NBA Season Preview: What To Watch for and Expect from the Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls are one of the most talked about teams in the NBA. Coming off of a 62-win season, the Bulls' expectations are at a level that hasn't been seen since Michael Jordan was ruling the league. 

But many still doubt whether they have the firepower to combat the Miami Heat.

In the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Heat's suffocating defense combined with the Bulls' lack of a capable 2 guard resulted in a quick five-game beatdown from Miami. But there is still a lot of optimism in Chicago. The addition of Rip Hamilton and first-round draft pick Jimmy Butler have given the Bulls two pieces they lacked last year, a reliable shooting guard and depth at the small forward position. 

When it comes to expectations, the Bulls have a lot to live up to. After having the best record in the NBA last season, the Bulls' lack of postseason experience really hurt them. But after a trip to the ECF, the feeling around Chicago is that they will be more prepared this year to do damage in the playoffs. Rip Hamilton figures to be the Bulls' starting 2 guard and is a player who could really benefit last season's MVP Derrick Rose. 

The problem the Bulls had last year when D Rose was off of his game was that they lacked the offensive talent to bare some of the weight. But with Carlos Boozer (who dropped 20 lbs and is looking to be in great shape), Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and the newly added Rip Hamilton, the Bulls have a starting five that can compete with every team in the NBA.

Rip will provide the floor spacing the Bulls lacked with Keith Bogans last year and both Noah and Boozer should improve on their scoring output if they stay healthy. But that is a big if. 

The one thing to watch for and the one thing that could derail the Bulls from their NBA title hunt is injuries. 

Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah all have a history of injuries. Boozer and Noah's injuries caused them to miss large chunks of last season. Many argue that these injuries didn't affect the team because their bench depth was able to pick up the slack, but that's not something you want to argue.

Regardless of the fantastic depth the Bulls' self titled "Bench Mob" has, injuries could be Chicago's kryptonite this season. If Derrick Rose were to go down for an extended period, CJ Watson would most likely be able to lead the Bulls to a lower seed in the playoffs, but their title hopes would be dashed. And for Chicago, winning that title is everything. 

This is a big year for the Bulls and their fans. Expectations are sky high and the talent level is there to match it. But can everything come together and can the injury bug find work elsewhere? The next five-and-half months will tell.

For the Bulls it's NBA title or bust, and I have a feeling we'll be hearing from them come June.