Until Tuesday, Dalibor Bagaric–the forgotten first-round draft pick–had been a quiet and unobtrusive presence on the periphery of the Bulls’ training camp.
But at 7 feet, 2 inches and 275 pounds, it’s difficult to hide. And as decision time drew nearer–final rosters need to be submitted by Monday–Bagaric played a role in how one personnel decision played out.
The Bulls waived Toby Bailey late Tuesday, meaning that guard Corey Benjamin is safe, at least for now. Benjamin, who started the Bulls’ last game, responded with two of his better performances of the exhibition season in the wake of his arrest and subsequent charge for domestic battery last week.
“When you’re in the starting lineup, you’re getting consistent minutes and you know you’re going back out there,” Benjamin said. “When you’re out there, you’re not trying to rush anything.”
As for Bagaric, the Bulls are in the process of deciding whether to pursue arbitration or simply reach a settlement freeing him from a messy contract situation with his Croatian team. Either way, Bagaric eventually will hold a roster spot, whether the 20-year-old center is on the 12-man active roster or on the three-player injured list.
“We certainly didn’t take Dalibor 24th in the draft without thinking he was a pretty good player,” General Manager Jerry Krause said. “He’s not near as strong as he’s going to be. We envision him carrying 20 more pounds than he has now.”
If the Bulls are forced to go the arbitration route with FIBA, basketball’s international governing body, a decision could take up to a week from the time of a hearing, which hasn’t been scheduled. But if the Bulls pursue the settlement route, Bagaric would be eligible to sign a contract with the Bulls as soon as a buyout agreement is reached.
By waiving Bailey, it appears the Bulls are making way for a settlement and the signing of Bagaric. Krause also said this frees Bailey to pursue opportunities with other teams.
“And Corey’s played well,” Krause said. “He’s done a nice job.”
No ordinary Joe: The Timberwolves are awaiting Commissioner David Stern’s ruling on whether Joe Smith’s contract will be voided for this season, which would make the forward a free agent. Even if Stern does void his current deal, Smith may be able to re-sign with Minnesota, where he would own his “Larry Bird exception” rights–the ability to sign a contract without regard to salary-cap limits–after this season.
The Bulls are one of the few teams who are under the salary cap and could offer Smith close to $6 million for one season. Given that the Bulls are in a rebuilding phase and want cap flexibility next summer and given that Smith wants to hit the big payday promised him in the illegal deal that caused this mess, a short-team deal could benefit both sides.
“He’s a good player, very active,” coach Tim Floyd said. “He’s very versatile. … But we’re talking about something that isn’t absolute yet.”
Sharp-dressed man: Along with other first-round draft picks, Marcus Fizer is featured in the current issue of GQ magazine. The photo shoot took place just before the NBA draft last June.
“They took us into this room with all these clothes and shoes. It was unbelievable, a lot of expensive stuff,” Fizer said. “I look all right, I guess. I had never worn a fur coat before.”
The coat in question cost $21,000.
Layups: Center Jake Voskuhl is expected to make his exhibition debut Wednesday against Milwaukee. … Quote of the day from Floyd, when asked how long the Bulls will have double practice sessions: “Probably through April,” he cracked.
