Appreciate the Underappreciated: The Top Five Current Bulls Players

With all the future free agency signings in waiting for the Bulls, I wanted to give some appreciation for who we already have.

Fans tend to overlook what we have now and rely greatly on the future.

This is by no means a negative trait, nor can we help it, but let's try to focus on the future of what we have at present.

Although it may be obvious, some newcomers to our great basketball franchise could be in a haze with all the LeBron-to-Chicago Bulls talk.

Let us show them the talent that pushed us into the playoffs for two straight years.

Enjoy!

No. 1: Derrick Rose

Pretty epic that it has the "NBA. Where amazing happens." logo in the picture of our No. 1 guy, huh?

It's relatively obvious who would be No. 1 on this list. D. Rose is widely appreciated in the NBA for his electrifying skills. In my opinion, he has more than enough potential to become one of the faces of the NBA.

The 6'3" point guard from Memphis also has slated himself as an "in the paint" commander. Not only can he dunk over many of the NBA's elite, but he has his own trademarked shots when driving to the basket.

With the speed and agility of an NFL player, Rose runs the court with confidence and knowledge of his own ability. Only 22 years old, Rose will blossom into a key player and leader for years to come.

In addition, Rose has plenty of dishes to fellow teammates, averaging six assists per game in the regular season and 7.2 in the playoffs, Rose proves he is a team player.

By no means is he selfish, nor will he ever become selfish. Rose is an asset to any locker room.

2010 Statistics: 0.489 FG PCT, 3.8 RPG, 20.8 PPG.
2010 Playoff Statistics: 26.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG.
2011 Predictions: 0.491 FG PCT, 3.9 RPG, 22.3 PPG.

No. 2: Joakim Noah

Don't you just love his intensity?

Nobody can deny Noah's passion to play the sport of basketball. The way he gets fired up not only shows his love, but it very well may rub off on teammates.

Noah can definitely get a team running on all cylinders.

One thing that not many people notice about Noah is his college program. Florida is one of—if not the—best college for athletics. The coaching staff is tremendously smart, and they prepare you for the opportunity of a lifetime.

That being said, Noah can certainly be just as aware compared to anyone else.

It has been said that Noah can possibly become one of the best defenders in today's game. I fully support that theory.

Coming off an 11-rebound-per-game season in 2010, Noah can definitely improve gradually. There's some hope for Bulls fans.

Something that also was a bit surprising to me is that Noah is a lifetime .513 percentage shooter. I know he's a center, but it's still a good stat, nonetheless.

Joakim Noah is our best defender, by far, and a special contributor. Oh, and by the way, he sticks up for his team.

2010 Statistics: .504 FG PCT, 11 RPG, 10.7 PPG.
2010 Playoff Statistics: 14.8 PPG, 13 RPG.
2011 Predictions: .512 FG PCT, 12.1 RPG, 15.2 PPG.

No. 3: Luol Deng

This one was a tight decision—between Deng and Gibson—but Deng edged it out.

Luol Deng is one of those players you just rely on. He's the solid, never spectacular but consistent, type of player. This is why I put him at No. 3.

There's not a ton to say about No. 9. He's a solid defender, a career .474 shooter, and a very, very, solid backbone.

Deng is just...that dude that every team needs.

2010 Statistics: .466 FG PCT, 7.3 RPG, 17.6 PPG.
2010 Playoff Statistics: 18.8 PPG, 5 RPG.
2011 Predictions: .455 FG PCT, 7.9 RPG, 18.7 PPG.

No. 4: Taj Gibson

Can you say goatee power?

Taj Gibson is just another product of young, fresh talent within the Chicago Bulls' franchise.

And, similar to the others, he produces in some way.

Another great college guaduate, this time USC, Gibson has come in and proven himself a worthy contributor. A decent shooter when given time and a good defender, Taj should be a force in the future. But, by no means is he a superstar.

2010 Statistics: .494 FG PCT, 9.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG.
2010 Playoff Statistics: 7.6 PPG, 7 RPG.
2011 Predictions: .497 FG PCT, 7.2 PPG, 7 RPG.

No. 5: Kirk Hinrich

Personally, and I'm sure some people have to agree with me, I thought Hinrich should have been a starter all along.

Not only is he a solid shooter and great defender, but he has the leadership to manage a game.

I haven't seen Hinrich become a game-changer with us, but I have seen enough of him to enjoy his presence. Even if he rides the bench, I think we should keep him to add depth.

You can never have too many great defenders, and Hinrich is said to be one of them.

I do realize Hinrich isn't the best shooter out there, and I realize his height may become a problem, but you can never take away a person's instincts and knowledge.

Overall, Hinrich is a great addition to the Chicago Bulls squad.

2010 Statistics: .409 FG PCT, 10.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG.
2010 Playoff Statistics: 12.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG.
2011 Predictions: .411 FG PCT, 9.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG.