I wrote earlier this summer about the Bulls' rumored (and factual) pursuit of Carmelo Anthony. I thought that would end up being a waste... what they gained in points on offense they'd lose in defense and leadership.
Kevin Love would have added nicely to the mix, much more so than Anthony. At what price is anyone's guess at this point, and he never seemed too have the Bulls strongly on his radar anyway.
Now the Bulls have Pau Gasol, a proven winner and skilled passer. Gone is the decidedly un-clutch Carlos Boozer.
Athletically gifted Jimmy Butler is still around.
We have Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott to join Mike Dunleavy on the wing, even if their wiry frames cause defensive expectations to be fair at best.
Joakim Noah is fresh off a season of massive growth, becoming quite the passer himself.
Gritty Kirk Hinrich is back to support the point guard position. Former scoring threat Aaron Brooks also adds point guard depth.
Then there is the so-far-acclaimed return of Derrick Rose. His performance in the FIBA World Cup.
Chemistry matters. Leadership matters. I don't think that the LeBron-Love Cavs are nearly the threat that they appear to be on paper unless, and until, their rookie coach proves himself. The Heat get only as far as Dwyane Wade's health will take them, although I think coach Erik Spoelstra will carry them to a better record than LeBron's squad. The Pacers are without their star Paul George for the next season. Let's see how well they handle this Rose-like situation.
Only aches and pains would derail the San Antonio Spurs, as with any team. Adding a 34-year-old fresh off an injury-plagued season puts the Bulls at a comparable risk. But the core of their team is unchanged; they have promising youth; a former MVP; and defensive chops to match up with any team. This team can make the Finals.
Bring on the fall!
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