With Latest DRose Injury, Bulls' Window Closing

News broke about an hour ago that Derrick Rose has suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury occurred in the third quarter of last night's game against the red hot Portland Trail Blazers. Following Rose's exit, the Bulls suffered a collapse which resulted in a 98-95 loss. But throughout the fourth quarter, the game itself hardly seemed to matter. At least a part of everyone's attention was focused on what was going on in the visitor's locker room.

The news of Rose's latest injury is past the point of disappointing; it's downright sad. This is a guy who has given everything he has to his teammates, to coach Tom Thibodeau, to the Bulls organization, and even to the city of Chicago. Rose provided a spark for a ball club that was in shambles following the break-up of one of the best teams to ever play. After Jordan and Co. were gone, the Bulls were a laughing stock. It took several years to rebuild but after the Bulls drafted Joakim Noah in 2007 and Derrick Rose in 2008, the future looked bright. That's not to say that the Bulls are going to go into yet another rebuilding phase right this second, but it's becoming more and more of a sure thing in the near future.

Rose left on crutches last night: a worrisome sight

Now let's get this straight, a torn meniscus is not a career-ending injury. Russell Westbrook has made it back and looks the same as he did last season. However, Rose now has two bad knees and is now sitting out while his fellow teammates Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng look to be playing their last season in red, white, and black. Throw in the fact that Joakim Noah's health is always a concern and the fact that Kirk Hinrich's career is near it's end and the once-dominant Bulls team just doesn't seem to be the same.

Yet DRose's injury is not to blame for what is to come in the season whether it be good or bad. The Bulls failed to put together a good, solid bench and don't look like a team that could take on the Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers in a seven game series. Could they beat those two teams during the regular season? Absolutely. But when it comes to the playoffs and things are ramped up, you can't win with the seven-man rotation that the Bulls currently have. Teams like Miami and Indiana have great depth and veteran depth at that. The Bulls bench consists of rookies Tony Snell and Erik Murphy, an aging Nazr Mohammed, along with a still-inexperienced Marquis Teague who, now that Rose is out, may be able to gain experience through boosted playing time. However, this team, though a top three team in the East, continually shows flashes of dysfunction.

With all of this in mind, I'm a positive kid. What we have seen from the Bulls so far this year, though inconsistent, is not hard to live with. While they could improve on both sides of the ball, I do believe that guys like Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer are playing as good of basketball as they ever have in a Bulls uniform. It's obviously early in the season and there is still PLENTY of basketball yet to be played. But there is no hiding the fact that the years of contention that this Bulls team can play are dwindling simply due to age and free agency. They aren't done yet by any means, but I'm afraid this little run may come to a close quicker than Bulls fans would like.

Side note: For those that have taken to social media and laughed at Derrick Rose and made jokes about his injury, I feel incredibly sorry for you. That shows a lack of not only maturity but character as well. I don't care who it is or what team they play for, you don't laugh about an injury. Period. I don't like the Miami Heat or the Indiana Pacers but I can guarantee you that if LeBron James or Paul George went down with a serious injury I would be just as concerned for them as I am currently for Rose. What those of you that are making light of DRose's injury fail to understand is that there comes a time when your favorite team doesn't matter. Like him or not, Derrick Rose is good for the NBA. He handles himself with class and provides excitement and competition for the league the same way LeBron and George do. Don't just be a fan of your team, be a fan of the game. So before you start cracking jokes about "The Return" or saying that Rose is going to sit out till 2015, I suggest you look in the mirror because you're as inhumane as anyone if you're going to root for somebody to get hurt.

Road is Difficult for Bulls as Rose Returns

Jimmy Butler and Rose appear to be the future for Chicago

The Return is finally upon us ladies and gentlemen. Derrick Rose will make his return to the court this Saturday in Indianapolis when the Bulls take on the Pacers in their first preseason game. The last time we saw Rose on the court he was lying on the hardwood grabbing his knee in the 2012 playoffs. Saying it was a hold-your-breath moment is an understatement and last year's will he or won't he play saga is well-chronicled. However, in 2013-14 it is all business for D.Rose and the Bulls.

The expectations are high for a healthy Bulls team this season. "Healthy" and "Bulls" are two words that aren't normally said in the same sentence due to the frequent injuries to star players. But Rose, Noah, Boozer and Deng are all healthy as Chicago starts the preseason and the time is now for this group.

