2009-10 Chicago Preview: Can Derrick Rose's Team Prove Last Year Wasn't Bull?

It was March Madness in April.

Seven games.  Seven overtimes.  Clutch shot after clutch shot.  In a word, the Chicago Bulls' 2008-09 finish was simply...classic.

Unfortunately for the 41-41 Bulls, it did not finish as they expected. Their season, along with the grueling seven game series, ended against the then defending champion Boston Celtics with a 10 point loss on the road.

Still, the Bulls and their fans remain optimistic that budding star point guard Derrick Rose can lead this team to prominence, and new management has almost put all the pieces in place to build a dynasty around him.

Chicago's biggest loss of the offseason was streaky shooter Ben Gordon, who has led the team in scoring almost every year he has been with the Bulls.  Gordon declined a $50 million offer from the Bulls two summers ago, and when Chicago did not see fit to sign him to a similar dollar amount this offseason, he bolted for the Detroit Pistons.

The Bulls stayed out of the free agent pool, mainly because we think they will go after one of the elite players available in the 2010 free agent class, like Chicago native Dwyane Wade and/or athletic power forward Chris Bosh.  The one player outside of Chicago that they did bring in was veteran guard Jannero Pargo, who will replace some of the minutes left behind by Gordon.

2009 Draft Recap

The Bulls were expected by many to try and move up in the draft, but they got their man with versatile forward James Johnson of Wake Forest with the 16th overall pick.  Johnson, a combo forward, is thickly built and very physical. It is relatively unknown at this point where and when Johnson will play for the Bulls, with veteran Luol Deng coming back from a season-ending injury and Tyrus Thomas finally showing some promise. Regardless, head coach Vinny Del Negro will certainly get him on the floor.

With their second first-round pick, the Bulls went after Taj Gibson, a rebounding and defensive specialist at power forward from USC.  Gibson's drafting was somewhat of a surprise. Many thought the Bulls would go after DeJuan Blair—due to the fact that the team already has a similar player in Tyrus Thomas. But Chicago saw an opportunity to bolster their frontcourt defense and took advantage.

Johnson and Gibson will most likely be bench players for the Bulls initially, and their arrival could mean the future of Tyrus Thomas in Chicago is in question.

Frontcourt

This is probably the biggest question mark for the Bulls heading into the season, but one that is filled with promise.

At the center position, the Bulls return Joakim Noah—who broke out in the second half of the season and in the playoffs, averaging a double-double per contest in Chicago's seven game series against Boston. 

If the Bulls are going to have success offensively this season, Noah is going to need to play like the top 10 pick he was.  He is very skinny, and can be man-handled down low at times, but he has a winning attitude and is an excellent emotional presence on the court.  He is very athletic and a good rebounder, and if he can improve his decision-making offensively, he could be primed for a big season.

Brad Miller will come off the bench for the Bulls, at least to start, and he provides an excellent offensive option for Del Negro.  Miller has a good jump shot and is a fine passing big man.  He creates opportunities for his teammates, and while he may be the slowest player on the team, he still makes tough shots and is a solid free throw shooter.

Aaron Gray, though limited in playing time is probably the Bulls' most gifted offensive post presence.  He has great size, but does not always seem to use it to his advantage.  Gray has one year to impress either the Bulls or another team, and I expect him to see a few more minutes this season.

Tyrus Thomas seems to be coming into a comfort zone at the power forward position.  He showed at the end of last season that he has significantly improved his outside jump shot, and we all know that this kid can fly.  Like Noah though, Thomas often gets handled down low by bigger forwards, and almost plays more like a three than he does a four.  He is an excellent defender and a great shot-blocker, and he can fill up a stat sheet on any given night.

Taj Gibson is not a refined offensive player, but he will provide the Bulls with another shot-blocking defender, and one who can come down with a lot of defensive rebounds.  Gibson reminds some Bulls fans of a not so physically gifted version of Tyrus Thomas.

James Johnson gives the Bulls a physical option down low, and another mid-range scoring threat.  Johnson's physicality help make him a solid rebounder, and he has the versatility to play either the three or four. 

Luol Deng is coming off of a season ending injury, and it is unknown whether or not his presence will benefit the Bulls.  Deng had his best season two years ago, and has yet to live up to lofty expectations in Chicago.  If he can become the player he was in 2006, the Bulls' offensive attack will become that much scarier.  Deng can get to the basket, and his jump shot is one of the purest in all of basketball when he is on.  My only beef with Deng is that he is not as passionate as he could be.

Backcourt

Derrick Rose is well on his way to becoming a superstar in the NBA, and he proved it with his electric performances in last year's playoffs.  The second year guard out of Memphis is a good passing guard who also has a solid jump shot, but his biggest offensive asset is his ability to get to the hoop.  He could stand to improve his three-point shot, but Rose is a very gifted player.  He has elite level speed, and like I said, can get to the basket virtually at will.

John Salmons was arguably the best trade deadline acquisition for any team last year.  He stepped in as the Bulls' starting small forward for essentially the whole second half of the season, and is the leading candidate to replace Ben Gordon as the team's shooting guard.  Salmons is a good slasher with a consistent jump shot.  He is a good free throw shooter, and is big for a two guard.  His production will be key for the Bulls this season.

Kirk Hinrich returns as the heart and soul of the Bulls' defense.  Even though he is only 6'3", Hinrich is the player the Bulls call upon to guard the NBA's elite.  For years, it has been argued that Hinrich is more of a two guard than a one, but he acts as a quarterback for this Bulls team and creates opportunities for his teammates.  Hinrich is also not afraid to fire up the three-point shot, and although he was an offensive liability at times for the Bulls last season, he will be counted upon to produce as a key reserve.

Jannero Pargo was added to help replace some of the perimeter scoring that departed with Ben Gordon, and he has proven to be a solid shooter throughout his career.  He may not get a significant amount of minutes, but the Bulls need his scoring off the bench.

Lindsey Hunter was retained to be a coach on the floor, and for his superb defending abilities.  He is a veteran that can come in at the ends of quarters to play tough defense and keep the opposition honest.

Final Outlook

The Bulls are in a prime position to improve off of their 2008-'09 performance, as well as bring in a big name free agent or two next offseason.  The focus this season will be on Derrick Rose and Luol Deng's ability to lead this team back to the playoffs as something more than just a seven seed.

Chicago definitely has the talent to compete with teams like Cleveland and Boston, and they appear to be a top five team in the much-improved Eastern Conference.