Chicago Bulls: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011-2012 NBA Season

The Chicago Bulls are a team of expectations. After winning 62 games and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Bulls are going to have some lofty expectations to live up to.

What are expectations without predictions? So, I may as well make some bold ones.

Without further ado, I present five bold predictions for the Chicago Bulls in the 2011-2012 NBA season. 

5. The Bulls Will Be a Top 10 Offensive Team

Need reasons? Richard Hamilton was the Bulls big offseason acquisition. After one preseason game, he appears to already be right in the flow of things. He was creating off-the-dribble, making catch-and-shoots, and spacing the floor, and more specifically, the paint for the Bulls motion system. 

He already appears to be in sync with reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose, as they executed some beautiful two-on-one fast-breaks together.

Hamilton also appeared very comfortable in the motion scheme, which relies heavily on screens and movement. Two things Rip has built his game around. 

With Derrick Rose putting up 24-26 points on a nightly basis, the Bulls have their workhorse. Throw in 17 per game from both Boozer and Deng, along with Rip's 14 and Noah's 10, and you have a very formidable offense. 

The Bench Mob also put up nearly 25 points per game last season. If they get at least 20 points per game, then the Bulls will average 100 plus points a game. That should be good for at least 10th in offense. 

4. Derrick Rose Will Repeat as NBA MVP

I know what you're saying, this isn't exactly a bold prediction. But hear me out. Only 10 players in NBA history have won back-to-back MVP's.

When you look at the names on this list from Jordan to Bird, Russell to Chamberlain, and it is a list spewing with excellence. 

There were also many detractors from Rose winning the MVP. While yes, there were statistically better players, Rose was the most valuable player. It's not like he was a slouch either, he averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists, and four rebounds per game.

Not to mention he improved tremendously on defense, and was statistically top 3 at the point guard position. 

He has a will to get better. Also, a will for his team to succeed, which is something every MVP needs. Look for Rose to improve on nearly every statistic.

If the Bulls win at the clip they did last season, another MVP could be in the stars for D Rose. 

3. The Bulls Will Have Four All-Stars

The Chicago Bulls will have four All-Stars. And they are all pictured here. 

Derrick Rose is a shoe-in for a starting spot in the All-Star game, barring injury. And that will likely be a shoe-in for the next seven to eight years. 

Carlos Boozer is intriguing. He was a two-time All-Star with Utah. When he is not injured, he is arguably a top five to seven power forward in the NBA.

If he can stay healthy and can put up his expected 18 and 10, then the Bulls have the fan base to get him as a starter. More than likely, the coaches would have to vote him in, which is not out of the realm of possibility. 

Luol Deng has been snubbed far too many times. I think the 2012 All-Star game will finally be the year he gets the recognition he deserves. Deng is one of the most consistent players in the NBA. He is a top three defensive small forward in the league. 

He is consistently guarding opposing teams' best players. Also with the Bulls recent success, he is starting to get noticed. He won't be a starter, but the coaches could and should vote him in if he remains as consistent as he's been. 

That brings us to Joakim Noah. When he's healthy he is a top five center in the league based on his defense and rebounding alone. He has improved offensively every year he's been in the league, and he guarantees a double-double almost every night.

He will never get a start as long as Dwight Howard plays in the Eastern Conference, but the coaches around the league know just how good he is. That could be enough to get him in. 

The Bulls have the most complete starting five in the NBA. Come late February, four of those five could be present at the All-Star game. It's not often a team gets four players into the All-Star game, but if any team has the players to do it, it's the Chicago Bulls. 

2. The Bulls Will Have the NBA's Best Record Again

Why is their a picture of a cheerleader on a slide for why the Chicago Bulls will have the NBA's best record again?

Because it's going to be all smiles and good times in Chicago for this 66-game sprint. 

The Bulls had the best record in the league last year by playing stifling defense, and scoring more than their opponents. It was a simple formula for success. One that could easily be replicated this year.

Chicago returns 10 of the players from the team that won 62 games last season, but with two big improvements. Starting shooting guard Rip Hamilton and backup SG/SF Jimmy Butler, will provide scoring and defense at positions that needed help.

Keith Bogans was arguably the worst starting SG in the NBA last season, while Rip is still a top 10-15 option. Butler provides the depth that the Bulls lacked as a true small forward.

This will take some of the burden off of Luol Deng, who played 39 minutes per game. He also helped to keep him fresh for the playoffs. 

Don't forget the bench as well. The combination of Omer Asik and Taj Gibson provides a tandem that is unmatched defensively. Ronnie Brewer isn't a slouch either. Kyle Korver provides them with shooting off the bench, and Jimmy Butler gives them much needed depth. 

The Bulls will continue to pride themselves on their incredible defense. The addition of Rip can only help them offensively. They could win 55 games if things go right, and they stay healthy. 

1. The Chicago Bulls Will Win the NBA Championship

Mark it down, write it in stone. Do whatever, but let it be known that the Bulls will be crowned NBA Champions come June. 

They have the most complete starting five in the league. They have the reigning MVP. They have one of the deepest benches around. They stifle you on defense. They score enough to beat you on offense. And they will be bring the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy back to Chicago.

Clear you schedules for the second and third weeks of June, because there is going to be a celebration. 

Oh, and that second week of June isn't only for the Bulls. The Blackhawks will be bringing Lord Stanley's Cup back to Chicago again as well.

It's going to be a good year for Chicago sports in 2012. What better way to start the summer than with two championships.

I'll see you in June, Chicago.