The Chicago Bulls fell to the Golden State Warriors 114-97 in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee game.

This was a bit of an unexpected win from the Warriors given that they were only suiting eight players, three of whom were D-League players. Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Corey Maggette, and Andris Biedrins were the only four Warriors’ regulars who played today, and they all played great.

The best player for the Warriors was by far Andris Biedrins, who finished with 9 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Biedrins really bothered the Bulls with his length, and was a big part in shutting down the Bulls’ offense in the paint. The only knock on Biedrins today was his poor free throw shooting, where he shot 1-7. All of his free throws were line drives at the hoop, that bricked off the front of the rim. But Biedrins more than made up for the poor free throw shooting with his shot blocking and shot altering ability. Biedrins really set the tone defensively for the Warriors, who did a good job contesting the Bulls’ shots, and also getting set for charges, which also helped to shutdown the Bulls penetration game.

The Warriors got great production from Corey Maggette, who scored 32 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished 5 assists. Maggette shot 11-14, and was automatic from mid range shots in which he just caught the ball, measured up, and shot it.

The rookie Stephen Curry played great today as well, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Curry shot the ball well, going 5-8 from three, hit some nice floaters, and did a nice job defensively on Derrick Rose.

Monta Ellis led the Warriors in scoring with 36 points, but he did that very inefficiently, taking 39 shots to get those 36 points. He also had 8 assists in the game.

John Salmons finished with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. He did a good job of keeping the Bulls in the game in the third quarter, but was very quiet in the fourth quarter.

Luol Deng played well, finishing with 20 points on 7-16 shooting, and Derrick Rose was solid, scoring 19 points.

Jannero Pargo scored 12 points for the Bulls, but he scored 5 of it in garbage time. When the game mattered, Pargo was hurting the Bulls by taking some really bad shots.

Biedrins really bothered Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas. Noah only scored 4 points on 2-10 shooting, and Thomas scored 4 points on 2-7 shooting. Neither knew how to score around Biedrins’ long arms. Both rebounded well, as Noah finished with 16 rebounds, and Thomas had 9 rebounds in 19 minutes before fouling out.

Taj Gibson played well today, finishing with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

The Bulls were without Kirk Hinrich, who was suffering a bout with the flu.

With the loss, the Bulls fall to 18-21 on the season.

The Chicago Bulls fell to the Golden State Warriors 95 to 83 in their first contest in the 2009 Las Vegas Summer League.

The Bulls fell behind early, as Anthony Randolph poured in 16 points in the first quarter. The Bulls would take control of the game in the second quarter, making it a one point game at half time, 46-45 in favor of the Warriors.

The Bulls took the lead, 63-62 with 3:45 remaining in the third quarter on a James Johnson jumpshot, but it was all Golden State from there.

The story of today’s game was Anthony Randolph of the Warriors, who finished the game with 42 points and 3 blocks. The 42 points tied a Las Vegas Summer League record. Randolph now joins Marcus Banks and Von Wafer for having the most points in a Las Vegas Summer League game. Randolph, with his combination of length and athleticism was a tough cover for the Bulls, forcing the Bulls to foul often, as Randolph went to the free throw line 21 times.

James Johnson was impressive in his Bulls debut, scoring 21 points on 9-13 shooting and grabbing 8 rebounds. There isn’t much that James Johnson can’t do on the offensive end, he is a very skilled player. Johnson was shooting the ball well, even hitting a three point shot near the end of the second quarter. Johnson had another three in the fourth quarter that just rimmed out.

Johnson handled the ball very well. There aren’t many players, if any in the NBA, who can handle the ball like he can. He handled the ball for the Bulls often in the half court, but also in the full court, where he led multiple Bulls’ fastbreaks, many of which were successful. He also showed the ability in the half court to take his man off the dribble, and finish off his dribble drive move.

The discerning part of Johnson’s performance tonight was his effort defensively and on the glass. His defense was subpar, and he didn’t show much effort on the glass, lazily going after rebounds, rather than viciously attacking the boards.

Taj Gibson was the opposite of Johnson defensively and on the glass. Gibson was in there fighting for every rebound. Gibson’s motor is excellent, and has the length to be a good rebounder. He looked as long as advertised in pre-draft measurements out there on the court.

Gibson finished the game with 14 points and 12 rebounds. He showed an ability to get out and run the court, which should be a good fit when he’s out there playing with Derrick Rose in the regular season.

