After the courting of Carmelo Anthony that never really stood a chance, the amnesty of Carlos Boozer, the addition of seasoned veteran power forward, Pau Gasol, the capturing of rookie sharp shooter, Doug McDermott, the long awaited arrival of European star Nikola Mirotic, and 87 games without their superstar, Derrick Rose, the Bulls are finally set to open the 2014-15 regular season tonight in Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks.
And unlike the previous couple of seasons where the main questions that surrounded the Bulls were, what would it take for them to get to the next level and win their seventh NBA Championship? This season has a feel of, what possibly could derail their championship aspirations, this year?
There is no doubt in my mind that this team, as currently constructed, can legitimately compete for the Eastern Conference Championship and yes, even win the whole damn thing. But for a Bulls team that knows the sting of what a meaningful injury can mean to championship hopes, reluctance to call them the favorites in any aspect is understood.
Let the experts and annual season predictions tell it, the Bulls are on tap for the season they’ve been waiting for since 2010.
Derrick Rose is re-returning. Joakim Noah has turned into a top 3 center in the NBA. Jimmy Butler seems ready for a breakout season. Doug McDermott could be the best shooter the Bulls have had since Kyle Korver. Taj Gibson is one of the best 6th men in the league. The Bulls are still lead by an elite coach in Tom Thibodeau. And did I mention Pau Gasol has replaced Carlos Boozer?
Still, I’d have to see the Bulls put it all together in order to believe it.
This Bulls season is predicated on “ifs”.
The Bulls will compete for an NBA Championship:
“If” Derrick Rose can stay healthy.
“If” Coach Thibodeau can manage his minutes and not burn his players out before the postseason starts.
“If’ players like Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, and Taj Gibson can develop into players that have to be guarded on offense when teams are looking to double-team Rose.
And maybe the most important “if” of the season…
“If’ The Bulls can beat Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Yes, remember when Lebron James single handedly shifted the balance of power in the Eastern Conference when he bolted South Beach for a homecoming in Cleveland? The road to the finals in the east still goes through King James.
Whatever team he’s playing for this year.
The Bulls are easily their most formidable opponent and with the arrival of Kevin Love to join Lebron in Cleveland, who already had a young star in Kyrie Irving, the Bulls-Cavs matchup that we’ll hear about all season long seems like the start of a rivalry that won’t go away anytime soon.
And rightfully so. If only these two teams could play each of the 82 regular season games against each other. But now is not the time when championships are won. Now is the time to develop the habits it takes to win in the postseason.
The NBA season is a marathon. Not a race.
And “if” the Bulls can consistently improve throughout the year. Something special could be in store for Bulls nation this season.
“If”.
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