Last season, NBA fans were witnesses to one of the most exciting first round playoffs series everywhere.
The 7th seed Chicago Bulls were squared off against the 2nd seed Boston Celtics. Personally, I had the Bulls getting swept, Ray Allen could guard Ben Gordon, and Derrick Rose would be nervous, while Rajon Rondo has been there and done that.
But myself, along with many others, including ESPN's "expert panel" which all had Boston winning the series, were shocked. Chicago had pulled off a huge upset, taking the game to overtime, and Bulls rookie Derrick Rose scored 36 points, and had 11 assists.
After 7 games, 7 overtime periods, a few too many clutch free throws missed by Paul Pierce, a sweet dunk by Joakim Noah on Pierce, and you had the Celtics over the Bulls.
Ben Gordon averaged 24 points throughout the series and was the go-to guy for the Bulls all season. But soon, this would change. Ben Gordon's contract was up with Chicago and he was looking for more money than the Bulls were willing to offer.
He bolted and went to the Detroit Pistons for a 5-year 50 million dollar deal.
This was a big blow to Chicago's offense. Gordon had been the leading scorer for Windy City the past four seasons.
Given that fact, you'd think "Chicago certainly won't be as good next year". But things aren't as bad as they seem in Chi-City.
Chicago seems to be a place for surprises. Getting Derrick Rose was a surprise, 7th seed was a close race and also a surprise, and then giving the Celtics some serious headache's was a shocker too. So, it's fitting that Chicago's upcoming season is a toss-up too. There are a few reason's, but let's touch on the roster for 2009-2010.
Luol Deng, Guard-Forward out of Duke, is returning. Last season, in 49 games, Deng averaged 14.1 points pergame, and 6.0 rebounds a contest. Solid numbers for a 3rd option player. If the Bulls want to improve, Deng needs to be a huge part of this team.
Also, Derrick Rose is returning with high confidence after a great playoff series. Rose is the face and future of the Chicago Bulls. The reigning Rookie of the Year will be fun to watch. He should work on his 3 point shooting and round out his mid-range game, but that's a common rookie problem.
The Bulls lack of post presence though. Brad Miller is a shooter who is in decline, and Joakim Noah is a bully down low, yet a solid defender and great rebounder. And Tyrus Thomas has only his athleticism to beat his defender, but lacks great defense skill. Do not be fooled by his playoff performance. He was hot in the first game shooting-wise, but the next 3 he struggled.
The lack of post play was the reason for Chicago looking for a Carlos Boozer Trade.
Kirk Hinrich is likely going to be starting at the shooting guard position, and I like that move. Kirk can shoot well, but is an under-rated defender. Late in games, Hinrich was often giving the responsibility of guarding Ray Allen, and that's saying something.
Backing up Hinrich and Rose is Jannero Pargo, a 40% 3 point shooter. The Bulls are looking for Pargo to be a scorer off the bench and possibly step into a sixth man role.
In late November, I remember saying "Who the hell is John Salmons?". The swingman was averaing nearly 20 points a game with the Sacramento Kings before he was traded to the Bulls.
Salmons will be a terrific scorer off the bench, and will dominate most 2nd-string small forwards.
The Bulls have a solid line-up, but I think they'll finish 7th in the East. The lack of front-court production will be their biggest problem.
But I could be wrong, Luol Deng could be a 20 point per game player. Scouting Reports say he has that ability, he just needs to stay healthy and be given a fair shot.
Rose will improve too, and I think playoff position is up to him. He could break-out and score 20+ ppg, and 8-10 assists, Chicago will be headed for a 6th or 5th playoff seed, if he continues his play as of last season, his team may not even make the playoffs because they don't have Gordon's scoring punch.
Many previews have Miami at 5th, but they have a thinner roster and injury prone Jermaine O'Neal, Chicago could easily pass them if they stay healthy.
Toronto is another contendor for the 5th spot, but I do like Chicago's depth at the 3 spot to carry them over. With an under-sized back-up 3, Toronto will have to work hard to make up on defense when the bench comes on.
"Our voters have the Bulls winning as few as 30 games and as many as 55, and perhaps it comes down to what they think of reigning rookie of the year Derrick Rose, whose scintillating playoff performance was followed by a tumultuous summer. In any case, most of our panel is bullish on Chicago overall." ESPN's preview of the East, in which Chicago finishes in 6th according to the panel.
55 games is pushing the envelope on the Bulls' ability but 30 games is under-rating them a ton.
I think a fair guess is about 44 games and I'd like to see the Chicago Bulls return to the greatness they had in the 90's.
