Report Card Time: Grading the Chicago Bulls' Start to the 2011-12 Season

The long-awaited season has officially begun and the Chicago Bulls are off to a fast 7-1 start. It's early in the season, but the grading has already begun.

Let's reveal the players who have stepped up and the players who have disappointed, examine if the defense is at its best, see if the offense has improved and much more.

Let's hand out some report cards. 

Bench

One of the key advantages for the Bulls is their bench. They have the best bench in the league, with five guys coming off it every night. In a tough shortened schedule, the Bulls' bench makes them well suited to battle through the condensed schedule.

Taj Gibson: B

Taj is without doubt a starting power forward that many teams would love to have in this league. It is a luxury to have Gibson coming of the bench as a defense guy who blocks shots (averaging 1.13 blocks per game) and rebounds.

He comes in and fulfills his role. He doesn't bring anything flashy but is an upgrade over Boozer at the defensive end. Gibson just left off from last season and has been a key this year coming off the bench.

Omer Asik: B

Asik and Gibson work real well together on the court, as they completely shut down the inside paint. Asik's energy this season has been superb, as he was key in the Atlanta comeback in which the Bulls won 76-74.

His work on Dwight Howard on Friday was well done as he held his own. His rebounding has improved this season and has been the defensive anchor at times on the floor.

C.J Watson: C

Watson has been inconsistent this season. He had only one great game against the Sacramento Kings, who aren't a great defensive team. He got injured after the Grizzlies game but the Bulls could surely use him to provide some rest for Rose.

John Lucas III has provided some point guard stability from the bench, but Watson provides scoring for the Bench Mob. 

Ronnie Brewer: C

Brewer is back healthy this season but hasn't developed into the starting shooting guard the Bulls signed him for. His 7.6 ppg makes him a better option to come of the bench, as Rip Hamilton provides more scoring at the two.

Brewer's defense has been consistent as usual this season, which is good, but until he proves to score on a consistent basis, he'll remain a solid bench player.

Kyle Korver: C-

Up until the Orlando game on Friday, Korver wasn't shooting enough and was shooting way below his capability. He is shooting 50 percent from the three-point line, but isn't shooting enough.

His defense is atrocious as he is always a defensive liability. Korver showed his true potential against the Magic, when he went 5-7 from the three-point line. 

Starters

Derrick Rose: A- 

Rose had a slow start to the season as he was looking to create more and score less. It only took him two games to realize he needs to change that and attack more. He has been superb this season in comebacks against the Lakers and Hawks. 

In addition to his scoring, his assists have increased to 8.8 ppg—fifth in the league. His defense has been okay, as he has had some plays where his man has blown right by him, but Rose knows this more than anybody and will continue to improve in that area. 

Shooting less threes, defense and committing less turnovers are areas that he needs to improve. 

Richard "Rip" Hamilton: B

The new addition to the Bulls was the supposed key to put them over the top, and that still may hold if Hamilton stays healthy. He started off slow to the season as any player would in a new system, but has proven that he is a liable scoring option.

Also, Rip is amazing in the fast break, as he runs well. His vision is also impressive, as he has made some tough passes to big guys in the paint.

If he stays healthy, he can be the final key for the Bulls to beat Miami and win the ultimate prize. 

Carlos Boozer: C

Boozer's scoring has declined this year to 14.4 ppg but he has shown bright spots, especially in the last two games. His lack of defense and inconsistent offense makes him confusing at times and always frustrates Bulls fans.

You never know what to expect from this guy. His arsenal is the mid-range jumper, but the shot is not there on a nightly basis.

Amnesty Clause anyone?

Joakim Noah: D

So far, Noah is averaging 7.9 rpg and Boozer is averaging 8.8 rpg. That's right, Boozer has more rebounds than Noah. This just shows how unproductive Noah has been this season.

The Bulls know they are not going to get much offense from him, but they expect rebounding and blocks. Gibson is averaging more blocks per game in limited minutes.

Noah's defense on Howard on Friday was also not that great, as Howard did whatever he wanted to. He has to improve his game, as he is the key defensive player.

This guy was playing at an All-Star level last year before he got injured. But at this rate, Andrea Bargnani has a higher chance of making the All-Star team than Noah. Ouch. 

Luol Deng: A-

Luol Deng is probably the most underrated player in the league, as this guy has been the most consistent player other than Rose. He has probably been as vital to the Bulls as Rose so far. He rebounds, scores, defends the best player on the other team and leads the league in minutes.

Deng should have been on the All-Star team last year. It would be hard for him to make it this year now that Carmelo is in the East, but he deserves it without question.

Offense

Grade: B

The Bulls' offense has been sluggish at times, but that is mainly due to injuries to Hamilton and Watson. A shortened training camp and condensed schedule has resulted in costly turnovers, but that will improve as the season continues. 

When Hamilton is on the court, the game is wide open for not only Rose but also the big men in Noah and Boozer. The Bulls do rank 10th in scoring and third in assists, which means they are sharing the ball effectively. 

Defense

Grade: A+

The Bulls' defense was the main reason they had the best record last year and, amazingly, it has improved this year. The Bulls are absolutely shutting down teams this year which is resulting in double-digit leads by halftime.

Their offense is average, but their defense makes up for it. They have the top defense in the league this year, holding opponents to an astounding 86.13 ppg. This results in a plus-11 differential, which is only behind Philadelphia and Miami.

The Bulls don't have a single All-Defensive Team player, but they play team defense. Double teaming isn't their style as guys help and rotate beautifully instead.

Bulls fans will take that any day. 

Coaching

Grade: A

No coach in the league has his team more committed to defense than Tom Thibodeau. His work ethic is unbelievable, and his team reciprocates that by committing to his system. He believes in his superstar, Derrick Rose, to take over the team as a leader. He believes in his players to rotate and help each other out.

The game-winning play against the Hawks recently is probably the most beautifully designed play of the season so far. Bulls players call him Thibs, which is great because not many coaches have nicknames. The Bulls have a team, which Thibodeau brings together and allows each player to bring something different to the court.

Another Coach of the Year Award?

Overall

Grade: A

The Bulls have the best record in the league along with the Miami Heat, but have played much tougher teams. Six of their eight games have been on the road, and five of their eight games have been against playoff teams from last year.

This team has been on fire and as soon as they get Rip Hamilton back, they will truly prove to be unstoppable.

Watch out Miami, this team wants it now.