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Are the Chicago Bulls legitimate contenders?

By Andrew Melnick

Oct 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (center) talks with power forward Taj Gibson (second from left) center Joakim Noah (13) and small forward Tony Snell (right) during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (center) talks with power forward Taj Gibson (second from left) center Joakim Noah (13) and small forward Tony Snell (right) during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls targeted New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony as free agency opened but Anthony opted to remain with the Knicks, signing a five-year deal. That, however, did not top the Bulls After using the amnesty clause to waive veteran big man Carlos Boozer, the Bulls turned their attention elsewhere. They signed former Los Angeles Lakers’ big man Pau Gasol to a three-year, $22 million deal and inked a three-year, $17 million deal with Real Madrid forward Nikola Mirotić, convincing the talented forward to come from Spain. The Bulls re-signed Kirk Hinrich, agreed to a deal with Denver Nuggets’ free agent point guard Aaron Brooks.

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With Derrick Rose set to return from injury, the Bulls believe they are legitimate contenders to win the NBA title. Moke Hamilton of Basketball Insiders agrees.

"The combination of Derrick Rose’s return and LeBron James’ return to Cleveland gives the Bulls a legitimate shot at winning the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers should be the favorite to win the conference, but it is the Bulls that may emerge on top once it is all said and done. Obviously, that mostly depends on Rose, but the Bulls will need Pau Gaosl to do some heavy lifting, as well. In terms of raw basketball talent, Gasol is an upgrade over Carlos Boozer, but he will need to rediscover the consistency and toughness that he used to help Kobe Bryant win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Newcomers Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott will give coach Tom Thibodeau some more weapons on the offensive end. If he can figure out how to mesh their collective talents with Rose, Gasol and Joakim Noah, and if the Bulls can find a way to remain healthy over the long and strenuous season, they may emerge as the eventual Eastern Conference champions over the smaller Cavaliers, even if they do cede the Division to Team LeBron."

If Rose stays healthy, the Bulls should be able to at least challenge the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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