Missed free throws and missed calls end of Bulls season

Last night's 96-94 Bulls loss to the Cavs was one of the most exciting and yet frustrating games to watch for me personally.

Missed free throws eventually doomed the Bulls and the number of questionable calls on the refs were unusually high (one-sided against the Bulls).

First, the missed free throws. I zoom into the waning seconds of the 1st quarter, where Luol Deng has 3 free throws as he was just fouled attemting a 3-pointer (gasp!). He made 2-of-3. If he had made 3-of-3, the Bulls and Cavs would be tied going into the 2nd quarter. Did you know that whoever was leading the 1st quarter won the game in this series? That is why I was really hoping Luol would calmly sink those 3 FTs. Instead he choked on one and immediately I thought to myself, "That is going to come back and haunt us."

Down the stretch, Taj Gibson really choked on the line, but in all fairness, so did Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. This is strange, given the fact that the Bulls shoot a very admirable FT Percentage as a team. I guess it was pressure time and they could not deliver.

Secondly, the missed calls. I was shocked at how Brad Miller came in and got quickly called for 2 fouls for simply defending Shaq. Then Joakim Noah defended Shaq and got called for another foul. That is 3 fouls in 1 minute all on our big guys defending Shaq. I really think this needs to be reviewed by the League Office in terms of rules and calling fouls.

The other big miss was the no-call on Shaq for fouling Derrick Rose. That would have put Shaq out of the game earlier, as he had another foul on Rose where Rose hung in the air and converted what should have been an "And 1" situation. Instead they waved off the basket, Bulls did not convert, and the Cavs ripped off a 6-0 run from there.

Hats off to Vinny Del Negro aka Dead Man Walking, for being the consummate professional and getting his overmatched team to compete hard in Game 5. Best of luck in the league somewhere else next year (maybe Nets?).

One great thing about this series is how the Bulls have identified THE 2 core players to build around moving forward. Now it's time to go buy some talent!

Here are the Dr.'s top 5 REALISTIC choices for this summer's Free Agent class:

1. Joe Johnson - The All-Star scoring machine from the Dirty South can create his own shot, HIT A THREE POINTER, and can make free throws. A pure shooting guard with size. If the Bulls do not sign Joe Johnson, John Paxson should just retire as GM.

2. Chris Bosh - Chris can play center moving Joakim to the 4 position. His post moves are unstoppable and he alters many shots in the paint. Also a solid FT shooter and fun personality. And let's face it, he really wants to get out of Canada.

3. Carlos Boozer - If the Bulls can sign Boozer, they would again sign a solid post player and rebound machine. Noah would stay at the 5, but can you imagine this combo of Noah and Boozer as you drive to the hoop? Also, Boozer gives Rose an option to dump into or also play pick-and-roll basketball. Boozer may also gel well as he joins fellow Dukie, Luol Deng, in the locker room.

4. Dwayne Wade - The Chicago native has hinted that his heart is in Chicago but he loves Miami and who could blame him? But his frustrations in Miami may have finally bubbled over as the Heat lose to the Celtics in Game 5 this year. The slow development of Michael Beasley no doubt has him scratching his head as to whether he will ever win another ring with the current team. The Bulls need this All-Star's scoring touch and ability to get to the charity stripe. His game would complement Rose's immensely.

5. David Lee - The All-Star Power Forward would be a great addition to the Bulls as he has proven he can consistenly rebound and play pick-and-roll basketball with Duhon (or the PG flavor of the month) in New York. Lee + Noah again makes the Bulls formidable from a defensive standpoint and opponents must respect his jump-shot, unlike Noah's. He also is a great passer and has great court vision. He also would enjoy teaming up with fellow Gator, Joakim Noah.

As for D. Rose - please work on your 3-pointer all summer. RX: 100 made 3-pointer shots a day. Make defenses pay for backing off of you at the perimeter. Also, continue to build on your improved defense. By following this prescription, the Dr. believes you will be unstoppable next year, hopefully with a new Free Agent addition to the team!