Trade-Schmade, Who needs One? Bulls Create Magic on Kerr Night

This was how it was drawn up at the beginning of the season:

• Ben Gordon hits big shots.
• Derrick Rose breaks down the defense, hitting big shots or dumping off the ball.
• Joakim Noah was a tipping, grabbing, flailing machine, and ending up with 12 points, 16 rebounds, eight of which were offensive.
• Tyrus Thomas was slashing to the hoop, jumping over big bodies, rebounding in traffic, forcing slower players to foul him because they can't defend that incredible vertical (22 points, 10 rebounds).

This was the blueprint and the Bulls executed wonderfully, actually putting away the Detroit Pistons in the closing moments with a dramatic and meaningful victory 107-102. It was Johnny Red Kerr night after all, and it was an emotional one.

The big man, who was duped from the Hall of Fame, was doused with blessings and praises--most notably, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan and Barack Obama. Kerr, the loveable and laughable personality that he is, was in a wheel chair as highlights of his career were flashed across the screen.

Despite fans' sentiment for Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls tend to treat their players well (think of the money paid to Jay Williams, despite breach of contract). And the team went out on a convincing high-note with their long-time announcer.

It was difficult for any observer of the Jordan era, Bob Love era or Kerr era, to hold back some feelings. After all, this was a loved Chicago icon that came from Tilden High School and brought the University of Illinois to a Final Four appearance.

A statue was unveiled in his honor, and Kerr, apparently thinner and aged, pronounced in a weak voice: "This is the happiest day in my life."

It was a happy night for Chicago across the board. The Bulls trailed the Pistons by 14 to start the fourth quarter after an abysmal third that had the fans booing on a night that was supposed to be special.

Rose and Gordon made it special, the way leaders are supposed to.

Rose comes up with two big shots in the closing minutes to bring the team within striking distance, and then, Gordon, drains another four-point play to put the game out of reach for the former bad boys of Detroit.

It's official: The era of Detroit has passed. The Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson swap signified a break in direction and showed that the Joe Dumars was aggresively pursuing 2010. It's an admirable move, but they're not alone on the hunt.

Their likely target is Chris Bosh, but what will be left when he gets there--Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Jason Maxiell?

Rasheed Wallace is still a really good player, as is Rip Hamilton but they should be moved before the trade deadline if the team wants to get the most value for 2010.

But that's their mess.

The Bulls are flying high right now, and I still think there is no better time to trade: Sell high, buy low.

Thomas is giving us pause, after netting his sixth double-double in the last seven games, with an impressive average of 15.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.6 steals over that span. He's not only running the court but is sprinting: In one sequence he outran the defense and Gordon fired a bounce pass through the Detroit defense, giving Thomas an easy dunk.

He made a critical put-back that brought the Bulls within eight after Wallace fouled him. He was all over the place.

So what do you do? This is the plight of John Paxson. There is considerable reason why he should make this move, if the Suns are interested. But it is certainly something to think about as we continue to see Thomas make impact plays.

He's moving with confidence on both offense and defense, as if the hamster is moving the wheel. Though, he certainly had his share of stupid offensve plays on Tuesday, most notably trying to beat players of the dribble and taking off-balance jumpers.

Will he ever learn?

Still, Stoudemire would look awfully good on this team right now, and would surely elevate the play of Rose. It could catapult this team to the playoffs, and become a real contender the following season leading up to 2010.

Hey, once in a while, things have to go as scripted.