Players Added: None
Players Drafted: Derrick Rose (No. 1) and Omer Asik (No. 36)
Players Lost: Chris Duhon, Shannon Brown and JamesOn Curry
2007-2008 Record: 33-49
2008-09 Predicted Record: 42-40
Predicted Eastern Conference Standing: 8th
Last season, the Central Division was probably the least entertaining division in the Eastern Conference. And it didn't help that the Chicago Bulls, who were expected to be contenders in the East last season, ended up being one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
The Bulls went from 49 wins in 2007 to a mediocre 33 win season in 2008, and just didn't buy into the coaching system.
Not only that, but Scott Skiles was fired as head coach during the regular season, and was replaced by his assistant Jim Boylan for the remainder of the season. But that didn't last long. He was fired following the Bulls' regular season.
Also, starting point guard Kirk Hinrich struggled mightily, taking a step back last season. And I think it is safe to say that his role as the Bulls' starting point guard won't be a certainty this upcoming season.
Chicago also made a big time three-team deal that brought Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes to Chicago. And the young guys Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas have a pretty good upside. So things do look better for Chicago heading into next season.
Next season, things will start with their prized draft pick Derrick Rose. Rose will make an immediate impact, and will more than likely have Hinrich riding at the start of every game. He is strong for his size and has great athleticism, which we saw plenty of during his tenure in Memphis.
He is ability to penetrate is also another strength, but sometimes drives out of control and tends to turn the ball over, too. And considering they haven't had a go-to slasher, Rose will play a vital role in the Bulls' offense next season.
As far as off season moves go, Chicago has managed to re-sign Luol Deng—but have yet to re-sign Ben Gordon: their leading scorer the last three seasons. Memphis is the only team that has enough room under the salary cap, so don't expect Gordon to sign with another team.
Gordon himself has said he has played his last game in a Bulls uniform, so the only solution would be a sign-and-trade deal. He's also talked about playing overseas, a trend that seems to be going around these days.
| "I guess it's safe to say I've played my last game in a Bulls uniform. I'm pretty optimistic it'll happen. It's very likely."--Ben Gordon |
But the Bulls already have a number of guards, so if they were to lose Gordon they would still be stacked with guys like Larry Hughes, Thabo Sefolosha and Kirk Hinrich.
Now back to Noah and Thomas. Noah could very well be the breakout player next season in the Windy City. If Noah's name comes up in the Most Improved Player conversation, don't be surprised. His ability to block shots and rebound will only get better, and will be a plus for the Bulls next season.
As for Thomas, he too is also a terrific shot blocker and defender—but can produce on a little more on offense than Noah. It won't be easy driving to the lane with these guys sitting underneath. Bottom line, rebounding shouldn't be an issue next season with these two guys along with Gooden.
One area Chicago need to improve on, though, is their team defense. They gave up 100 points per game to their opponents last season, and especially looked bad on the road.
Next up, the head coaching position. Chicago hired Vinny Del Negro as their new head coach in June, and will have his first crack at being a NBA head coach.
After working as an assistant in Phoenix for Mike D'Antoni the last couple of season, we may have a clue as what the Bulls' offense may look like this season.
But are all these pieces listed above enough for the Bulls to make a run to the playoffs after a one year absence? With a healthy Dwyane Wade now back in the Eastern Conference it's hard to tell, but this team has the talent to reach the postseason as an eigth seed at best.
Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com
3 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Josh B 10 months ago
Eighth seed sounds reasonable. The Gordon loss (assuming they do lose him) will be big though. Hughes and Hinrich are way too inconsistent to be their primary shooters. Rose will have to play a major role. I think he'll eventually get the starting job sometime during the season. Unfortunately, he may be used too much as a shooter, which has hurt the development of many players. I like the inside their inside game. Gooden is a good scorer and rebounder. Noah has loads of talent and averaged a double-double per 36 minutes last year. And Deng is the real deal. This team has a lot of question marks, but you can't doubt their talent. If everything goes well, they'll certainly make the playoffs. But they could also be a disaster if as much goes wrong as last year.
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Adam Bernert 10 months ago
I think with the bulls there could be a step forward from kirk hinrich. I think they'll play him as a combo guard next to derrick rose a lot. they'll probably still start hinrich at pg but I think those two will share a lot of minutes with rose taking the point. with hinrichs ability to shoot the three and rose's inability I think there will be some more looks for kirk. As far as forwards go I think you're right about Noah and I bet the Bulls are hoping Thomas finally puts together all of that athleticism and potential into a consistent overall game.
The whole question mark leading into the season is just gonna be, 'whats happening with gordon'
hopefully they figure someting out that works well for the team, because gordon definately doesnt want to play with them but as of now, Ive got no clue as to where he could be headed.
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Shan 9 months ago
I really think that Derrick is going to be super effective in the NBA, his impact will be felt most quickly which is why I think he will recieve the ROY award, either him or Oden oh and maybe Beasley :)
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