Chicago Bulls: 5 Burning Questions for D-Rose and Bulls Heading into Playoffs

After the abbreviated 2011-2012 season, the Chicago Bulls prepare to enter the playoffs as the top overall seed in the NBA with a 50-16 record. But even though they have the best record in the league, they are not considered to be the favorite to win the NBA title. 

The Bulls have many players with question marks surrounding their performance heading into the playoffs. The Bulls will have to answer these questions if they plan on advancing in the playoffs and winning title No. 7. 

Can the Shooters Knock Down Threes?

This season, the Bulls have done an exceptional job at knocking down long-range jumpers. This season, they tied for third in three-point percentage, trailing only San Antonio and Golden State. This is a big improvement over last season. 

One of the Bulls' strengths is that they have the ability to hit the jumper without having to RELY on the jumper, and this should hold true in the playoffs. With Derrick Rose returning to form, we should find that Luol Deng and Kyle Korver especially will continue to get good three-point looks. 

The key for the Bulls is whether they can knock down these looks consistently.

Last season in the first two rounds of the playoffs, Kyle Korver was able to carry the team at times by shooting 60-plus percent from the three. However, in the conference finals, Korver went cold and the Bulls struggled. If they want to win a title, the Bulls need to knock down threes. 

Will the Bench Mob Get Minutes?

One of the Bulls' greatest strengths over other teams is their depth. The "Bench Mob", as they are called, has gotten the Bulls back into many games that they looked to have given up, and has arguably been the best bench rotation in the league for the last two seasons. 

Last season in the playoffs, the bench rotation did not get as much run, especially together. Tom Thibodeau tried to use them as individual pieces to fill cracks, and that hurt the team's production.

The Bench Mob is meant to be played as a unit, and hopefully Thibs will realize that and play this unit together for longer stretches in the playoffs. 

Will Carlos Boozer Show Up Against Playoff Teams?

Even though the numbers don't show it, Carlos Boozer has been much better this season than in his first season in Chicago. The best improvement that Boozer made was his health: He was the ONLY starter for the Bulls to start every game this season. He has been absolute money with his jump shot, as well as more aggressive getting to the hoop this season. 

Even though he has been better, he still must get over the stigma that he does not perform well when he is needed, which has been far too true over the course of his career. The example that everyone points to is his failure to aid Rose against Miami last season. 

If Boozer wants to earn his contract, he must perform at his best against the best. There is no question he has the ability, all that's left is for him to go out and do it. 

Who Will Be the Second Scoring Option for the Bulls?

For the last two seasons, the questions have always surrounded who is going to help Derrick Rose score. There are a plethora of players who have stepped up at times to help, including Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Rip Hamilton. However, none of the above have done it consistently. 

If the Bulls want to beat the Heat and win the title, they need to get players contributing at other positions consistently. There can't be a second scorer by committee, because Rose needs to develop consistency with whoever steps up to be his second scorer. 

The Bulls have the personnel to aid Rose, and they have plenty of options. All that's left is for someone to take the initiative. 

Will Derrick Rose Be Healthy?

Derrick Rose missed a grand total of 27 games this season. This is compared to his missing only six games total over the first three seasons of his career.

There is no question that this was not the best season of Rose's career.

Rose reportedly dealt with injuries in the ankle, foot, back...the list goes on and on. This was a hellish season for Rose, but the Bulls have been very careful bringing him back. They sat Rose out for extended periods of time until he was deemed to be completely healthy. 

When Rose has been on the court, he has been solid, even if not up to his potential at times. It's been clear, however, that Rose has struggled to find a rhythm this season and will need time to do so. This is all happening at the right time, as the playoffs are getting underway and Rose is finally getting healthy.

The question is whether he can stay healthy. 

Unless this question is answered, all other questions will be moot. Derrick Rose is the driving force on this basketball team: Without him, the Chicago Bulls cannot and will not win an NBA Championship.