My name's Scott, this is Straight Chuckin', and I'm gone.
The 7th seed Chicago Bulls were squared off against the 2nd seed Boston Celtics. Personally, I had the Bulls getting swept, Ray Allen could guard Ben Gordon, and Derrick Rose would be nervous, while Rajon Rondo has been there and done that.
But myself, along with many others, including ESPN's "expert panel" which all had Boston winning the series, were shocked. Chicago had pulled off a huge upset, taking the game to overtime, and Bulls rookie Derrick Rose scored 36 points, and had 11 assists.
After 7 games, 7 overtime periods, a few too many clutch free throws missed by Paul Pierce, a sweet dunk by Joakim Noah on Pierce, and you had the Celtics over the Bulls.
Ben Gordon averaged 24 points throughout the series and was the go-to guy for the Bulls all season. But soon, this would change. Ben Gordon's contract was up with Chicago and he was looking for more money than the Bulls were willing to offer.
He bolted and went to the Detroit Pistons for a 5-year 50 million dollar deal.
This was a big blow to Chicago's offense. Gordon had been the leading scorer for Windy City the past four seasons.
Given that fact, you'd think "Chicago certainly won't be as good next year". But things aren't as bad as they seem in Chi-City.
Chicago seems to be a place for surprises. Getting Derrick Rose was a surprise, 7th seed was a close race and also a surprise, and then giving the Celtics some serious headache's was a shocker too. So, it's fitting that Chicago's upcoming season is a toss-up too. There are a few reason's, but let's touch on the roster for 2009-2010.
Luol Deng, Guard-Forward out of Duke, is returning. Last season, in 49 games, Deng averaged 14.1 points pergame, and 6.0 rebounds a contest. Solid numbers for a 3rd option player. If the Bulls want to improve, Deng needs to be a huge part of this team.
Also, Derrick Rose is returning with high confidence after a great playoff series. Rose is the face and future of the Chicago Bulls. The reigning Rookie of the Year will be fun to watch. He should work on his 3 point shooting and round out his mid-range game, but that's a common rookie problem.
The Bulls lack of post presence though. Brad Miller is a shooter who is in decline, and Joakim Noah is a bully down low, yet a solid defender and great rebounder. And Tyrus Thomas has only his athleticism to beat his defender, but lacks great defense skill. Do not be fooled by his playoff performance. He was hot in the first game shooting-wise, but the next 3 he struggled.
The lack of post play was the reason for Chicago looking for a Carlos Boozer Trade.
Kirk Hinrich is likely going to be starting at the shooting guard position, and I like that move. Kirk can shoot well, but is an under-rated defender. Late in games, Hinrich was often giving the responsibility of guarding Ray Allen, and that's saying something.
Backing up Hinrich and Rose is Jannero Pargo, a 40% 3 point shooter. The Bulls are looking for Pargo to be a scorer off the bench and possibly step into a sixth man role.
In late November, I remember saying "Who the hell is John Salmons?". The swingman was averaing nearly 20 points a game with the Sacramento Kings before he was traded to the Bulls.
Salmons will be a terrific scorer off the bench, and will dominate most 2nd-string small forwards.
The Bulls have a solid line-up, but I think they'll finish 7th in the East. The lack of front-court production will be their biggest problem.
But I could be wrong, Luol Deng could be a 20 point per game player. Scouting Reports say he has that ability, he just needs to stay healthy and be given a fair shot.
Rose will improve too, and I think playoff position is up to him. He could break-out and score 20+ ppg, and 8-10 assists, Chicago will be headed for a 6th or 5th playoff seed, if he continues his play as of last season, his team may not even make the playoffs because they don't have Gordon's scoring punch.
Many previews have Miami at 5th, but they have a thinner roster and injury prone Jermaine O'Neal, Chicago could easily pass them if they stay healthy.
Toronto is another contendor for the 5th spot, but I do like Chicago's depth at the 3 spot to carry them over. With an under-sized back-up 3, Toronto will have to work hard to make up on defense when the bench comes on.
"Our voters have the Bulls winning as few as 30 games and as many as 55, and perhaps it comes down to what they think of reigning rookie of the year Derrick Rose, whose scintillating playoff performance was followed by a tumultuous summer. In any case, most of our panel is bullish on Chicago overall." ESPN's preview of the East, in which Chicago finishes in 6th according to the panel.
55 games is pushing the envelope on the Bulls' ability but 30 games is under-rating them a ton.
I think a fair guess is about 44 games and I'd like to see the Chicago Bulls return to the greatness they had in the 90's.
My name's Scott, this is Straight Chuckin', and I'm gone.
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