Midseason Report

We've finally arrived at the midway point of the season with All-Star festivities in Orlando to look forward to. Before we see two teams battling it out to see who can get the closest to 200 points without actually reaching that total, let's take a look at how your Chicago Bulls have fared so far with a condensed schedule.

As it stands, the Bulls have a 27-8 record good enough for tops in the Central Division and half a game behind Miami for the top spot in the East. So far, expectations have been met. Everyone knew they'd be battling it out with the Heat all season long and there has been no letdown in that department. In fact, the Bulls have led the Heat for most of the way, just not lately (which all depends on your definition of that word). It's hard to imagine they'll just concede the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, so don't do that. Every victory will be earned and every loss will be seen as just a setback to what has already been a spectacular season.

Compared to his first few years in the league, Derrick Rose has not been as healthy. Injuries to his toe and back have had some fans contemplate jumping from a bridge into the Chicago River, but only for a short period. Rose is as dominant as he was last year. Maybe his scoring and rebounding numbers are down a bit, but he continues to create opportunities for his teammates as any true floor general would. He also still has that drive to the basket and the ability to navigate through traffic with no regard for his own body that has made him so beloved in the city and throughout the league. No question the Bulls' championship hopes will be resting on him. He's learned from last year and he'll at least try to improve his postseason resume.

It takes at least a couple of dominant players to be a true contender in the NBA. This season, Luol Deng has been the perfect compliment to Rose. After years of being marketed as an All-Star, he's finally made it. Someone had to step up and help the reigning MVP when he was either down or unable to get it going. Deng was it. Any team who wouldn't want Deng is crazy. He's not flashy nor does he try to make SportsCenter's top 10 plays every night. Instead, he does all the right things and does them well. The worth ethic he brings to the table is admirable and perfect for Tom Thibodeau's system. I don't know how much longer he'll be in a Bulls uniform, but he has my ultimate respect regardless. I like to think he'll make another All-Star Game or two before his time is up.

Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer have also improved this year for their own reasons. Noah has turned into an automatic double-double and Boozer has been out on a successful mission to make fans forget about the somewhat less-than-desirable season he had a year ago. When he scores at the right times, it makes everyone's jobs easier. This frontcourt will continue to improve as we get closer to the playoffs.

John Paxson said in an interview recently that he'd have to give the season so far an incomplete grade since the team has never been 100 percent healthy. Rip Hamilton has been the main reason for that. He's shown what he can do when in rhythm with Rose, but I'll have to reserve further judgment on him until he comes back. The Bulls need him for the playoffs, so I can wait.

The bench has been nothing short of spectacular this year. Even in losses, they've shown to be more effective than the starters on those nights. I could run down what every player specifically has brought to the floor, but they didn't earn the nickname "Bench Mob" for individual talent. Everybody on that bench knows exactly what his role on the team is. That's how the best in the league work. Whenever somebody has gone down, the fill-in (most often Ronnie Brewer) has done an admirable job. Depth is the name of the game here. It's not something many teams in the league can boast and it's a big reason the Bulls are where they are in the standings. Other teams falter whenever a starter goes down, but not this team. Up top, down low, in the corner and everywhere in between, there's always someone there to do what they were brought in to do.

Tom Thibodeau lives and breathes basketball. There's really no better man to lead this team. He's been rewarded for his success this year by being named the Eastern Conference All-Star coach. While he's said he'll relax on defense for that one night, defense is what makes him flow. If it were up to him, he wouldn't even have assistant coaches. He doesn't need that much advice. He knows what he's doing. Everyone in that locker room knows he knows what he's doing. His message has been received by his players and they've bought into it. Often times, a coach will be tuned out if the roster doesn't care much for him, but the religion of Thibodeau has members who do their main work in the Berto Center, the United Center and 28 other arenas throughout the country. Make him a drill sergeant and I can almost guarantee the newest Army recruits would listen to him and listen good.

So where does it all go from here? With a whole 'nother half of the season to play, there's still so much more to learn about this team. Will they find the wind necessary to secure home-court advantage throughout at least the Eastern Conference playoffs or will the compressed schedule not allow enough rest to make that possible? When will Rip Hamilton be able to show off everything he's capable of? And the most obvious question: can they beat Miami in a seven-game series? All of these answers will come over the next few months and it promises to be quite a ride. I myself intend to get to at least one game at 1901 W. Madison before it all ends because I want to be part of the firsthand experience. Wouldn't you?

Hope to see you back here on Tuesday when I recap the first second-half game against the New Orleans Hornets. Until then, enjoy this break.