'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The core players have played together for three years, developing a strong team chemistry that is unrivaled throughout the rest of the league. In addition, they play smart, having two completely underrated passers in big men Boozer and Noah, and are all able to play strong individual defence when needed too.
They have strong defensive bench players such as Taj Gibson and Nazr Muhammed. The emergence of Jimmy Butler during the middle of last season as a capable shooter and even better defender helped make up for the absence of Luol Deng while he was injured.
The 2013-2014 Bulls will have a starting line up of former MVP Rose (who I would argue still hasn’t reached his prime), defensive specialists and decent three-point shooters Luol Deng and Jimmy Butler, and an excellent rebounding and defensive big man duo in Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.
Derrick Rose
I disagree with what anyone else says; no other starting five can play at the same level of offence and defence as a team.
The few offseason acquisitions the Bulls made will make up for their losses and more. While Nate Robinson came through for Chicago this past postseason, the return of Rose lessens the impact of his departure and second-year player Marquis Teague has been turning heads at the Las Vegas NBA summer league with his outstanding play.
The departure of Marco Belinelli will also sadden some Bulls fans as his perimeter shooting and clutch play during the past season will be missed. However, the arrival of Mike Dunleavy should more than make up for the loss of Belinelli’s three-point shooting.
Dunleavy shot an eye-popping 43% from behind the arc last season and will keep opposing teams honest when he’s on the court. Rookie Tony Snell will add depth to the Bulls roster with his versatility (he can defend both guard and forward positions). The New Mexico product has showcased his talent at the NBA summer league these past few weeks, but it’s clear he still has to work on his shooting.
Overall, I expect the Chicago Bulls to be a top three team in the Eastern conference this upcoming season. They’ll clamp down defensively, and the return of Rose will add offence and excitement to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
