The Chicago Bulls should be interested in finding some insurance to add to their frontcourt depth in case one of their big men in Joakim Noah or Carlos Boozer were to go down at any point this season, but one player they must avoid is retired power forward Rasheed Wallace.
With the team standing at a record of 10-2, the last thing they should be looking to do is add a piece to the clubhouse that could potentially disrupt their groove.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo!.com, the recently retired and oft-troubled 15-year veteran is considering a return.
In all likelihood, he will be looking to join a contending team.
There hasn't been any word from Bulls GM Gar Foreman on the possibility of adding Wallace, but ESPN Chicago's Nick Freidell suggests that the team would likely be interested in him.
While he would add good depth in terms of height and defensive ability, there is no doubt that Wallace is a headcase that the Bulls would be wise to avoid.
Over his career, he has played on four different teams, often being a disruptive figure. He is the all-time leader in technical fouls, being whistled 304 times over his career. That is not a record that anyone should be proud of, even if it means he is passionate about the game.
What the Bulls benefit from is having great synergy. Adding a player like Wallace could easily change the course of the season.
In a bad way.
Anyone who follows the Bulls can tell you that they don't have one player who is disruptive or a problem for the franchise. Perhaps the most vocal player on the team is Noah, but never has he been a problem since coach Tom Thibodeau took over the team.
Could he keep Wallace under control? Maybe, but it isn't really worth the risk to find out.
During the 2009-10 season, he was apart of the Boston Celtics. In 79 games, he averaged nine points and four rebounds per game. While those are fine numbers for a player coming off the bench, who knows what he will be able to bring in a night-in, night-out basis after sitting out the entire 2010-11 season.
The Bulls don't need to add a player that carries this type of baggage. They could benefit from signing a guy like Joel Przybilla, who could fulfill a role much better-suited for what the Bulls need.
With players like Omer Asik and Taj Gibson already coming off the bench, the last thing they would need to add is another big man who would likely be looking to get a good amount of time on the floor.
There is a nice, humble thing continuing from last season with this team, where they are not about flash or noise, but rather playing good basketball and just looking to get the job done.
A player like Wallace is not a guy to bring in if they wish to continue to follow this trend. The Bulls have things on the right track once again, and the last thing they should want to do is possibly derail this train.
Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State Football.
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