Preview: Chicago Bulls 2007-08 Season

The Chicago Bulls start a new season with the same goals. But this time its bigger expectations and a bigger sense of accomplishment within the team. Last season was marked with improvement when the Bulls swept the Miami Heat in the 1st round. They look forward to not advancing once again but improving as well within the ranks. With practically the team still intact, the Chicago Bulls look into this season with younger talent and depth. Even though they might be one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are looking for experience and execution to once again rank as one of the top teams in the East or even the league.

If there is one acquisition that the Bulls have hope for is when they drafted Joakim Noah in the 9th pick of the NBA draft. A pick that was a deal between New York and Chicago with the Eddy Curry trade, the Chicago Bulls land Noah on their roster to once again built skill and talent within their young team. With Tyrus Thomas projected being on the roster, Joakim Noah is the one going to bring energy and stability to this Bulls team off the bench. With his former experience in Florida and championships held, Noah will bring his mental toughness once again and try to dominate the NBA just like he dominated College Basketball. His height and reach would not only be beneficial to the team but it will show balance on the offensive glass and defensive. He is expected to be a difference maker. With other acquisitions that the Bulls have signed and drafted are: Aaron Gray (19th pick), JamesOn Curry (21st pick) and Joe Smith (Free-Agent). They also re-signed Andres Nocioni for a multi-extension in the offseason.

With the team still practically intact(with the exception of Tyrus Thomas starting), the Chicago Bulls are looking once again to be a team of execution, speed and balance. If there is one player that is a difference maker is Ben Gordon. Ben, who led the team in points(21.4) will be looking to score more oftenly. His dribbling skills and talent will once again look to see if he has made any improvements in his game. With the ability to change games, Ben Gordon will try look if he can still be the clutch shooter. But on the other side, Kirk Hinrich will try to improve his game as well. Kirk, who led the team in assists(6.3), will try to thrive his game. His passing skills and vision is what makes this team quick and balance. His recognition is not only valuable to the team but it's necessary. Even though the Bulls had only 4 players last season who averaged 10+ points a game(Gordon, Deng, Hinrich and Nocioni), they will try to see who else can strive to become another offensive juggernaut. But if there is one thing on the positive side of the Bulls is that they were 1st last season in rebounds(43.7) and with the addition of Noah, Gray and Smith, look forward to the Bulls to once again dominate the glass this season.

But if there is one thing that makes this Bulls team good is their defense. One of the teams that allow less than 45% shooting on the field, the Chicago Bulls will look forward to step up on the defensive side. With the average height only at 6'6 and average weight at 217 pounds, the Bulls will look to over power the opposition on the defensive side. It's the way Scott Skiles(Coach) wants them to play in the course of the game. The Bulls may be on the youngest and fastest team in the league but they are one of the defensive teams in the league. If there is one thing that will keep them in games is their defense.

One important aspect of the Bulls is that they are in a tough division and an improve Eastern Conference. The East will look at rising teams such as Boston, Toronto, Orlando, etc that the Bulls will have their cut out. Eight of the first thirteen games are on the road and this is where arguably is the toughest schedule of the month. With playing teams like Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles Laker and Clippers, etc the Bulls will have a tough beginning. Not to mention their record in the West where they struggled last season. If there is a month that the Bulls can capitalize is the first couple of months, they can see how good they might be. But on the positive side, the easiest schedule may be on December and January. Combined those two months, the Bulls will play 10 teams that have made the playoffs last season. This is the schedule to make up some damage and control the stability of the team. No doubt that the middle month may be a time to suit up and see what state of mind the team is in.

The Bulls enter into this season with big hopes and expectations. With an improved East, the Bulls will need to ante up the competition. With many young teams such as Toronto and Orlando seeking for improvement and Detroit using their experience, the Chicago Bulls may be looking for a tough season. The level of competition in the East has developed and many teams(like Boston) are seeking for performance and goals. The Bulls may looking into a season with high hopes but that can change in an outcome. But with the Bulls proving that they have made the playoffs the last couple of seasons and getting experience, the Bulls will once again look into the postseason. They might not finish first in the Central division but they definitely will fight for 2nd and play for a higher position in the Eastern Conference. Look for them to make challenge in the East but don't look for them to be on top of the East. They might be the most talented team in the East but it won't be the talent that will get them there, it will be their experience.