Just how good are the Chicago Bulls? After two straight playoff appearances,
the Bulls look to take the next step after a couple of key additions in the
offseason. To do so, however, they have to prove that they are the best, or even
second-best, team in their own division.
The biggest addition for the Chicago Bulls was defensive stalwart Ben
Wallace. Wallace is a four-time defensive player of the year who will bring
toughness and a team-mentality to the Bulls. He is also a veteran presence on a
fairly young team. The main problem with Ben, however, is that he is no
offensive threat, which is the main area the Bulls lacked in last season.
The main scorers for the Chicago Bulls are the
young backcourt players in Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon. Hinrich is an excellent
point guard who can shoot from any spot on the floor. The Bulls expect him to
get better as he has over the past few seasons. Much in the same way, Gordon is
expected to continue as the leading scorer of the Chicago Bulls. It would come
as no surprise if the third-year man out of Connecticut reaches the 20 points
per game plateau.
Luol Deng is yet another talented young scorer at the small-forward position.
Deng seems to be more comfortable coming off the bench, however, as he averaged
almost three points more a game in that position then as a starter. The starter,
therefore, is Andres Nocioni who can provide energy and double-digit points
night in and night out.
The Bulls pride themselves on playing tough defense and having one of the
deepest rosters in the league, and that should continue through the 2006/07
season. Some of their key bench players that haven't been mentioned so far may
include first-round draft pick Tyrus Thomas. Tyrus is a very young player who
has a lot of talent but is relatively unpolished. Ben Wallace should help in his
development as an elite NBA player. Another key bench player that coach Scott
Skiles has relied on is backup point guard Chris Duhon. Duhon is a relatively
unspectacular player who can manage the offense when Hinrich needs a break.
The Bulls certainly have a lot of talent entering the 2006 season, but most
of that talent is also very young. This may end up being their downfall once
again, as in the past two seasons. One thing is for sure, Chicago is on the
right path to success.