The Eastern Conference is no walk in the park with Miami sitting atop the league, but the problems are greater than that. Indiana looks like a serious contender after pushing the Heat seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals last season and they also have a healthy Danny Granger to go along with Roy Hibbert and Paul George. Brooklyn's roster is a lot older with the acquisitions of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, but they figure to be a contender as well. Add in the Knicks and the Bulls and the East is a beast.

For Chicago, this is a huge year. The Bulls were close in 2011, but found out how difficult it will be to dethrone the Heat. In 2012 they fell in the first round after Rose's injury and last year they put up a valiant fight while bruised and battered, but were ousted by Miami in the semi-finals. Is this a championship team?

That's the question as the year begins and it needs to be answered by year's end. There are decisions that lie on the horizon for the Bulls and they involve some of their biggest stars. Luol Deng will become a free agent at the end of the season and Carlos Boozer's future is up in the air. If Chicago fails to make, at minimum, the conference finals then it would seem that the team should go in a different direction.

Much of the team's successes or failures will fall on Rose. The Bulls sorely missed his playmaking ability last season and he will surely free up open looks for others with his hard drives to the basket. All reports from camp are that his jump shot has drastically improved and his peers say he looks better than ever. That's all fine and good, but can he live up to the MVP-form of 2011? Fair or not, the bar is set that high, if not higher, for Chicago's brightest star.

Championship windows aren't open very long and the Bulls haven't exactly been handed the best situation. When this team was built no one could have predicted all the injuries or that the Heat would put together a superpower. However, this group is still capable of a deep postseason run and fans are hoping and expecting one this season.

For a team that will rely heavily on it's superstar, The Return is a big step in the right direction.

What Needs to be Done with the Chicago Bulls?

In professional sports a team's championship window doesn't stay open very long. For the Chicago Bulls that window has never been open all that wide with the juggernaut that is the Miami Heat staring them down year after year in the Eastern Conference. Injuries depleted the Bulls last season, but still they gave an admirable performance in the playoffs, losing to the Heat in the semi-finals. That's all fine and good and yes, Derrick Rose will make his much-anticipated return this season. However, that's not good enough. This Bulls team is not a championship team with the roster they have in place now. There is work to be done and here are a few things.

1. Add a scorer to the backcourt to team up with Rose
This is a problem that has plagued the Bulls since Ben Gordon departed for Detroit years ago. They have not been able to find a scoring two guard and it has left Derrick Rose to fend for himself in the backcourt on multiple occasions. The 2011 Eastern Conference Finals is a perfect example. Once the Heat decided to focus their efforts on shutting down Rose, the Bulls offense was completely shot. It's also not ideal for the point guard to shoulder the scoring load as he is already using enough energy to get the ball across halfcourt and create for teammates.

One rumor that has come up before tonight's draft is the possibility of sending Luol Deng to Washington for the third pick in the draft. Personally I'm in favor of this move. I love Deng and the energy he brings to the defensive end, but the truth of the matter is that he is getting older and the injuries have started to become a concern. Couple that with the fact that Jimmy Butler seems poised for a breakout season and Chicago has Nikola Mirotic's rights overseas and it seems like a good move.

With that third pick the Bulls need to draft a player like Ben McLemore. McLemore is a proven scorer with a silky stroke from deep. He excelled in his one season at Kansas and is exactly the kind of off-the-ball scorer the Bulls are searching for. He moves without the ball to find open shots, but can also create for himself. This will relieve much of the pressure off of Rose and will combat some of the team's offensive woes.

2. Depth in the frontcourt
Joakim Noah is an All-Star, but he can't be counted on for 40-45 minutes per game. It's not smart to do that to him especially with some of the foot troubles he has had. If the Bulls want to keep him long term and have him healthy then they need to decrease his minutes. Taj Gibson is a solid piece off the bench and he is someone Chicago should keep. However, Nazr Mohammed didn't bring much to the table and Carlos Boozer is always a rollercoaster ride.

Boozer is a bad contract who plays bad defense. If Chicago could find a way to trade him for some young talent in the post that would be ideal. The Kevin Love deal seems all but dead, however, if the team keeps the 20th pick there should be a player they can draft and develop. Keeping Boozer one more year is not all bad though because he presents a good offensive weapon. Still, the Bulls must add depth to the post.

