Bulls pt. 1

Current State of Chicago 

It has been a busy offseason for the front office of Chicago led by Gar Forman and John Paxson. They continue to put faith into Tom Thibodeau as they let a key member off the bench, D.J. Augustin, leave via free agency for a fourth consecutive season. The Bulls were proactive as they met with players like Carmelo Anthony, Lance Stephenson, and even reached out to Minnesota regarding Kevin Love. Unfortunately, they were not able to get the services of these marquee players. However, they have a roster that has many labeling them as the favorites in the East.

The Bulls were really active this offseason as they barely missed out on the chance to acquire Anthony. For fear of missing out on Anthony, Chicago was able to sign the 34-year old Spaniard Pau Gasol. Subsequently, they amnestied Carlos Boozer after a mercurial four-year tenure in the Windy City. Gasol brings the same offensive skills as Boozer, but is a little better on the defensive end. He and Joakim Noah should form one of the most skilled set of big men in the NBA.

Chicago was able to add an influx of young talent that included Doug McDermott, Cameron Bairstow, and Nikola Mirotic. McDermott is a 6’8 forward who is much more than justna spot up shooter. He averaged well over 20 points his senior season, scored over 3000 points in his career, and was named the John Wooden Player of the Year. At the 2014 Summer League, McDermott averaged 18 points, four rebounds, and shot 44 percent from beyond the arc. He showed his ability to get the free throw line, post up, and finish through contact as well. Next, Bairstow was very scrappy in Summer League play as he found ways to annoy players, rebound, and score easy points. In a crowded frontcourt, minutes may be hard to accumulate, but his energy will make him a favorite of Thibodeau. Finally, Mirotic was finally lured out of the Spanish league to play for Chicago as a big man that could spread the floor. He was named the Spanish League MVP in 2013 and has the shooting touch to be in the 40/50/90 club. Being around veterans Noah, Gasol, and Gibson, Mirotic should be able to develop an all around game.

Chicago patched up their backcourt as they re-signed Kirk Hinrich and brought in Aaron Brooks to replace Augustin. Hinrich brings a steady temperament off the bench while Brooks provides another scorer. With the return of Derrick Rose, Chicago should be a top three team in the Eastern Conference. They have a deep roster with players that know their roles led by a stringent head coach in Thibodeau. The time to win a title in Chicago is now with aging stars and an Eastern Conference that seems to be getting better.