The discerning part about Gibson’s game tonight was his 9 personal fouls. A lot of these fouls were on attempted blocks by Gibson. Gibson needs to learn to go straight up with his arm when attempting to block a shot. Not only will he avoid the foul, but he will get more reach, which should lead to more blocks.

Johnson and Gibson shared one really impressive tag team play in the second quarter. Jamal Sampson went up for a shot on the left block, and Johnson and Gibson simultaneously blocked the shot.

James Augustine scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in just 24 minutes. Augustine hit some jumpshots, and put in a lot of easy shots in the paint set up by his teammates.

Stephen Curry had a tough game, scoring 10 points on 3-15 shooting, but he did have 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Curry looked like a solid point guard, but doesn’t appear to have the skills to be an elite point guard if he isn’t scoring in bunches.

Anthony Morrow and Joe Ingles both put in 10 points for the Warriors as well.

Demarcus Nelson had a solid 14 point, 6 assist, 5 rebound game, while Anthony Roberson put on a brick fest, scoring 11 points, but shooting 3-13 from the field.

Closing Comments

A solid start to summer league for the Bulls. Yes, it was a loss, but in summer league, how you’re prized young players perform is more important than the game result. Tonight, both James Johnson and Taj Gibson showed exactly why the Bulls drafted them, and put on performances that should have Bulls’ fans excited about both players’ futures with the team.

Go Bulls!

According to Chad Ford of ESPN, it is unlikely that Amare Stoudemire will be traded to the Golden State Warriors.

Chad Ford: Just talked to a source inside the Warriors who said that an Amare Stoudemire deal with the Phoenix Suns was “way off, if it ever happens. It’s nowhere close to being done.”

Suns sources have said the same thing. While the two teams could continue to hammer it out, the Warriors say that they are keeping their No. 7 pick, Stephen Curry. Sorry Knicks fans.

I am not too surprised that these trade talks fell apart. Golden State was rumored to be offering way more than anyone else was being rumored to be offering. There were rumors that the Bulls and Suns pretty much agreed to a trade of Drew Gooden, Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, and draft picks for Amare Stoudemire at the trade deadline, but Phoenix reportedly backed out at the last minute.

That package is a far cry from the Golden State package, which was rumored to feature Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli, and the 7th pick, which became Stephen Curry.

I don’t think Amare Stoudemire would have ever agreed to a trade to Golden State either. He would get there, and there would be very little talent around him. They couldn’t make the playoffs in Phoenix with far more talent than what would be left in Golden State. Amare doesn’t have a no trade clause, but just him telling them through his agent that he doesn’t want to go to Golden State would probably have been enough to halt the trade. Would Golden State really want to give up Biedrins and Curry for a player who is likely to leave their team after just one season? It wasn’t going to happen.

Bulls fans can now go back to hoping and praying that the Bulls somehow strike a deal with the Suns for Amare Stoudemire.

1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma, Sophomore)

The Clippers have a history of making lackluster draft selections, but they’re not going to mess this one up.  Right?

2. Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio (Joventut)

If Yi Jianlian’s threats didn’t stop the Bucks from drafting him, then the Grizzlies shouldn’t cave to the demands of Rubio.  The flashy guard is a perfect fit for Memphis’ high tempo offense.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden (Arizona State, Sophomore)

While Harden only measured 6′5″ in shoes, his great weight should help him to be a good defensive force if he puts his mind to it.  Harden will give the Thunder some added scoring, and Harden will step in for Thabo Sefolosha, who was never a longterm solution at shooting guard for the Thunder.

4. Sacramento Kings -Brandon Jennings (Lottomatica Roma)

The Kings may have something at the shooting guard spot in Kevin Martin, at the power forward spot with Jason Thompson, and at center, with Spencer Hawes.  Therefore, they could choose to pass on a big man, opting for a point guard, a position that has had increased importance placed on it as of late.

5. Washington Wizards - Hasheem Thabeet (Connecticut, Junior)

The Wizards were one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season.  Thabeet’s shotblocking prowess should help improve their dreadful defense.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Tyreke Evans (Memphis, Freshman)

Minnesota is set in the frontcourt with Al Jefferson and Keivn Love, so they will look for help in the backcourt.

7. Golden State Warriors - Jordan Hill (Arizona, Junior)

Hill averaged an impressive 18 points and 11 rebounds in his junior season.  He will slip down to seventh because of team needs, and will be a great value pick for the Warriors.

