Early All-Star Watch for the Chicago Bulls
As the returns for All-Star votes pour in, the Chicago Bulls have five players trending on the tally sheet. It should not be surprising that this team is exhibiting such a strong showing. The franchise has had at least one member earn the distinction each of the prior five seasons.
With the window to submit ballots still open, it’s anybody’s guess as to how representation for the Bulls will fare. When the second count was posted, the Bulls fielded Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose.
Ever since their December turnaround, success has been swirling about this team, and the All-Star buzz is reflecting that. Voting by enthusiasts is only part of the equation, though. They will have a say in the starting five; the second unit will be picked by the league’s coaches.
A Bulls fan’s sentiment could reason that every Chicago player currently under consideration should get a nod to play in New York with the rest of the NBA’s best; reality dictates that there is not enough room on the roster and too many other athletes to consider for this to be feasible. An objective look at performance definitely says that Chicago will be represented when the All-Star game tips off at Madison Square Garden, but not as deeply as their current contenders portend.
These tickets will not be punched
Mirotic, Noah and Rose will miss out on being selected for the 2015 All-Star team. It’s not that shocking to say that an above-average rookie has no shot at being chosen as a standout contributor, but it is somewhat stunning to say the same of two men who have been selected multiple times in past seasons.
Mirotic’s contention is the most remote of all. The 6’10” offensive virtuoso has shown flashes of the phenomenal player he could become, but his present production line of 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds is hardly the stuff that screams cream of the crop.
Noah has been selected as a reserve in each of the last two seasons. The 2013-14 campaign was accompanied by some MVP talk, as well. His heart and hustle has made him one the NBA’s best centers; however, the fan consideration he’s currently receiving seems to stem from residual affection for his stellar performance while Rose was sidelined.
The former Florida Gator has been a serviceable player over the course of the 2014-15 run, but he is well below the levels at which he has played in recent years. His rebounds per game are down, and he is averaging fewer than 10 points for the first time since 2009-10.
Rose is another player receiving votes rooted more in nostalgia than reality. It has been great to watch the former MVP show that his major health issues seem to be behind him. His 16.8 points and 4.9 assists per game are not too bad, either. However, he is still not the dominant guard he was before his unfortunate injury stretch. Presently, Rose is being outperformed by guys like John Wall, Kyle Lowry and Kyrie Irving.
Each of these Chicago athletes is making significant contributions to a winning team, and that is to be commended. Unfortunately helping winners is not enough to make a strong case for All-Star selection. Even though these Bulls players won’t make the cut, two are as close to locks as there can be.
Chicago’s 2015 All-Stars
When the 2014-15 NBA season recesses in February, Butler and Gasol will make the trip to New York City and represent Chicago in the All-Star Game.
Gasol is second in the Eastern Conference frontcourt bracket behind LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony. The 13-year veteran has experienced a rebirth since joining the Bulls, putting up numbers similar to his 2010 championship year with the Los Angeles Lakers.
His averages in points and rebounds make him a surefire double-double player, and he is swatting 2.3 shots a game. Kevin Love and Nikola Vucevic are the only other frontcourt players who are posting similar scoring and rebounding numbers, but they are not thriving on the defensive end quite like Gasol. The Spaniard will definitely be a starter this year.
As for Butler, saying that he’s been playing well this season would be an understatement. The fourth-year wing is not just having a breakout year; he’s playing in a manner that could change the trajectory of the rest of his career.
He contributes in so many different areas—21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals. Only six other players boast a stat line like that, and they include the likes of Kobe Bryant, James Harden, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Currently, the former Marquette Golden Eagle is fifth among Eastern Conference guards. He will not get in as a starter, but there is no way he can be denied a spot on the team as a reserve. There are always overlooked players and outright snubs when it is time to choose but no plausible logic exists that would justify leaving Butler off of the All-Star roster.
These two men representing the Bulls and the city of Chicago would be very fitting. They are both hardworking, consummate professionals. Gasol and Butler will undoubtedly carry themselves and the franchise very well. After the festivities are over, they will get right back to helping bring a seventh Larry O’Brien trophy to the Windy City.
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