Predicting the final records of each NBA team
By Brad Rowland
Chicago Bulls
Welcome back, Derrick Rose.
Quite obviously, the former MVP is the “key” to anything in the way of projecting what the Chicago Bulls might be this season. Somehow, the Bulls managed to win 48 games last season with Rose only seeing the court for 10 contests, and if Rose can approach anything near his pre-injury form, Chicago will be in fantastic shape. For me, it seems to aggressive to project a 100% return from the now 26-year-old Rose, but he seemed to knock off rust during the FIBA World Cup, and it is impossible to overstate the impact that his presence can and will have on the putrid Bulls offense from last season.
Aside from Rose, there is plenty to discuss. The Bulls made a sizable investment in their frontcourt depth, adding both Pau Gasol and rookie Nikola Mirotic to a group that already includes Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, and that should provide insurance for the inevitable (but minor) regression from Noah after a breakout season. On the wing, Jimmy Butler has trouble connecting with the basket (28.3% from 3-point distance last season), but he is an excellent defender, and the duo of Mike Dunleavy and rookie Doug McDermott should help to stretch the floor for Rose’s penetration and their quartet of active big men.
The projection below clearly banks on a strong performance from Rose, but if, by some miracle, Rose returns to MVP form, Chicago could make a serious run at 60 wins given the depth and talent on this roster. The Bulls were difficult to watch offensively last season, but they will always defend as long as Tom Thibodeau is upright, and the offense should be much more pleasing to the eye and the soul this season.
Projected Record: 55-27, 2nd in East