Rip's Debut

Bulls fans finally got to saw two highly anticipated things on Tuesday: basketball at the United Center and Rip Hamilton's first game in a Bulls uniform. The newcomer, winner of championships on both the college and the pro level, did not disappoint in the Bulls' 93-85 victory over the Pacers. With only one preseason game to show himself off, all Hamilton did was knock down his first two shots in impressive fashion en route to a 13-point, six-assist evening. In a preview of what is expected to be a dominant backcourt in Chicago for the next few years, Derrick Rose added 12 points and nine assists of his own. Having Hamilton as a partner should increase Rose's assist total during the year. Don't be surprised if he's among the league's leaders in that category at the end of it.

Luol Deng and Ronnie Brewer had respective performances of 14 and 11 points, but what about Carlos Boozer? Everyone was talking about Hamilton afterward, but also Boozer. Why? He led the Bulls with 24 points, looking very confident out there on the floor. I've made note on how he's appeared to have slimmed down and so far, that's working out. When the real games begin, the Bulls will need him to keep it up as well as stay healthy. His inability to do either was a factor in last year's playoff loss to Miami. It also had to have been a factor in the Bulls' need for a two-guard to compliment their MVP, so any major production out of Boozer this season would be a huge bonus.

Though the offense worked like a well-oiled machine most of the night, the final quarter saw poor shooting from bench players and even some of the starters, resulting in only 15 points in that frame. While the Bulls' bench is undeniably deep, the players you see there are really only around to give the starters a breather and play whatever role has been designated to them. It's true for any team, but this Bulls team especially. That was another factor in the Miami defeat: the Bench Mob going cold at the times least affordable. Rose-Hamilton-Deng-Boozer-Noah is a strong group, but they can't be counted on for everything. Taj Gibson and to a certain degree, C.J. Watson, are the only players who usually come off the bench and have consistently solid performances. Everyone else is hit-or-miss. Let's hope this changes as the season progresses.

In the event I don't think of anything to say between now and the season opener in LA, have a Merry Christmas and I will definitely try to write something after opening my presents and spending the day at my grandmother's.