Starting Line-up:
C – Joakim Noah
Noah has bulked up 10 pounds this new season. With the added mass, he could hold his ground better against the bigs in the leagues. And with a recently developed left hand hook shot, he could well be a 12 ppg 10 rpg player for the team. But his shots are still ugly though… sorry to say that.
PF – Tyrus Thomas
This is TT’s contract year, meaning he could spiral his way up in the stats category, or simply sublime into the realms of unknown. I still think he lacks fundamental bball IQ; and I believe he is so hyped by his athleticism that he too often go for the spectacular(s) instead of the efficient decisions. Oh well, hope he improves enough to be a good trade bait… oops… haha
SF – Loul Deng
Marsh mellow Deng is in the house ! He has been injured for the most part of last season; he seemed to have lost some of quickness that has defined his role in the team. And it didn’t help him that he has bulked up in mind of posting more often against smaller SFs in the league. Another potential trade bait player for 2010 if you ask me… lolz
SG – John Salmons
John Salmons finished last season strong, especially after the trade from Sacramento. Able to play SG and SF positions, he offers versatility in the much depleted wing department given the departure of Clutch Ben Gordon. He should more that replace Gordon though, given his bigger built and better defense with somewhat equivalent shooting touch. Only thing that is missing from his game is the “clutchness” that Gordon used to provide.
PG – Derrick Rose
What’s there to say about the star player of the team ? He is projected by many to be the most improved player by the end of the season; and he should rightly be among the list to make it. He already possesses the quickness and athleticism that is second to none in the league. So if the stories about his improved shooting are correct, he would be a nightmare for opponents offensively. In addition, he is now officially the go-to guy in the team after Ben Gordon’s departure. Defensively, he should improve and that could relief some pressure from the defensive headaches that Gordon used to give.
Sixth man – Kirk Hinrch (G)
The tenacious Captain Kirk has always been one of my favorites ever since being drafted. Able to play both backcourt positions and some hard-nose defense on the wing, it is no surprise he was a catalyst for the hard time Celtics endured last playoffs. So, I think if the season turns out well for him, he could be a likely candidate for Sixth Man of the year.
Key Reserves:
Brad Miller (C)
His legs are probably gone; however, what he does provide is the experience and tutelage to the younger Fs in the team. Despite the slowness, he could still be an effective pick and pop center, which could potentially open the floor for players to slash in offensively. And who knows, he could potentially be a clutch player for the team, given his massive frame coupled with the ability to hit the 3.
Taj Gibson (PF/C)
Taj is the 26th pick from 2009 NBA Draft. He surprised many during the preseason with his array of shooting and bball IQ. However, he is still a little raw like most rookies, so he probably has to sustain through some pain in understanding his game. Nevertheless, he should provide a more than adequate replacement in the case where TT sucked.
James Johnson (G/F)
JJ is the 16th pick from 2009 NBA Draft. Although he spent the bulk of his time playing PF in college, his ball handling and passing skills makes him a potential for a future point forward role in the team. His post moves are also developed to the extent that he could see some minutes at the PF; but I reckon he should be a primary reserve for the G/F role given the lack of it in the team. He could shoot the 3s well, but he needs to develop a more consistent and reliable shoot to claim the F position. Also, one wonders when his rookie wall will show….
Jannero Pargo (PG)
Our old friend here is a “chucker”. I meant it in a mixed way. On one hand he will have lapses with his plays by shooting like he is a certain Iverson; on the other hand, he could provide instant offense and sparks when needed. If one could recall, he nearly won the series for the team at his last tenure in the playoffs against Wizards few years back. Nevertheless, he should provide some valuable offense and experience whenever needed.
Coach:
Vinny Del Negro
One year smarter and more experienced, the coach has spoken – the Defense has to improve. And in the preseason, it really seemed so; thus, we’ll just wait and see what happens. With a better defense and an explosive Derrick Rose to carry the team, the Bulls looks real dangerous on paper… on paper only…becos the ball is round… lolz.
General Manager:
Gar Forman
Gar replaced John Paxson in managing the team. John hadn’t left; he is now in a senior scouting role which he enjoys doing more. Don’t really know Gar in depth, but I do know he is a long serving employee of the organization, so he probably has more experience on how things work for the team. I will reserve my judgments for him after his next tests – Free Agents and trades from now to offseason 2010.
Presenting to you, the 09-10 Chicago Bulls !
Go Bulls !
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