Grading the Final Chicago Bulls 15-Man Roster
With Derrick Rose back, the Chicago Bulls have the potential to do major damage in 2013-14.
But do they have the supporting pieces necessary to chase the NBA title?
Health is an unquestionable concern for this bunch. However, if that's a non-issue, this squad is capable of not only dethroning the Miami Heat, but also taking home the Larry O'Brien Trophy next June.
For this to happen, they'll need steady contributions from a handful of figures.
This slideshow breaks down Chicago's final 15-man roster, dishing out grades and analyzing areas of strength and weakness in the rotation.
Point Guard: Derrick Rose
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"The Return" has finally happened, and D-Rose looks like his old self.
In fact, you could make a valid argument that he actually looks better than he ever was before.
He has regained his explosiveness, and his long-range ball appears vastly improved (44.4 percent from downtown in the preseason).
During seven preseason contests, he averaged 20.7 points and 5.0 assists in just 27.4 minutes per outing.
He was especially dominant during his last five games, when he poured in close to 24 PPG and showcased some impressive late-game exploits.
Rose is already convincing the NBA spectrum that he made the right decision to sit out last season. He was patient, and it appears that his body is now at full strength.
The sky's the limit for what Rose can accomplish in 2013-14. He could make a push for his second MVP award, and he should also vault the Bulls into the thick of title contention.
Bulls fans should be thrilled to have the "Windy City Assassin" back, and they should set their hopes on him leading Chicago to the NBA pinnacle.
Grade: A+
Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler
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Jimmy Butler could potentially be the Bulls' missing piece to the championship puzzle.
His development occurred on the fast track last spring. If he can make further progressions during 2013-14, then Chicago has undoubtedly found a quality running mate for D-Rose.
One thing is for sure: Butler will be a force on the defensive end. His perimeter defense is suffocating, and this alone gives him significant value.
However, if his offense continues its ascent, he could be a budding All-Star. In the second half of the 2012-13 campaign, he shot an astounding 47.5 percent from three-point land, per Basketball-Reference.
This was a small sample size, so it's unrealistic to assume that Butler could notch such a percentage consistently.
With that said, it ignites optimism that he could become a steady 40-plus percent shooter from deep.
If this happens, and Butler keeps exhibiting aggression in attacking the rim (and especially getting to the free throw line), he could become an efficient two-guard who tallies around 15 PPG.
No matter what, he'll be a vital asset to their approach, but in time he could emerge into a stud.
Grade: B+
Small Forward: Luol Deng
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At this point, we know what to expect from Luol Deng. He'll supply top-notch defense and sufficient offense.
His offensive production often leaves Bulls fans wanting more, but he'll almost surely still average around 16 PPG.
Something to specifically monitor is his field-goal percentage. Compare these marks from the past few seasons in the following table.
| Season | FG % | 3-point % | PPG |
| 2009-10 | 46.6 | 38.6 | 17.6 |
| 2010-11 | 46.0 | 34.5 | 17.4 |
| 2011-12 | 41.2 | 36.7 | 15.3 |
| 2012-13 | 42.6 | 32.2 | 16.5 |
His accuracy in the past couple years has suffered. It would obviously be ideal if he could return to his form in 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Based on his most recent preseason outings, there is promise that this could happen. In his last five games, he shot 48.3 percent from the field, 53.8 percent from distance and poured in 17.8 PPG.
Deng is in a contract year, so he'll have every motivation to display a banner year on both ends of the floor.
The Bulls could particularly use his best efforts offensively, because an active Deng take a great deal of pressure off Rose.
Deng should have another stellar year, and if his shooting touch is dependable, then Chicago is in a much better position to stand atop the Eastern Conference.
Grade: A-
Power Forward: Carlos Boozer
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Similar to Deng, Carlos Boozer is a veteran whose game shouldn't look much different in 2013-14.