3. Add shooters
Good shooters are essential to success in the NBA. The Bulls flourished two years ago with Rose's constant penetration and kickouts to shooters like Kyle Korver, but last season they struggled to shoot the ball from deep. Teams like Miami and San Antonio win ball games with great shooters set up around the perimeter. When stars like LeBron James or Tony Parker penetrate they attract the defense and that opens up kickouts to those shooters.

Chicago needs to add shooters to their roster and they also must hope that Kirk Hinrich is more consistent with his outside shot. Rose has reportedly improved his outside shot, but other than that there is not viable option to shoot the ball from three. This has to be a focal point tonight and throughout the offseason.

There is no telling what will happen in the next few years around the league. There are so many big name stars coming up on free agency that the future is quite the mystery. Still, the Bulls can't count on the roster they have to get the job done. There are obvious improvements that need to be made and tonight could be the start of it all. Chicago has drafted well in recent years despite having late picks (Butler, Omer Asik) and they must draft well again tonight. There championship window depends on what they do in tonight's draft whether that be trades or picks. 

Rose Continues to Sit as Bulls Struggle

While his teammates struggle, Rose continues to watch at the end of the bench

The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls last night to make the series 3-3 with Game 7 due up Saturday night. The Bulls are battered and bruised, sick and hurt, but that didn't mean they went down without a fight. It was a valiant effort from a team without All-Star Luol Deng, steady guard Kirk Hinrich. On top of that, Joakim Noah, Nate Robinson and Taj Gibson were all sick yet fought through that to contribute mightily. At the end of the game, TNT's crew acknowledged the Nets won the game, but the focus was on how tough the Bulls were.

Chicago did fight to the end and it was fun to watch, however, I was more annoyed and angry after the game than I have been in awhile. As not just a Bulls fan, but a sports fan in general, Derrick Rose drew my ire as I watched him sit there in a suit and watch as his sick and hurt teammates failed to close out the series on their home court. I've gone back and forth on the Rose issue and whether or not he should be on the court. I was angry last night so I decided to sleep on it rather than spilling my emotions on this blog post. However, my feelings haven't changed about the matter.

Rose sitting on the bench at this point is a mockery. It's a joke. It's been a full calendar year almost. He's been cleared by doctors, he's practiced, he's warmed up before games, he's got his lateral movement back, he's fine. Do I personally know he's fine? No I don't, but I haven't heard one source say he's not ready to play. Yet there he is at the end of the bench acting as another coach, jumping around in celebration and distracting TNT and ESPN cameras at every dead ball.

Prior to Game 1 of the series Joakim Noah was questionable due to injury, but he still played and said in an interview that he wouldn't miss the game for anything. Last night Nate Robinson was throwing up in a trash can during timeouts, but he said that you have to do what you have to do to win the game sometimes. Both Noah and Hinrich have been playing on one leg basically, but have given the Bulls quality minutes. Robinson was good again last night despite feeling ill. But where's Rose?

Listen, I understand the severity of Rose's injury. I really do. I have friends who have suffered that injury and I know the mental struggle that comes with the rehab process. Here's what I'm saying though: this is Rose's job and this is his obligation. Sometimes you have to go to work when you aren't feeling 100 percent. That's just the way life is. If my parents didn't go to work every day they woke up and weren't quite feeling it then they would be fired.

To make it even more of a joke David Lee played last night. In case you didn't know, Lee tore his hip flexor in Game 1 of the Warriors-Nuggets series and was supposed to be done for the playoffs. He made a surprise comeback last night and helped Golden State close out the series. So let me get this straight. A guy who just tore his hip flexor went out there and played, but Rose can't get out there after almost a calendar year?

Let's stop making excuses for the guy too. The idea that he shouldn't play because this team isn't "built for a championship" is stupid. So what if it's not? It's still his job to be out there on the floor. If this team isn't built for a championship then do we just tell Noah to shut it down and rest up for next year? Should Deng just forget about it and stay in bed? I don't get it.

I know there is a chance that he could re-injure himself, but there will be a chance of that next year as well. Rose owes it to his teammates to get out there and give them 15-25 minutes. As a former athlete I'm not sure how you sit there in a suit and watch your teammate throw up in a trash can during timeouts and not feel guilty. I'm not sure how you watch Noah and Hinrich play through pain and not feel guilty. You have guys leaving it all out there on the floor and you have the star player scared to step foot in between the lines.

