NBA: Derrick Rose is back and Bulls remain undefeated in pre-season

The Chicago Bulls have their MVP back after a year and a half and will be looking forward to making a serious challenge for the title this season.

Derrick Rose’s return has played a big part in the Bulls undefeated run in the pre-season

What better way to make a statement to the rest of the league than to be the only team who is unbeaten in the pre-season.

They played a game against the Washington Wizards in Brazil as part of the NBA Global Games program, they have also played few games with key players resting, and still the result from each game has been the same-a W.

Here a few positives from the Bulls unbeaten pre-season streak: -

The return of the MVP: -

He is back!

From the pre-season performance, it is safe to say that the status of the reconstructed right knee is “better”. His preseason has been better than anyone could have hoped for. His 29.7 points per 36 minutes are the most of any player with at least 50 minutes played. Add 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals to that and it’s even more impressive for a player who hasn’t played in 18 months.

He has improved his jumper, both from mid-range and three. That has a big impact on his efficiency. If teams pack the paint, then he gets past the initial defender, pulls up and nails the 15-foot jumper. If teams just put a single man on him, he blows past and gets to the rim. If they lay off him, he knocks down the trey.

Here’s a clip from the pre-season game against the Indiana Pacers showing the improvements in his game.

Furthermore, added muscle is making him more effective at finishing through contact.

In short, going on his pre-season performance, The Bulls have no reason to not depend on the former MVP to carry them forward to a long post-season.

Team-Play: -

Bulls a team known for their team defense, however a few things they have been doing good this season is too play well despite few of their stars on the bench. Whether it was experienced bench PG Kirk Hinrich missing a game due to a concussion, Joakim Noah out for a week due to an injured groin or Derrick Rose taking a sit due to soreness in the right knee, the Bulls have come away with a victory.

This trend shows the incredible team chemistry and the responsibility each player shows to step up his performance when the team is playing with a star is injured sitting on the bench. The 82 game regular season is a long grind and if the team can still play competitive ball with few players sitting on the bench in their suits it would be a great asset heading into the Playoffs, where we all know a team can excel only if they have a good and dependable bench.

Improved Perimeter Shooting: -

This is their biggest improvement this year.

Mike Dunleavy will have the opportunity to knock down a lot of open jumpers from beyond the arc with Rose getting all the attention in the paint.

New recruits Mike Dunleavy, shot 43% from beyond the arc, and Tony Snell, a 20^th pick New Mexico product are key players on the bench who would have something to say about the people calling the Bulls a weak perimeter shooting team.

Rose’s has improved his percentage from beyond the arc as well in the pre-season games. Deng and Butler are known to be consistent shooters from three point range.

Combining that with Rose’s penetration, Chicago has a chance to become a threat from downtown, a welcomed improvement from last year’s 29th-ranked three-point offense.

Consistent Defense: -

The Bulls have showed they do not miss the services of Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli especially on the defensive end, players instrumental in taking them past the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the Playoffs last season.

Under Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls have remained a defensive team despite losing key players thanks to the new recruits learning the philosophy soon. The tough team defense of the Bulls has been on show each pre-season game. It was this grit and determined effort on the defensive end that took them to the second round last season in the absence of Rose.

Conclusion: -

- Good team chemistry

- Return of your star player from injury

- Strengthen your weakness

- Motto-“Defense”

Beside a few minor injury scare all is looking good in Chicago. They have done everything right and would look to continue doing so in the remaining two pre-season games.

Don’t be shocked if they win both remaining games and end the pre-season 8-0. Irrespective of the result the United Center will be sold out on opening night to watch the return of the team (to title contenders) against the defending champions the Miami Heat.

Can’t wait to see Derrick Rose going all cylinders against the Heat!