NBA Playoffs 2011: Why the Chicago Bulls Aren't Ready to Win a Title Right Now
After the first round of the playoffs, many skeptics thought the Chicago Bulls would struggle against the Atlanta Hawks in Round 2.
Well, they did lose game one, but came back in Game 2.
However, as a Bulls fan, let me play Devil's Advocate and try be objective as possible (despite how much it WILL hurt my soul).
It's fair to say that Chicago has easily exceeded expectations this season, and for as young as they are the future is very bright.
Lest we forget, the Windy City didn't see the great Michael Jordan win a championship until his seventh season in the association.
So with all that said, IF Chicago falls short this year, the following reasons may be why (I'm already wincing in pain).
Recent Playoff Early Exits
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Since the departure of Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls have only made it to the Eastern Conference Semfinals twice.
The first came back in the 2006-07 season, and obviously the current season.
Every other season in the post-Jordan era however, has either been one and done (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, and 2009-10) or missing out on the post-season.
So, even though there is playoff experience there, getting the job done is the next step.
Which, leads us to the next point. Pressure/expectations. Check it out.
Pressure/Expectations
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Aforementioned in the introduction was the fact that Chicago exceeded expectations this season.
Well, after going .500 (41-41) the past two seasons and 33-49 the year before, 62-20 in 2010-11 as the NBA's best record is one ridiculous improvement.
That said, add in Derrick Rose as the league MVP and Tom Thibodeau as Coach of the Year, and playoff performance becomes intensely increased.
Many fans are expecting the Bulls to win it all for the first time since Jordan, talk about pressure for such a young team.
Thus, the next point. Youth.
Youth
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Michael Jordan was 28 years old when he led the Windy City to their first NBA championship in the 1990-91 season.
He won the NBA MVP award at age 25, his fourth year in the association.
At age 22 Derrick Rose just won his first NBA MVP award.
So, it's safe to say that he is ahead of Jordan in terms of what they accomplished by age 22.
A more all-encompassed look into the Bulls' roster and we see 15 players, 11 of whom are age 30 or younger (nine under age 30).
Is it still appropriate to call them the "Baby Bulls?" Yes.
Rookie Head Coach in the Playoffs
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Prior to the 1989-90 season, Phil Jackson was named the head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
They finished with a 55-27 record, and lost to the Detroit Pistons 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and we see Chicago qualify for the post-season after their first full season under Scott Skiles and Vinny Del Negro.
As for Tom Thibodeau, he has done better than any of these three coaches with their first season in Chicago (it was the first HC gig for Jackson and Del Negro).
He was deserving of his first head coaching position, and he has easily performed above expectations.
However, only six previous times has a rookie HC led their squad to the NBA Finals (which began in 1947).
So, it's not out of the question, but the odds are against him.
Need a Complete SG
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Ronnie Brewer has great defense, Kyle Korver is a spot-on marksman, and Keith Bogans adds great depth (even though he's a starter).
That said, if you combine them all you have one complete shooting guard.
However, using three guys for one role is rather difficult than having just one man to do the job.
All three are very good within their own niche, but until Derrick Rose is complimented with his Scottie Pippen then the Windy City will have to do it the hard way.
Injuries
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Regardless of how the Bulls' season pans out, for what they've accomplished after dealing with so many injuries is pretty remarkable.
First Carlos Boozer misses the beginning of the season with a fractured right hand, then Joakim Noah goes out for two months to get a torn ligament in his hand repaired.
Then Boozer deals with an ankle sprain toward the end of the regular season.
Now, Derrick Rose is not 100 percent after dealing with a pesky ankle sprain.
Their physical and mental toughness is without question, but how much the injuries affect their health will be a huge factor as the playoffs continue.
Assist/Turnover Ratio
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Through seven postseason games the Bulls have turned the rock over an average of 14.4 times.
Now, even though that may seem rather average, Chicago ranked 14th with a 1.57 assist/turnover ratio.
That's rather mediocre for a team that finished with the association's best record.
Their defense is good enough to cause just as many turnovers, but how can you gain an advantage if you're turning it over just as many times?
To narrow the stat down, Derrick Rose did turn turn the rock over a career high 3.4 times this season, and is currently at 4.3 for the post-season (up from 2.6 last year).
It is a concern, so let's hope they fix it sooner than later.
Big Man Depth
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This may be the least of their worries out of all the reasons, but help will be needed in the near future.
The first question is, how long can you expect Kurt Thomas to play?
He's going to be 39 next fall and the paint isn't getting any easier regardless of how many minutes you play.
So, does Chicago just split time at center between Noah and Asik?
Then, you have Gibson and Scalabrine behind Boozer at PF.
Scalabrine only averaged 4.5 minutes last season and has yet to make a postseason appearance.
Now, what if Boozer and Noah get hurt again?
After their injuries this season, you know they are susceptible to future injuries so how do you approach that situation?
We all want Plan A to work, but there most definitely needs to be a Plan B and Plan C to cover all bases.
Starting Their Own Legacy
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You could relate this one to the amount of pressure/expectations they are feeling after the regular season.
The real issue here is, not exactly getting out of Michael Jordan's shadow (but that is part of it).
Instead, starting their own to solidify a pedestal amongst their NBA brethren and more importantly, themselves.
Think about being any professional athlete regardless of expectations when you enter the big show.
You play the game to win, otherwise why play it?
So with that said, wouldn't you want people to remember your name once you retire?
It more so relates to how high you set the standards for yourself, as to what's acceptable and what's not acceptable.
Therefore, beginning you're own legacy is going to be difficult any way you slice it.
Have Yet to Reach Full Potential
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By far the scariest part of the Bulls other than their youth.
Because, not only are they young, they are talented.
62-20 in Derrick Rose's third season was extremely over-productive.
Michael Jordan didn't even have a winning season until his fourth year in, and not a 60-win season until his first championship.
They're playing ahead of their time (which is good), but they still have a lot to learn.
With age comes wisdom, and successful playoff experiences are currently the only missing piece.
When they do reach their full potential, it should last quite a while, but until then we can only wait and see what they have to offer.
As always, go Bulls!