Rose's injury was severe and he only 24 years old. It's a risk to play, but it's always going to be a risk to play. Again, that excuse has gotten old. The doctors have cleared him, he's been practicing and his team needs him. That sounds like all the ingredients for a comeback. 

The Bulls backcourt last night was a sick Nate Robinson and rookie Marquis Teague. That sure doesn't sound like playoff material to me. Rose could have helped and he would have helped. It's time to stop talking around this subject. Is he going to play or not? Well I'll tell you what will really set me off. If Rose plays against Miami in the second round (assuming the Bulls win Game 7) I will lose it. There is no difference from last night to next week and he could have helped Chicago end the series quicker.

If I was a teammate of Rose's it would be hard for me to speak with him right now. He doesn't know the struggle and he shouldn't act like he does. At this point it looks like Rose isn't truly invested like we thought. He's never been mentally tough and he's clearly cementing that thought right now. His team needs him, but he isn't going to answer the call. He says he would die for the game and he can't wait to get back out there. Does he really? I'm not seeing it.

The playoffs are winning time. A team needs a full arsenal and the Bulls don't have that right now. Almost the entire roster is doing whatever they can to be on the floor and to help this team win. Then there is one guy who appears to be doing whatever he can to NOT be on the floor. I never thought I would question the MVP Derrick Rose, but I am now. Your team needs you D.Rose. Time to recognize that.

2013 Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

Out West there is some argument as to who will emerge the victor. In the East it's quite a different story. The New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony have been a great story this season. The Indiana Pacers seem to have returned to the success of the '90's. The Brooklyn Nets went through a re-branding process and then turned in a top four finish in the conference. The Chicago Bulls played admirably all season long with their MVP sitting on the sidelines. Obviously, there are plenty of great story lines in the East, but those will be put to bed in due time. It's the Miami Heat's world when it comes to the NBA and LeBron, DWade and the Gang only reinforced that thinking with a 66-16 record. Any man with a brain would have to consider the Heat the favorite to win the title again, but these playoffs should give fans some great series. Let's take a look at the Eastern Conference first round match ups.

1. Miami Heat vs. 8. Milwaukee Bucks
Saying Heat vs. Bucks is synonymous with saying David vs. Goliath. Unlike the original story though, Goliath will win this series with ease. The Heat are better than the Bucks in every way and this should be a sweep if Miami means business from the opening tip. Miami was 2-1 versus Milwaukee in the regular season and the Bucks may steal a game at home. However, Miami was built for the playoffs and they have looked brilliant this season and have shown no signs of weakness. LeBron James is an MVP and Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have done their jobs as well. For Bucks fans, enjoy watching Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis because it is likely the last time they will suit up together in Milwaukee. Prediction: Miami in 4
How They Stack Up
                  Points                          Rebounds                            Assists                              Points Allowed
Miami            102.9                              38.6                                    23.0                                     95.0
Milwaukee      98.9                               44.0                                   22.9                                    100.4

2. New York Knicks vs. 7. Boston Celtics
Is this an exciting series or what? New York is led by Carmelo Anthony who captured his first scoring title this season while Boston is led by veterans, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. When Rajon Rondo injured his knee midway through the season many thought the Celtics were done, but here they are. They may be the seven seed, but they are dangerous. The question is, can the older players endure a long, tough series and stay healthy? Garnett, Pierce and Jason Terry have all been banged up, but when healthy Boston is a title contender. The other key to the series for the C's is Jeff Green. They will need his offense, but more importantly his defense on Anthony. New York is hoping to get past the first round and anything less will make the season failure. That's something the Knicks don't need, nor does Carmelo. However, count on the experience of Boston if they are healthy. The championship window isn't closed just yet. Prediction: Boston in 7 
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
New York       100.0                              40.6                                    19.3                                     95.7
Boston            96.5                              39.3                                    22.8                                     96.7