8. New York Knicks - Stephen Curry (Davidson, Junior)

The Knicks have reportedly given a gaurantee to Curry.

9. Toronto Raptors - DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh, Sophomore)

Even if the Raptors decide to keep Chris Bosh, they still will need more toughness up front.

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Ty Lawson (North Carolina, Junior)

Scott Skiles likes winners, and he will be looking for a point guard to help lead his team.

11. New Jersey Nets - Earl Clark (Louisville, Junior)

The Nets will be looking to find a front court mate for Brook Lopez.

12. Charlotte Bobcats - DeMar DeRozen (USC, Freshman)

After trading Jason Richardson, the Bobcats will be in a market for a shooting guard.  They are in need of a star, and DeRozen has some star potential.

13. Indiana Pacers - James Johnson (Wake Forest, Sophomore)

The Pacers seem set in the perimeter positions, so they will look for some big man help.

14. Phoenix Suns - Johnny Flynn (Syracuse, Sophomore)

The Suns begin preparing for life after Steve Nash by drafting his replacement.

15. Detroit Pistons - Omri Casspi (Maccabi Tel Aviv)

With this pick, the Pistons go for a player they can store overseas for a few years while they keep their salary commitment down while they have capspace.  The Pistons have been toying with the idea of trading either Richard Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince, so if he does come over this season, there may be minutes for him.

16. Chicago Bulls - B.J. Mullens (Ohio State, Freshman)

The Bulls have needed front court help for so long, and Mullens is a guy with start potential.  Mullen’s measurements from the pre-draft camp were impressive, measuring in at 7′1″, 258 pounds, with a 9′3″ standing reach.

17. Philadelphia 76ers - Eric Maynor (VCU, Senior)

Even if the 76ers re-sign Andre Miller, he isn’t a longterm solution, as he is getting up there in age.  The 76ers would look for Maynor to be their point guard of the future.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves - Chase Budinger (Arizona, Junior)

With their second pick in the draft, the T’Wolves look for more help out on the perimeter.  Budinger should give Al Jefferson an option to kick the ball out to for three.

19. Atlanta Hawks - Jrue Holiday (UCLA, Freshman)

With Bibby aging and a free agent, the Hawks will need some help at the point guard position.

20. Utah Jazz - Jeff Pendergraph (Arizona State, Senior)

The Jazz will be looking for some front court help as potentially three of their big men, Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap, and Mehmet Okur will be free agents.

21. New Orleans Hornets -Victor Claver (Pamesa Valencia)

Claver is an international player that the Hornets may be able to store overseas for a few years.  Claver could provide some solid three point shooting that would complement Chris Paul.

22. Dallas Mavericks - Gerald Henderson (Duke, Junior)

The Mavericks take Henderson as a value pick after he slipped in the draft.

23. Sacramento Kings - Slava Kravstov (BC Kyiv)

With their second pick in the draft, the Kings take a center prospect who they can store overseas.

24. Portland Trailblazers - Terrence Williams (Lousville, Senior)

The Blazers take Williams for the defense, as they need help on that side of the game.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Tyler Hansborough (North Carolina, Senior)

The Thunder go for some front court help in a proven winner.

26. Chicago Bulls - DeMarre Carroll (Missouri, Senior)

The Bulls draft Carroll to be a tough, defensive minded energy player to help bolster the Bulls’ weak defense.  Defending Lebron will be a priority going forward, and Carroll may have the tools to slow him down.  Carroll should be a natural fit for the Bulls’ fast paced offense as he is coming from Mike Anderson’s Missouri system, which has a rep as the fastest 40 minutes in basketball.

27. Memhis Grizzlies - Wayne Ellington (North Carolina, Junior)

Ellington could give the Grizzlies some three point shooting, providing a good kick out option for Rubio.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Vladimir Dasic (KK Buducnost Podgorica)

With their third pick in the draft, the Timberwolves take a small forward/power forward prospect that they may be able to store overseas.

29. Los Angeles Lakers - Marcus Thornton (LSU, Senior)

Thornton could step in right away to contribute to the Lakers, and provide them with some perimeter scoring.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Gene Lawal (Georgia Tech, Senior)

The Cavs need to get some youth on their frontline, as Ilgauskus, Wallace, and Smith are getting up there in age.