The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Bulls acquire Burrell for Dickey

September 22, 1997: "Bulls acquire Burrell for Dickey"

The Chicago Bulls acquired swingman Scott Burrell from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for F / C Dickey Simpkins.

Note: Both will be free agents after this season.

1997 - 1998 Salaries:

Scott Burrell, Chi: $1.43 M

Dickey Simpkins, GS: $1.23 M

Who got the better of the deal?

Chicago.

Why?

Scott Burrell, 6’6”, provides the Bulls some insurance if F Scottie Pippen decides to have surgery to repair his injured left foot.  If Pippen decides to have surgery he could miss the first 2 months of the regular season.  If Burrell can stay healthy, he’ll give the Bulls another solid, versatile defender who can shoot from the perimeter.

Unfortunately, Burrell has not been able to stay healthy.  Through his first 4 seasons, Scott has missed 135 of a possible 328 games due to: a torn right knee cartilage, a dislocated right shoulder, a torn right Achilles’ tendon, and other various injuries.  He already is a better perimeter shooter than Bulls’ starting G Ron Harper.  If Burrell can stay healthy, the Bulls may have acquired a potential starter for someone who (Simpkins) would never see the anything but the end of the bench.

Dickey Simpkins, 6’10”, has only averaged 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, and 9.9 minutes per game through his first 3 seasons.  Simpkins was left off the Bulls’ playoff roster the past 3 seasons.  He lost his playing time to Bulls F Jason Caffey. With Caffey and Toni Kukoc backing up starter Dennis Rodman, Simpkins’ role would never have been more than a “garbage time” player.  Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo, who coached against Simpkins when Dickey played at Providence College, believes Simpkins can provide more athleticism to the front court.

Along with C Erick Dampier, 6’11”; F Adonal Foyle, 6’9”; C Todd Fuller, 7’0”;and, for now, C Felton Spencer, 7’0”; and 6’10”, F Joe Smith, Simpkins gives the Warriors another big body which they sorely lacked last season.  Now, the Warriors need to address their starting small forward position.  The Warriors are not finished making deals.