366 days is a long period to reflect on. Yet somehow, people always take the time at the end of the calendar year to do it. Not wanting to be left out, I've decided to reflect on what these past 12 months have brought our Bulls.
Many times in sports, a team's fortune takes a 180 between the days the ball drops in Times Square. While I wouldn't say that describes the Bulls in 2012, we've had expectations take a bit of a dive. In the beginning, the Bulls were going full steam ahead to win home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. They were able to do it with amazing depth and tough defense. No Derrick Rose? No Rip Hamilton? No Luol Deng? No problem. The Bench Mob kept the team first in the conference to the end of the regular season. While the reigning MVP and the other starters nursed various injuries to keep healthy for the upcoming playoff run, others held down the fort. It was the beloved Bench Mob that kept things looking up. The group of Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, C.J. Watson, Taj Gibson, Omer Asik, Jimmy Butler and the beloved Brian Scalabrine made the price of admission to the United Center worth it more times than not.
Better yet, much of the country was getting behind this bunch. They were going to return to the conference finals and maybe even knock off Miami this time. It'd be tough, but this group could be very dangerous when it was on. Once the playoffs began, everyone figured the first two rounds would just be appetizers to prepare for the inevitable rematch with the Heat that was sure to come after. But my oh my, how things can quickly change.
The championship run ended before it could pick up any steam. Derrick Rose, after a less-than-healthy regular season, tore his ACL at the end of the first playoff game with Philadelphia. The air and excitement were sucked out of Chicago with a straw. All anyone could think about was a lost opportunity and what would become of this hometown hero. Then, when Joakim Noah badly sprained his ankle two games later, all bets were off. That precious home-court advantage the Bulls had worked so hard for all year proved for naught as the 76ers bounced them in six games.
Realizing the Bench Mob didn't provide as much depth as previously though, Gar Forman and John Paxson let most of them go. Gibson and Butler were the only to survive. It might have helped if they paid Asik, who has become a prolific rebounding starter in Houston and is currently one of the best in the league. Otherwise, none of the other former Bulls have really made the front office regret their decision.
As we await Rose's return, we're able to concentrate a little more on the new faces that make the current roster. Kirk Hinrich has returned after a two-year absence and leads the team in assists, though his shooting leaves something to be desired. Nate Robinson has a tendency to score and despite earlier shortcomings, Marco Belinelli has emerged as the outside threat he was expected to be when signed. Some have called for him to permanently replace Hamilton in the starting lineup, but I'll save that debate for another day.
Several things are the same or better. Deng continues to play at an All-Star level and the wrist issue has gone away. Noah keeps grabbing rebounds and is an all-around improved player whom the Bulls would be in trouble without. He's sure to be an All-Star this year. Tom Thibodeau still goes all out whenever his team plays. It doesn't always work favorably and he can be a bit stubborn, but there's no one else I'd rather have coaching this club. And of course, people are still calling for Carlos Boozer to be amnestied. That day will probably come later instead of sooner, so for now, we'll have to settle for the double-doubles that make him look better than he's actually worth.
Most amazing is that the Rose-less Bulls are in a dogfight for first place in the Central. No one believes a championship is in the immediate future because frankly, it isn't. Whenever Rose returns, he still won't be in 100 percent shape. While he returns to his groove, the team won't be at an elite level. They aren't now and that won't change with an immediate addition. For now, the Bulls have to concentrate on clinching a good playoff spot. When that's wrapped up, we'll see how far this group can go.
It's nice to leave 2012 in the distance because it means we can begin 2013 with renewed hope and optimism. Maybe this will be the year the Bulls finally get that true second scoring option to compliment Rose. Perhaps then, we'll have a team with a more legitimate chance at a title than ever before. Until then, Happy New Year and be safe tonight. See you next year!
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