Chicago Bulls 2011-12: Biggest Advantages Heading into the NBA Season

With some positive news about the NBA lockout surfacing, I feel much more comfortable discussing NBA topics nowadays.

I am looking forward to the firestorm of deals and signings that are sure to come in a short period of time, similar to what occurred when the NFL lockout ended.

The Bulls have some decided advantages going into the 2011-12 season. The young core will go into the campaign with tremendous confidence. After a summer to reflect on their accomplishments, they must realize how much they achieved in the 2010-11 season.

Especially if you consider the injuries and the youth of the squad. As has been documented, almost no one expected the Bulls to have the year they had last year.

This season, the Bulls have the luxury of being led by two individuals with tireless work ethics and aggressive appetites for success. Bulls Nation should feel comfortable knowing that Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose hold much of this team's immediate future in their hands.

Though neither is perfect, you must trust their work habits will render positive results. Both of them had their weaknesses exposed in the past postseason but because of their approach, I have no doubt they are addressing those opportunities.

Another advantage the Bulls have is that they have acquired an identity. Going into their second season under Thibodeau, they know, live and die on the defensive end. This helps personnel decisions but it also helps the players on the team who previously weren't placing as high a value on that end of the floor.

If those players have bought into this system, then their play on that end should improve this year, yes that means Carlos Boozer.

What also accompanies that realization of team identity is recognizing overall team needs. It was clear to everyone with at least one partially good eye that the Bulls need to address the shooting guard position.

Understanding the dynamics of the other aspects of their team paints a clearer picture as to the type of player that addition should be.

As Thibodeau experimented with sets that had Rose playing off the ball, it clearly highlights a need for another ball-handler. Obviously, with Rose being 6'2" or 6'3", this addition needs to have decent shooting guard size, at the very least 6'4".

It is crucial this player be efficient at creating his own shot. For these reasons, I don't think a catch-and-shoot SG is the answer.

The Bulls will have another great regular season with someone like Jason Richardson but in the playoffs against Miami, I don't think that will be enough.

The Bulls are in a position now where the path to the title is as clear as any other team in the NBA. They know what areas they need to improve and what positions need to be addressed from a personnel standpoint. Best of all, the adjustments are all realistically attainable.