3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Atlanta Hawks
Pacers fans endured some hard years after the Malice in the Palace, but Indiana is back and they look very good. Full of budding stars, the Pacers have to be breathing a sigh of relief for not drawing the Bulls or the Celtics in the first round. Both teams would be a harder match up than Atlanta because, if history tells us anything, the Hawks are the kings of mediocrity. Count on them to be in the playoffs, but count on them to not win anything. This year should be no different. Indiana is far too difficult of a match up because of their size and athleticism. Jeff Teague versus George Hill should be a phenomenal point guard duel between two rising stars, but the key is Indiana's Paul George. The All-Star will probably be guarded by several different Hawks, but he should be able to score on anybody. Even if ATL decided to put Josh Smith on him that will give David West a mismatch. Bottom line: match ups aren't in the Hawks favor. Prediction: Indiana in 5
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
Indiana            94.7                              45.9                                    20.3                                     90.7
Atlanta            98.0                              40.9                                    24.5                                     97.5

4. Brooklyn Nets vs. 5. Chicago Bulls
This could be a great series, but as with most of the Bulls' season it will be about who isn't on the floor rather than who is. Derrick Rose most likely isn't going to suit for Chicago and so the Bulls will have to get the job done without him like they have all year long. They have to be healthy though if they are to win. Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson have been banged up lately, and both players' status is uncertain. Luol Deng has shouldered the load for Chicago this season, but will he run out of gas? He averaged 38 minutes per contest this season and that could catch up to him. For Brooklyn, they have enjoyed a healthy Deron Williams this season and he is playing great basketball. If Noah is out then look for Brook Lopez to dominate. However, if Chicago is healthy then they get the slight edge in this series. Prediction: Chicago in 6
How They Stack Up

                  Points                          Rebounds                              Assists                            Points Allowed
Brooklyn         96.9                              42.8                                    20.3                                     95.1
Chicago          93.2                              43.2                                    23.0                                     92.9
   

Carmelo Finally Cracks Under Garnett's Pressure

Carmelo Anthony has erupted this season and is playing his best ball yet. The man is a serious MVP candidate averaging 29 points per game to go along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. His play this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. Lately in the media, though, Melo has been drawing attention for negative reasons.

It started with Kevin Garnett trash-talking Melo into oblivion last week when the Celtics visited the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. KG, as only KG could, finally said the magic words to Anthony and the two had to be seperated not only on the court, but after the game as well. Melo took it upon himself to go to where the Celtics would be loading the bus and wait for Garnett. Are you serious? Every sports analyst I listened to after that incident reiterated the point that "it stays on the court". I believe those analysts are right. Why on earth would you think it a good idea to try to confront a guy outside of the basketball court, especially Kevin Garnett who you know his only goal is to get you to lose focus on the game. That's absolutely childish.

So we discovered that Melo can't handle trash talk. Then why after the Knicks third loss to the Chicago Bulls was he running his mouth about Luol Deng and the Bulls in general? Luol Deng had one of his best games of the season and dropped 33 points on Carmelo Anthony. Yet after the game Melo said he "didn't think Deng did anything". Excuse me? He also said that he wasn't worried about the Bulls at all. I would be worried, they clearly had your number the three times they played you. Why after you just threw a fit about being trash talked would you go do something silly like talk down an athlete that has done nothing personal to you?

I'd like to think that the bad week for Melo stopped after those comments but I would be incorrect. News came out today that the Knicks organization placed microphones at either end of the court in order to listen in on the talk that went on between the players during the game. The decision to do so was in order to "protect Anthony". Now we're going to babysit a 28 year old man? What happens if the Knicks find out that in some way Carmelo is instigating the trash talk. How do you plan to protect him then? This whole situation has gone much too far all because Melo let Garnett get in his head. I'm sure Garnett was being nasty with his talk, that's how he is. But Carmelo should know that and have thick skin. He's one of the best players in the league, his play should do enough talking for him, especially this year.

This past week has really shown Melo in a negative light. Everybody already knew he couldn't be tough on defense, but his mental toughness had never really been challenged. Garnett took it upon himself to see just how mentally tough Melo is and well, we know how that worked out. Melo's a great offensive player and a guy that kids look up to. I'd like to see him stop and think before he acts or speaks because he doesn't need to miss any more games to suspension with the Knicks looking like title-contenders. Just shut your mouth and play, Melo.

