What to Expect from the Chicago Bulls this Year

Since Derrick Rose will miss a significant part of the regular season due to this ACL injury (it was said Rose will return only in March), the rest of the Chicago Bulls is going to have to make up for his absence.  Here’s to expect from the Bulls with Rose missing most of the regular season:

Coach Tom Thibodeau will drive the team. As long as Thibs is overlooking the Bulls, the team will have a real chance of winning the Central Division for the third year in a row. Thibodeau is one of the best coaches in the NBA: Despite all the injuries to the Bulls’ players last year (both starters and Bench Mob), he was able to push the Bulls to have the best record in the league. Almost every player had some type of injury or another during the regular season, but Thibodeau carried them to be first. He was the fastest coach to win 100 games and he sees every game, whether it’s the first of the season or the last one in the finals, as equally important. Although Thibodeau will have his work cut out for him this season between Rose’s absence and attempting to gain some chemistry between the new players, his guidance and leadership will give the Bulls the strength and endurance they need to persevere this season.

Rip Hamilton will step up his game. When Rip was brought to the team last year, the Bulls had high hopes he was the missing piece to landing them a championship. However, Rip missed much of the season due to injuries. Although the NBA vet isn’t at his peak anymore, Rip will most certainly be an invaluable contributor to the team. His shooting skills are essential to keeping the Bulls ahead. He will be back and healthy (fingers crossed)!

Jimmy Butler will have more playing time. Being the rookie last year, Butler didn’t have much playing time. However when he was on the court, Butler’s presence was known to all. Now that the Bench Mob has dissolved, Butler’s playing time should drastically increase. Word on the street is he did great in Summer League so I wouldn’t be surprised if his performance, along with his playing time, also rises this season.

The oldies and newbies will work well together. Many fans (including myself) were upset when the Bench Mob disbanded. But Bulls fans must remember no matter who joins or leaves the team, Coach Thibodeau will find a way for the old and new players to work well together—don’t forget the past, he knows what he’s doing. The newbies including Marquis Teague, Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, Nazr Mohammed and Vladimir Radmanovic should be great add-ons. Although the new team may not be as good as the Bench Mob, between the newcomers and experienced players like Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, the Bulls will make their way up. 

Derrick Rose will return! Although Rose will miss most of the season recovering from an ACL injury, I believe he will return as he was before, if not better. Rose is one of the most hardworking, strong-willed players in the league. His determined spirit will make him stronger than before.