Boozer is now 31 years old, and since Taj Gibson pieced together an eye-popping preseason, Boozer could see his minutes dwindle. He will likely play less than 30 MPG.
Boozer's importance is primarily seen on offense, where he's still more than capable of compiling 15-plus PPG. He also remains a threat in terms of rebounding.
Unfortunately, his defensive limitations dramatically strain Chicago's schemes.
The Bulls are arguably a better team when Gibson is on the floor rather than Boozer, evidenced by their plus/minus ratings from 2012-13.
Gibson led the team at plus-115, while Boozer brought up the rear with minus-76, per 82games.com.
Boozer is a featured candidate for the amnesty clause next summer, so this is likely his last run with the Bulls.
Hopefully he can contribute in effective and timely ways offensively, because if this begins to wane, so will his playing time.
Grade: B-
Center: Joakim Noah
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Joakim Noah was highly deserving of his first All-Star appearance in 2012-13.
His defensive tenacity and emotional leadership are invaluable to Chicago's approach, and this should be apparent once again in 2013-14.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Noah is "100 percent" after battling a groin injury during the preseason.
This is very encouraging news for Bulls fans, because Noah's health is imperative to their outlook.
Noah's ability to guard virtually any position coupled with his unorthodox offensive arsenal make him a truly unique center. His versatility is his biggest strength.
Coach Tom Thibodeau can utilize him in an array of ways, and Noah should thrive in his given role.
The Bulls have one of the league's elite in the middle, and they can only hope that he avoids further nagging injuries.
Grade: A
Sixth Man: Taj Gibson
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Taj Gibson enters 2013-14 as a realistic candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
During the preseason, Gibson averaged 12.9 PPG (59.7 percent from the field), 7.6 rebounds per game and 1.4 blocks per game in 28.0 MPG.
These are quality numbers, but much of Gibson's significance cannot be charted via statistics.
His defensive prowess is what makes him an integral part of their core. He regularly alters shots and halts penetrators from driving the lane.
He simply enhances Thibodeau's gritty defensive strategy.
What's more, according to ESPN Chicago's Nick Friedell, Gibson added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason.
This should make him all the more dynamic, especially because he also appears to have inserted new offensive moves to his low-post game.
Gibson's craft looks like it will reach a new level in the coming months. His value to the Bulls' attack cannot be overstated.
Grade: A
Rest of Bench
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Aside from Gibson, Chicago's bench possesses two other reliable contributors: Kirk Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy.
Both are veterans who understand the game exceptionally well and should flourish in their niches.
Hinrich is a pesky defender and prudent offensive playmaker who can play either guard spot. Dunleavy is a proven shooter who should stretch the floor for Rose and company.
Outside of Gibson, Hinrich and Dunleavy, the Bulls' bench is suspect.
Nazr Mohammed is 36 years old and best fits as a third string center. However, he functions as Noah's primary backup and could be forced to play heavy minutes if a frontcourt injury arises. This could be problematic, because Mohammed's legs don't move quickly.
The Bulls also have a bevy of youngsters who feature much uncertainty.
Rookie Tony Snell could log minutes on the wing spelling either Butler or Deng. Second-year floor general Marquis Teague is serviceable, but he is expendable with Rose and Hinrich ahead of him on the depth chart. And rookie Erik Murphy only figures to see the hardwood if somebody gets hurt.
The concern is that the Bulls are inept and too young outside of their top eight players. Chicago's depth could be bolstered if they had a more competent backup center, as well as another adept second-unit wing.
It is worth noting that Chicago's decision to keep veteran Mike James gives them flexibility at the point guard slot. This enables them the freedom to potentially trade Teague.
The bottom line is that the Bulls better hope they stay healthy. If they do, their "Bench Mob" should be in the upper-tier with Gibson, Hinrich and Dunleavy leading the way.
Unfortunately, things could get dicey if injuries accumulate, and this could be troublesome in their title quest.
Grade: C
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