Chicago Bulls: The Secret Weapon

It's not Derrick Rose, not Richard Hamilton, nor is it a problem for the Bulls as they continue to roll—as they have unveiled their secret weapon: The power of injuries.

Injuries generally hurt a team’s case for winning games on route to competing for a title in any sport, but for the Bulls it has helped out tremendously.

I have been raked over the coals for suggesting the need for the Bulls to make a trade for an additional scorer to come off of the bench. While it is still my belief, this Bulls team is the team that we have to live with for now. They are not a bad team, not with the NBA’s best record for much of the season. Although, they are not a great team either—yet.

Get your swear words out of your system now, I will allow you to call me out for saying that. Deep down, I am being honest about the Chicago Bulls. They are not a great team at this point in the season and quite frankly, they do not need to be—especially with the players that they have out.

Derrick Rose's various injuries include, back spasms, turf-toe and an upper-body (hockey fans can relate here).

Richard Hamilton has not played in so long that I forgot he even plays for the Bulls, which is a shame, because we will have to wait awhile before we can get a consistent idea on how good or great the Bulls are.

What has been viewed as a negative for the Bulls is truthfully a godsend.

Without the injuries, (Luol Deng missing seven games with a wrist injury) players such as Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Watson would not get as much playing time—while John Lucas and Jimmy Butler would not see any time at all. At different times during the season, each player has done their part to contribute to the team.

No player has changed my opinion more than C.J. Watson.

He has proven to me once and for all that he is a quality starting NBA point guard. While averaging 10.4 points and 4.3 assists in 22 minutes a game, Watson deserves to have the distinction of the first-scoring option off of the bench. Furthermore, he should be on the floor with Rose for stretches once he returns.

Brewer has made a seamless transition from role-player to starter thus far, and he is gaining confidence more and more. Despite his recent shooting slump (less than 35 percent in the last 10 games), we should have complete trust in what he brings to the table. It is the experience that he is gaining that is soothing. There is no reason to believe that the Bulls get worse if and when Brewer is relied upon to step up and play winning basketball.

The injuries may keep piling up for the Bulls, but eventually they will become healthy. With the playoffs on their minds, the secret weapon has been the injuries they have suffered along the way.

The injuries prove how deep the Bulls really are, and will keep other teams guessing about what their game plan will be once everyone is at full strength. It is unconventional, but shall prove to be effective.