Chicago Bulls Winning With Team Basketball

Watson and Deng celebrate after Watson's three in the 4th

At 46-15 the Chicago Bulls own the best record in the NBA for the second consecutive year and have run away with the Central Division yet again. The Bulls have their star in Derrick Rose, but what has made them so special this year and what has separated them from other top competition such as Miami is the fact that they play some of the best team basketball in the league. Coach Tom Thibodeau is more than willing to use his bench, which has taken on the nickname "The Benchmob" and a different guy steps up big for Chicago every single game. While Rose is the centerpiece to the team, they do not rely on him too heavily like other teams do with their stars. Chicago is 17-7 without Rose in the lineup and have beaten the Miami Heat twice without him. In March Rose sat out with an injury and last Thursday Rose played, but had the worst game of his career. He was non-factor, scoring only two points in a Bulls victory at the United Center.
In the game versus the Heat in March the Bulls played one of their better games of the season, winning 106-102 in a high-intensity game with a playoff feel. Third string point guard John Lucas III stepped up that night, scoring 24 points and continually bringing the United Center crowd to its feet. In the first half Lucas drained three threes in a row and in the second half found himself being guarded by LeBron James. Lucas calmly dribbled out toward halfcourt and took James one-on-one, burying a fadeaway jumper in his face and sending Bulls fans everywhere into pandemonium. Not only were the Bulls without Rose, but Carlos Boozer only scored two points. However, six different Bulls scored in double figures and the entire Chicago bench finished the game +6 or higher. No Rose, no problem.

Fast forward to last Thursday night when the Bulls defeated the Heat yet again 96-86 in an overtime thriller. Rose played 25 minutes, shot 1-13 from the field and scored just two points. This time it was C.J. Watson's turn to be big. Down three with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Watson drilled a step back three in Dwyane Wade's face to send the game to overtime. Watson finished with 16 points and nine assists for the game while four other Bulls finished with double figures. The two games against the Heat have come to define this Bulls team. Is Rose the best player on the floor for Chicago when he plays? Certainly, but the Bulls have a team and there is a confidence that no matter what five are on the floor they will get the job done.

And despite Rose's performance, this post is not meant to criticize the superstar or question his worth to the team. He is still having an incredible year stat wise with 22.5 points, 7.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, but what is perhaps the most impressive thing about Rose is the way he handled himself last Thursday. In a time he would usually find himself taking the big shot, Rose sat on the bench and watched as his teammates battled the Heat in the fourth quarter and, when it came time for the last second shot, he watched as Watson sank the three.

"I'm fine, man," Rose said of coach Tom Thibodeau's decision to sit him down the stretch. "Anything to win. Where he felt that lineup was going to win the game, it won the game, and I can't complain about anything."

The fact that a superstar, much less an MVP, would say that after being benched against the second best team in the conference is remarkable. It speaks to Rose's character that he sees the bigger picture and didn't whine or complain when things didn't go his way. It's no wonder why the Bulls operate the way they do when their superstar carries himself that way. As the locker room leader that attitude will only influence his teammates in a positive manner.

Chicago's suffocating D is second best in the NBA

Much of the credit must also go to Thibodeau. He has the best bench in the NBA and he is willing to go to those players in any situation. Many times Omer Asik and Taj Gibson will be on the floor in the fourth quarter instead of starters Boozer and Joakim Noah. Other coaches do not use their bench to their full advantage and pay the price. For example, the Heat have used James Jones in just 45 games this season, but he is a more than capable player. Granted, some of those DNP's have been due to injury but Jones is one of the best three point shooters in the league and he is the perfect complement to Wade and James because he stretches the floor. Yet he sees only 11.4 minutes a game in the 45 games he has played in.

Thibodeau also has found a way to make his team play hard every night and be committed to team defense. The Bulls rank first in rebounding and second in points allowed at just 88.9. It's a common sight to see Chicago players diving on the floor for loose balls and sliding over in help side defense, a lost art in the NBA. The Bulls commitment to defense has covered up for their lack of another go-to perimeter scorer and could carry them deep into the playoffs again.

Winning the East will be tough because the Bulls will have to get through the Heat and teams like the Celtics and Pacers are formidable threats. However, a healthy Rose, Rip Hamilton and Luol Deng will work wonders for Chicago as the three have rarely been on the floor at the same time due to injuries. The passion and energy that the Bulls play with is an intangible quality that cannot be measured, yet means so much to their success. With one of the best frontlines in the game, a stingy defense and the best bench in the league the Chicago Bulls are poised to make run for title number seven.