Fansided

NBA: The 8 Eastern Conference Teams Making The Playoffs

By Carlos Nazario

Oct 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) smiles during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) smiles during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
NBA: Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose
Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chicago Bulls (59-23)

For the last four seasons, the Chicago Bulls have had the best defense in the NBA. On offense, however, they left a lot to be desired. Derrick Rose was their offense, and figuratively, he could not bear the weight of the entire offense on him.

Rose has played in just 10 games over the course of two seasons with two knee injuries. He looks to be fully healed and going for it this year.

This time, though, Rose will not have to bear the brunt of the offense. He has help.

The Bulls made a run at Carmelo Anthony, but he had 124 million reasons to stay in New York.

The Bulls then went out and signed Pau Gasol. While Anthony is a superb offensive force, Gasol probably fits the Chicago structure better. He can pass and score out of the post, which makes the Bulls’ frontcourt with Noah, Gasol and Taj Gibson very formidable.

The Bulls also purchased the contract of the highly touted European player Nikola Mirotic, and traded in the draft to pick up super shooter Doug McDermott.

Add shooter Mike Dunleavy, a maturing Jimmy Butler and Aaron Brooks and suddenly the Bulls have a well-balanced offense that can put up some points. With the shooters opening up the floor, Rose now has space to operate. He can drive if he wants to, or can have the confidence to dish the ball to a shooter.

So the Bulls add to their offense without hurting their defense? That is a recipe for success that the fans in Chicago are hoping to taste.

More from FanSided

Home/Atlanta Hawks