Bulls Trade Rumors: Chicago Doesn't Need Dwight Howard with Rip Hamilton in Town

The Chicago Bulls were in the middle of a lot of the talk this shortened offseason when it came to suitors for Dwight Howard. The truth: they are better off without him.

I know it’s hard to believe any team in the NBA is better off without Dwight Howard at center, but that is the case for the Bulls.

While Joakim Noah is not in the same league as Howard offensively, his defensive prowess makes him just as valuable as the Magic center when it comes to protecting the basket.

The key for the Bulls will be getting the most out of the players they currently have and not adding more. If you want the real reason Chicago didn’t win the championship last season, it falls at the feet of Carlos Boozer.

Chicago brought Boozer in to be the offensive counterpart to Noah in the low post. While Noah defended the basket with ferocity, Boozer was supposed to utilize his offensive low post moves and the tandem was supposed to be Chicago’s Dwight Howard.

If they can get the same continued production from Noah and much better effort and success from Boozer, the Bulls will be tough to beat. There have also been other additions to ease the pressure off the low post men and last season's MVP, Derrick Rose.

The biggest is the addition of a shooting guard that can actually knock down a perimeter shot in Richard Hamilton. Not only can the former Detroit Pistons star shoot, he can make his own plays and open the court for the rest of his teammates.

With Rose and Luol Deng facing less pressure from opposing defenses, the Bulls will become the best team in the NBA this season—even better than the Miami Heat.

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