Chicago Bulls: Is This the Season They Win First Title Since Jordan Era?

June 14, 1998 was a lovely day for Chicago Bulls fans.

Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and head coach Phil Jackson, "Da Bulls" defeated the Utah Jazz in the NBA Finals that day, capturing their sixth NBA title in eight years.

It was a lovely day, but also a sad day, knowing that it was likely the final time the famous squad would take the court together.

In the offseason, the dynasty was dismantled. Jordan retired, Pippen was traded, Jackson chose to leave and guys like Dennis Rodman, Luc Longley and Steve Kerr departed as well.  

Then-Bulls GM Jerry Krause attempted to create yet another dynasty centered around draft picks and big-name free agents. Krause drafted future Rookie of the Year Elton Brand with the top pick in 1999, but free agents like Tim Duncan, Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady chose not to sign with the rebuilding Bulls.

On draft night 2001, Krause traded for Tyson Chandler and selected fellow high school big man Eddy Curry. And the following year, standout Duke point guard Jay Williams was drafted, giving the Bulls a talented young trio with the potential to deliver a title.      

Unfortunately, Chandler and Curry failed to live up to expectations during their time in Chicago and Williams was involved in motorcycle accident, which ended his career after just one season in the league.

Fast forward to 2008.

John Paxson, who had taken over for Krause, selected Memphis point guard and future NBA MVP Derrick Rose with the top pick in the draft.    

Rose would later carry Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and the Bulls to both the league's top record and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Heading into this season—thank goodness there even is a season—the Bulls are one of the favorites to win it all. The roster includes arguably the game's best top point guard in Rose, two elite defenders in Noah and Deng, and solid reserves such as Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. 

And don't forget that the Bulls are blessed with 2011 Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau, who preaches defense, something that has proven to help produce championships.

It's basically a guarantee that Chicago will acquire a starting shooting guard here soon to pair with Rose in the backcourt. Whether it's an older veteran like Vince Carter or Rip Hamilton or someone younger like Nick Young or O.J. Mayo, that new two-guard will most likely be a significant upgrade over last year's starter, Keith Bogans.

The pieces are there, but will the Bulls finally win a title this season, their first since MJ and his crew donned the red, black and white in '98?