Chicago Bulls 2009-2010 preview

General — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:01:54 +0000

Background of 2009-2010 Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls nearly pulled one of the biggest upsets in Playoff history by almost upstaging the then NBA Champion Boston Celtics. Sure, the Celtics were a shadow of their former self but some of the performances by these young Bull players were otherworldly. Derrick Rose had the best first playoff game out of any PG in the history of the NBA, and despite dropping a level after that, still had a very promising series facing up against Rajon Rondo. Joakim Noah, John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller, Kirk Hinrich were stellar throughout the series and more than stood their ground against a tough, gritty, and veteran Celtics team. One player you can’t go without mentioning is Ben Gordon. He was the star player of this team and always was ready to take the big shots when the team needed him to, and converted on a surprisingly high percentage. Losing him to Detroit was a big loss, but GM John Paxson pulled a rabbit out of a hat, or out of Europe more specifically, when he signed Jannero Pargo to the team. With Luol Deng back healthy and the taste of playoffs excitement still in their mouth, the Bulls will be hungry for more success and actually expecting it.

Bulls additions in 2010

Jannero Pargo

Bulls departures in 2010

Ben Gordon

Probably Starting Lineup for the 2009 2010 Chicago Bulls

PG – Derrick Rose
SG – John Salmons
SF – Luol Deng
PF – Joakim Noah
C – Brad Miller

Chicago Bulls Guards

Derrick Rose has had some problems off the court recently with claims that he had someone else take his SAT exam to enter Memphis University. He will need to put all that behind him and focus on being the clear leader of this team, both as a floor general and as the goto player at the end of games. John Salmons is an interesting player at the 2 spot, and is probably the most underrated shooting guard in the League. This is a guy that can and has in the past totally shutdown Kobe Bryant. He’s also quite effective on the offensive end when he really wants it. As the backup point guard, Kirk Hinrich is quite a luxury and something coach skiles probably loves to have with his knowledge of the importance of point guards. Hinrich could have been starting for many teams this year but he will instead provide backup for the 2 guard positions and be the team’s main spark off the bench. Speaking of spark, Jannero Pargo is an absolute monster when it comes to lighting it up on demand. Fans who have watched him closely in his days in New Orleans will know very well just how ridiculously hot this guy could get in the split of a second, there were times he was as effective as Chris Paul out on the floor – he won’t fill Ben Gordon’s shoes exactly but for less than 2 million dollars its as close as you’re going to get.

Chicago Bulls Forwards

There was a time when Luol Deng was regarded as a surefire All-Star, but with a combination of injuries and contract issues he has never developed into the beast of a player that he’s athletically gifted to be. This should be the season where he makes one big effort to make some noise in this league. Joakim Noah might play some minutes at the four this year after showing a better than expected all around game in the playoffs last year against the Celtics. He’s a workhorse and a player who’s hustle is contagious. Tyrus Thomas will be another energy player off the bench and should be playing large minutes at the 4 spot. He was always regarded as a player that could do wonders if his basketball IQ was higher, and we did see some flashes of that towards the end of last season.

Chicago Bulls Centers

Brad Miller is a boring but steady center for the Bulls, and there’s no risks when you’re playing with him. He’s gonna give you a near double double and knock down open shots each and every night without exception. Noah will play some minutes at the 5 too so that leaves limited minutes for reserves Aaron Gray and Jerome James to contend for – probably a good news in the eyes of Bulls fans.

Best Case Scenario for the Chicago Bulls

After witnessing a near Boston upset in the first round last year, NBA teams will be more ready for what the Bulls are capable of. If Derrick Rose progresses as a true leader, and Luol Deng finds back his star form – this team is going to give any team in the East a good scare, whoever they get matched up against. If they manage to get the 4th spot, then they can see the second round, if not then another exciting first round matchup awaits us.

Worst Case Scenario for the Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are rather lacking in big men and this was apparent even last year when lesser players such as Kendrick Perkins and even Big Baby Davis were manhandling them on the boards. Furthermore, they really lack a low post scoring option which it seems like they’ve been looking for years. They simply don’t have a decent shot to defeat any of the Big 3 when they’re healthy – but if a scenario such as last years presents itself again, they might have a chance to upset.

Bulls 2010 Outlook

A first round exit looks inevitable for this team. The important thing for the Bulls in 2010 will be for Derrick Rose’s maturity and leadership to evolve and to declare himself as a true All-Star. Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas will also be important areas of development this year and a solid showing by both those guys will give renewed faith to this Bulls organization. But without an addition like Carlos Boozer, this team will finish the season around 5-7 and see dejavu all over again.

Chicago Bulls 2010 Predictions

Record: 45-37

Surprise Player: Jannero Pargo being the Jason Terry of the Chicago Bulls

Key Player: Derrick Rose’s evolution from ROY into bonafide All-Star

That wraps up the Chicago Bulls 2009-2010 season preview and our detailed look at the Bulls in the 2010 NBA season.

NBA Basketball » Chicago Bulls