2010-2011 NBA Predictions: Chicago Bulls Look to Take the Next Step
Professional sports' most dominant franchise of the 1990s, the Chicago Bulls, came crashing down after Michael Jordan and crew would not take owner Jerry Reinsdorf's crap anymore.
Six titles in eight years rapidly gave way to general atrociousness.
Coaching was a deficiency with Tim Floyd, Bill Cartwright, and Vinny Del Negro.
Scouting brought inefficient players like Tyson Chandler, Eddie Curry, Marcus Fizer, and Jalen "No Defense" Rose while having Elton Brand, Ron Artest, and Brad Miller (first stint) leave to become All Stars on other teams.
Embarrassments also plagued the Bulls from players quitting on Scott Skiles, free agents getting greeted by Benny the Bull and the Luvabulls, and streamers idiotically reigning down after Chicago won No. 30 in the 2002-2003 season finale.
The last couple years saw first round playoff exists, but the 2010-11 Chicago Bulls are on the verge of a new era.
New coaches, players, improving youngsters, and an altered conference landscape might help the Bulls to progress further in the playoffs.
Tom Thibodeau Is the Real Deal
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John Paxson's experiment of hiring a Phoenix Suns executive with no head-coaching experience backfired with Vinny Del Negro. Del Negro did bring the Bulls to the playoffs both years he coached, but he was 82-82 and exited in the first round twice.
Del Negro wasn't an X's and O's guy who did not command the players' respect. He was not seasoned as a head coach.
Long-time assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has that strategy and experience. He has instructed players as an assistant for 21 years, including revamping the defensive systems of the Houston Rockets and the Boston Celtics during his tenure with those clubs. The Celtics were No. 1 defensively in 2007-08 and were successful in containing Kobe Bryant during the 2008 NBA Finals.
Thibodeau coached the likes of Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson. He will know how to relate to players like Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Carlos Boozer without alienating them. This shouldn't surprise anyone, as all Thibodeau's former players gave him glowing recommendations.
Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah Should Continue Progressing
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Part of the reason LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were interested in Chicago this past summer was the young core it had, especially with point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah.
Rose is a natural born leader who won the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year award. In 2009-10, Rose averaged 20.8 points—up four points from last year—and six assists per game. He shot 48.9 percent from the field last year, but has been working on his jump shot as evinced in Team USA's games.
With Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver helping to carry the scoring load and exploiting Boozer's screens, the All Star has more offensive weapons and options to utilize.
Noah made a statement last year averaging a double-double. The impressive feat is Noah managed it while suffering from patellar fasciitis. The fourth-year center from Florida has healed and has been working on his mid-range jumper and offensive game this preseason, with new coach Tom Thibodeau praising Noah's skills and saying he didn't think Noah was as solid on offense.
The Bulls have locked Noah with a five-year, $55 million contract laden with incentives, so he will not worry about it in-season. He will benefit when Boozer teams up with him in the back court.
Boozer, Korver, and Brewer Bring Previous Chemistry to Bulls
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Hell, they aren't James, Wade, and Chris Bosh, but the Bulls are happy with adding Boozer, Korver, and Ronnie Brewer to the mix.
All three used to be Utah Jazz teammates, so they will not have that steep of a learning curve adjusting to each other's tendencies. They also complement their styles of play.
The interior bruising Boozer said he loves kicking it out to Korver, who hit 56.3 three-pointers in 2009-10. The power forward could also do pick n' roll screens on the perimeter for Korver to get open looks.
Korver's perimeter marksmanship will open the lanes for Boozer and Rose to score. Brewer does have shutdown defense, making up for Korver's average defensive skills.
Having three former teammates will be invaluable as the Bulls also added eight new players (subject to change because of roster cuts) to the Bulls' returning five ballers.
Bulls Have One of the Strongest Frontcourts in the League
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The fontcourt rotation has been a weak point for years. Bill Wennington, Will Perdue, Marcus Fizer, Ben Wallace, Eddie Curry, and Tyson Chandler have given it a bad reputation.
Not this new group.
Boozer is added to the mix with Noah, who will be the No. 4 and No. 5 starters after Boozer heals from his broken hand. These two could be potential All Stars.
The backups are not looking too shabby either. Power forward Taj Gibson started 70 games as a rookie and posted solid numbers (7.6 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game). His numbers would have been higher if he didn't suffer from patellar fasciitis in both feet. Del Negro praised his fundamental play.
Newcomer Omer Asik hails from Turkey and played five seasons in the European League. He can be a force inside with his blocking ability, but still needs to progress. If he is serviceable, this backcourt could overwhelm opponents consistently.
Power Shift in the Eastern Conference Favors Bulls
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The winds of change are blowing in the Eastern Conference.
The mighty Cleveland Cavaliers, regular season anyway, do not have the services of LeBron James anymore, killing a championship contender.
James joined Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, thus creating one.
Bosh's departure from the Toronto Raptors makes them a helpless bottom feeder.
The Boston Celtics kept their Big Four yet aged another year.
The Atlanta Hawks signed shooting guard Joe Johnson to a ridiculous contract. He stays put, but the Hawks have no more money to build around him.
Quentin Richardson was bagged by the Orlando Magic, solidifying an overall scary team.
The Central Division is up for grabs now that Cleveland has been taken out. The Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons are struggling franchises. Chicago's main concern is the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks feature the emerging Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings with a healthy Michael Redd.
Even with that firepower, the Bulls have the talent with Rose, Noah, Boozer, and company to beat them for the division title.
Overall, the Bulls could be the third-best team in the conference, behind Miami and Orlando. Boozer's addition and the team's youth give the Bulls a slight edge over Boston.
Bulls Should Advance Far into Playoffs
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The 2010-11 NBA season should see the Chicago Bulls make some noise in the playoffs.
If Rose and Noah resume their progression into dominant players and Boozer recovers well and remains healthy, they are a dangerous team.
Being a top three team in the East, the Bulls should advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, but fall to the Magic or Heat.
What is your prediction? Will the Bulls improve, stay stagnant, or regress?
