franchises did poorly in their first season. Now it will be the Sonic's turn to pick first in the draft.

Let see how it goes in the playoffs!

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · August 3, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1968 NBA PLAYOFFS

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/1967PlayoffResults_zpsokk1orv4.png

As you can see, we very nearly upset the St. Louis Hawks in 4 games. However, the loss of Byron Beck in the first game caught up to us and the Hawks won 4 straight to advance to the Division Finals. I don't think we would've stood much of a chance against a dominant Warriors team anyway. Still, the team has gained valuable experience in the playoffs. Let's hope it pays off next year.

==================================================

Final Playoff Bracket:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1967-1968/Other/67SeasonPlayoffs_zpsn8un6nrh.png

The highly favored New York Knicks handily defeat the Western Division powerhouse San Francisco Warriors in five games to win the 1968 NBA Championship. Both the Celtics and the Lakers unsurprisingly got defeated in the first round. Other than that, there's nothing much to say.

==================================================

My Awards:

Steven McKamey: Coach of the Year

Bob Boozer: 2x Player of the Month, NBA All-League 2nd Team, NBA All-Star Game Participant

Nate Bowman: NBA Rookie Game Participant

Byron Beck: NBA Rookie Game Participant

Walt Frazier: NBA Rookie Game Participant, NBA All-Star Game Participant, NBA All-League 2nd Team, NBA All-Defense 2nd Team, NBA All-Rookie 1st Team

==================================================

League Awards:

GM: Granville Eversole (New York)

Coach: Steven McKamey (Chicago)

MVP: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

Rookie: Connie Hawkins (St. Louis)

Defender: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

6th Man: Mel Daniels (New York)

Most Improved: Happy Hairston (Cincinnati)

All-League 1st Team

C - Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

PF - Rick Barry (San Francisco)

SF - Willis Reed (New York)

SG - Dick Barnett (New York)

PG - Jerry West (LA Lakers)

All-League 2nd Team

C - Bob Boozer (Chicago)

PF - Connie Hawkins (St. Louis)

SF - Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati)

SG - Walt Frazier (Chicago)

PG - Sam Jones (Seattle)

All-League 3rd Team

C - Nate Thurmond (San Francisco)

PF - Gus Johnson (Baltimore)

SF - Bailey Howell (Boston)

SG - Donnie Freeman (Detroit)

PG - Freddie Lewis (Cincinnati)

All-Defense 1st Team

C - Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia)

PF - Rick Barry (San Francisco)

SF - Dave Bing (Detroit)

SG - Lou Hudson (St. Louis)

PG - Dick Barnett (New York)

All-Defense 2nd Team

C - Bill Russell (Boston)

PF - Willis Reed (New York)

SF - Ben Warley (Baltimore)

SG - Howard Komives (St. Louis)

PG - Walt Frazier (Chicago)

All-Rookie 1st Team

C - Bob Netolicky (LA Lakers)

PF - Connie Hawkins (St. Louis)

SF - Bob Rule (Boston)

SG - Walt Frazier (Chicago)

PG - Donnie Freeman (Detroit)

All-Rookie 2nd Team

C - Mel Daniels (New York)

PF - Roger Brown (LA Lakers)

SF - John Beasly (New York)

SG - Darel Carrier (San Diego)

PG - Bob Verga (Boston)

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · August 6, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1968 OFFSEASON: DRAFT

==================================================

Retirements:

None

==================================================

Expansion Draft:

Once again, two teams will be added to the league for the 1968-1969 season; the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. I decided to expose Guy Rodgers to the draft since he's been more than replaced at point guard by Walt Frazier. He eventually got picked by Phoenix.

==================================================

1968 NBA Draft:

1. Seattle - Elvin Hayes (PF)

2. Detroit - Ron Boone (PG)

3. San Diego - Warren Jabali (PG)

4. Milwaukee - Glen Combs (PG)

5. Phoenix - Jim Eakins (PF)

7. Boston - Wes Unseld (PF)

9. Cincinnati - Don Sidle (PF)

10. Philadelphia - Don Chaney (SG)

...

11. Chicago - George Stone (SF)

==================================================

My Pick:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/GeorgeStone1968_zpsyvfrrxg1.png

As you may recall, I traded my second round pick for this year to Detroit for Reggie Harding, so I only got one pick in this draft. I decided on this guy since I needed someone decent to back up Van Arsdale at the small forward position. By the way, the Pistons used the pick I traded to them to pick shooting guard Merv Jackson in the second round.

