Resurgent Chicago Bulls Making Great Strides

This year’s surprising Chicago Bulls are establishing themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.  They have accomplished this while sustaining long absences associated with injuries to key players Carlos Boozer (6 weeks) and Joakim Noah (8-10 weeks?).

Derrick Rose has played himself into star status and a possible MVP choice with his consistently stellar penetration scoring, enhanced assists, and much improved 3-point shot.  To date, the team is 34 and 14.  Minus Noah, they are battling Miami for the second best record in the East.  Wow!  Rose has been sensational.  On more than a few nights he carried the team when it stalled offensively, flashing the kind of grit and determination reminiscent of that displayed by champions.

Previously, I expressed my belief they would not win another title until the owner of the team was willing to add a “star” player in addition to Boozer. While I continue to hold to that argument I am substantially impressed with what they have achieved coming up to the mid-point of the 2010/2011 season.

Much credit has to go to head coach Tom Thibodeau and his staff.  They have turned the team into a disciplined group that plays well together and whose confidence has grown considerably with increased contribution from the second unit players.  Yet, they’re still a long shot to overcome Miami or the Celtics to win the conference championship.

Admittedly, I was down on some of the players.  Bogans couldn’t make a shot.   Watkins was prone to turnovers.   Korver’s 3-pt shooting was erratic. Gibson dovetailed after a concussion.   Asick lacked most basic big-man skills; keeping the ball high when shooting and rebounding, and Thomas displayed rust from infrequent play.  But over the last 10-15 games, they have reinvented themselves and become reliable contributors by making the improvements they needed to make.  Their willingness to be coached and to embrace Thibodeau’s methods and schemes did the trick.  They respect the fire in his belly, his knowledge of the game, and his insistence on executing well as a team and playing hard on both “fences” – “D” and “Off” for a full 48 minutes.

I believe the league needs a consistently good Bulls team that can compete for championships.  No NBA team has ever achieved the global reach and adoration of the Michael Jordan led Bulls.  Fans worldwide hunger for a new chance to catch Bulls fever.  In 2007 even the great Kobe Bryant was seriously trying to become a Bull.  That should give you some indication of the awesome attraction and power inherent in the heart and fighting spirit of the Chicago Bulls and the city that loves them.

Last night’s Clippers home game in Los Angeles was full of vocal West Coast Bulls fans screaming “MVP” for Rose.  It’s unbelievable the support they receive in NBA cities outside of Chicago – unreal.

Papa GM

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