6 Reasons the Chicago Bulls Current Roster Can Win Championship

Bulls fans are taking yet another swoop on the roller coaster of Dwight Howard trade rumors.  A couple days ago, it was reported that Superman added the Bulls to his wish list.

Moreover, analysts continue to stress the Bulls need to add another offensive weapon—perhaps O.J. Mayo or Anthony Morrow.

In all of these rumors, there are lingering doubts concerning the Bulls ability to win a championship with their current roster. 

But these doubts are completely unwarranted.  Despite a handful of injuries, the Bulls boast the best record in the Eastern Conference at 18-5.  And their recent performance on the road (minus Luol Deng) against the Miami Heat was impressive, even though they lost.

Here are six reasons why the Bulls can rest assured that their current roster is more than capable of hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in June.

Rip Hamilton

Last year, it was decidedly evident the Bulls were lacking another adept scoring option.  Derrick Rose carried too much of the scoring burden, evidenced by excess shot totals and uncharacteristically low shooting percentages.

The addition of Rip Hamilton provides the Bulls that needed scoring option.  While he has been sidelined off and on thus far with a groin injury, he's proven when healthy that he's the offensive threat they've craved. 

Furthermore, he possesses an immense amount of playoff experience (including winning a title with Detroit in 2004).

Rip's offensive abilities and veteran tutelage could prove to be Chicago's missing links come the playoffs.

Chemistry

There's a camaraderie amongst this Bulls group that's infectious.  

Whether it's Derrick Rose's basketball wizardry and humble drive to win, Luol Deng's composed versatility, Joakim Noah's tenacity and chest-thumping, or the spark of the "Bench Mob," this team features players who relish their individual roles and thrive off one another.  They function like a family. 

Chicago's chemistry is obvious.  Teams don't win championships based on "good chemistry," but rarely do teams win a title without it. 

Depth

The Bulls have already revealed their depth this season, as bench players have filled in for starters with production and poise.  

The Bulls are particularly unique in their frontcourt, as they can exchange Taj Gibson and Omer Asik for Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah and not lose a step.  This is quite a privilege.  

They are deep at the guard positions as well, with both backup point guards, C.J. Watson and John Lucas, making impressions thus far this season.  

The "Bench Mob" provides energy and talent that are superior to virtually all opposing second units.  This depth will prove invaluable in the grind of the lockout-shortened season, and will surely prove pivotal come the intensity of the playoffs.

Experience

While the Bulls remain young, they acclimated themselves to the playoffs last season.  They've been down the road of a deep playoff run.  This only helps in their attempt to make a playoff run that goes even farther this season.

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah have attested to how much it hurt to lose to Miami last year and that they learned amidst it.  That experience not only serves as motivation for this year, but also provides a familiarity to the challenge at hand.  They know what to expect.  They know what it's going to take.  

Furthermore, most champions reach the NBA pinnacle on a progression.  Rarely does a team appear out of nowhere and bring home a banner.  The Bulls took a big step towards being among the league's elite last season, and that experience will only help in their efforts to take another big step this season. 

MVP

The reigning NBA MVP is never satisfied, if you haven't noticed.

He demands greatness from himself and from his team.  He's arguably the most driven player in the game and is always taking his abilities to the next level.

Derrick Rose is on a mission—that mission is to do whatever it takes to win the NBA championship.  His talent, humility, focus, and resolve are the ultimate embodiment of a championship-caliber player.  

There's no reason to think that this young man can't go from winning the MVP in his third season to winning the NBA Championship in his fourth.

Coaching

Despite being in only his second year as an NBA head coach, Coach Tom Thibodeau has situated himself among the league's most respected coaches.

He's revolutionized the way the Bulls play defense and should receive an exorbitant amount of credit for their success in his brief tenure.  Yes, he inherited a great player in Rose, as well as other young talent.  But he's instilled a vision on this team that's vaulted them into the NBA's top-tier.

Thibodeau eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball.  He's essentially basketball's version of Bill Belichick.  The strategies he devises are intelligent and crafty, and he's always seeking to outwit the opponent—which he usually does.

People can continue to speculate potential trade rumors that would supposedly upgrade the Bulls roster.  But Bulls management would be wise to take a step back and distinctly examine the core that's already in place.  All the pieces are present to take home the 2012 title.  

Quite frankly, tweaking the roster in any major ways could actually end up being more foolish than anything.