==================================================

What's next?

My top priority will be to resign Boozer and Sloan. I should have better luck this year now that I have a better grasp of Free Agency. Also, I'll need to sign some decent bench players. I should have no trouble attracting players to the team considering we were a playoff team last season.

==================================================

Finances before Free Agency:

Team Budget: $566,534

Salary Cap: $265,000

Total Salary: $41,493

Cap Room: $223,507

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · August 7, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1968 OFFSEASON: FREE AGENCY

==================================================

Top 10 Free Agents That Switched Teams:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Other/1968TopFreeAgents_zps4xrikjt0.png~original

Like last year, San Diego and Seattle make big splashes in free agency. Surprisingly the Bucks make the biggest splash of all, signing LeRoy Ellis for almost half a million dollars. I decided to let Harding go this year. Since Boozer will be my starting center going forward, there would have been no place for him on the team.

==================================================

My Signings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/AlvinAttles1968_zpsz6nyh3ld.png

As previously mentioned, I needed to find decent backups for my starters. This guy should do nicely as my backup point guard. He got absolutely no playing time with the Warriors last season, which is a shame.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/AlBeard1968_zpsiywshscq.png

I tried making offers to two other backup centers but they both chose other teams over me. This guy was the most decent backup center left in the pool.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/BobWarlick1968_zpsmobsoo2n.png

This guy should do nicely as a backup shooting guard with his decent ball skills.

I also managed to resign Bob Boozer and Jerry Sloan (yay). I think the team would've been in trouble if I hadn't. As an afterthought I also resigned Nate Bowman since he's a decent backup for Byron Beck at power forward.

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · August 8, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1968-1969 TEAM ROSTER

==================================================

Finances:

Team Budget: $566,534

Salary Cap: $265,000

Total Salary: $144,993

==================================================

CENTERS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/BobBoozer1968_zps3if51cvy.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/AlBeard1968_zpsiywshscq.png

POWER FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/ByronBeck1968_zps0g1hgbhn.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/JimWashington1968_zps5kksbdwv.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/EltonMcGriff1968_zps0inrljio.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/NateBowman1968_zpsujuiqloc.png

SMALL FORWARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/TomVanArsdale1968_zps5utggbly.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/HankWhitney1968_zpshrqizgzf.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/GeorgeStone1968_zpsyvfrrxg1.png

SHOOTING GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/JerrySloan1968_zpsxvpqlgmu.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/BobWarlick1968_zpsmobsoo2n.png

POINT GUARDS:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/WaltFrazier1968_zpslqt9xuww.png

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Players/AlvinAttles1968_zpsz6nyh3ld.png

Other than the players I picked up in free agency, the core of the team has remained the same. For that reason, we should be able to get to the playoffs again this year. But anything can happen in the game of basketball so we'll have to wait and see!

==================================================

Preseason Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Other/1968PreSeasonResults_zpskajshf9i.png

We finished the preseason with an even record, but that's probably because we played tougher teams. I'm very satisfied with Frazier's performances. Now that Rodgers isn't there, he can focus on distributing the ball more. Meanwhile, Boozer continues to show why he's the face of the team.

Despite last season's surprise playoff appearance, the preseason predictions have us once again finishing second to last in the Western Division. I think we'll prove that to be wrong.

</div>

ThatBroadcasterGuy · August 13, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">1968-1969 SEASON - BEFORE TRADE DEADLINE

==================================================

My Trades:

None. A few teams offered me some trades, but they were for players that I didn't have any interest in trading.

==================================================

Other Trades:

None

==================================================

Results:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Other/1968SeasonB4TD_zpsvqfhgt5c.png~original

==================================================

Standings:

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/skyballer455/FBPB/Chicago%20Bulls/1968-1969/Other/1968TDLeagueStandings_zpszpbbow4b.png

The beginning of the season wasn't the best, as we lost Boozer and Van Arsdale to injuries. But when they returned, we seemed to have hit the ground running. We're definitely looking like a playoff team once again.

As expected, the expansions teams are horrible. Even the Buck's signing of LeRoy Ellis hasn't helped them any. Also, despite losing Dick Barnett to the Sonics, the Knicks have the best record in the league at the trade deadline, and will once again be highly favored to win the championship.

Let's see how the rest of the season plays out!

</div>

tg01 · September 4, 2016

Just wanted to drop by and say that I am a sucker for these NBA diaries and I hope yours will continue!

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50 Years of the Chicago Bulls (1966-)

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