I certainly wasn't expecting to recap the Bulls' season this quickly, but the NBA is a funny thing sometimes. After a 48-34 season which gave them the fourth seed in the East and a seemingly easy path to the conference finals, the Bulls appeared ready to pounce on this opportunity. Then, the Wizards reminded them talent wins over coaching, heart and everything else when all is said and done in this league. They ousted the Bulls in five games, making their opponents only the second team to be eliminated from these playoffs.
If Derrick Rose hadn't suffered his second season-ending injury during the circus trip in November, we would most likely still be talking about what the 2013-14 Bulls have to do in their game or series. It was devastating to see the 2011 MVP put a damper on any championship hopes. The trade of Luol Deng in January appeared to signal a path closer to the draft lottery than the playoffs. Instead, the club defied expectations and refused to quit, becoming one of the NBA's best teams after the New Year. While the adjusted season ended sooner than we would have liked, there was still a roster filled with talent and achievements that made the fan base happy.
The starting backcourt was a unique duo which consisted of one player once considered one of the bigger stars on the team (Kirk Hinrich) and another player whose full potential is still being realized and will be a strong presence here for the foreseeable future (Jimmy Butler). Hinrich will never be Rose, but for the second straight year, he was forced to fill the starting spot at the point. Although he was a year older, the presence of increased offensive talent around him took the pressure to be one of the key offensive pieces off him. His scoring and shooting increased from last year and he helped the offense flow flow even when he wasn't directly responsible for the Bulls getting points at any given time.
Butler, in his first full year as a starter, thrived as an everyman and was once again able to go all 48 minutes if Tom Thibodeau asked him. On a team that lacked scoring, Butler became one of the top players on the team in that area and his tough defense forced opponents to consider him whenever they faced the Bulls. He certainly has a chance to make the All-Defensive Team in the coming years and his two-way game makes him valuable for whoever he suits up for. That he hasn't reached his ceiling yet is scary, so you have to wonder how far he'll be able to go and if that results in him winning a championship before his career is finished.
After the Deng deal, the starting forwards were two players who have called the NBA home for over a decade. Mike Dunleavy, who was initially brought in to replace the long-ball presence on the bench vacated by Marco Belinelli, suddenly had to step into a different role. Although he couldn't fully replace Deng's presence on either end, Dunleavy provided a solid lift for the team, especially in the latter part of the season. He found ways to score and this team needed a player who could do that in the worst way. Thibodeau was often criticized for leaving him on the bench late in games because he was one of the more persistent offensive threats on the perimeter. Hopefully, that will change next year if no one better can fill the small forward role.
Perhaps the most likely change to the starting lineup for next year is the absence of Carlos Boozer, who will likely be amnestied this offseason. I sometimes think he gets jumped on a little too much because he's good for a double-double on any given night. That ability made him somebody opponents had to look out for. Any team would love that kind of consistency. However, he was still called out for being a defensive liability and rightfully so. Thibodeau, the defensive philosopher, recognized this and was sitting Boozer in the fourth quarter regularly by season's end, which Boozer often didn't take kindly to. His large contract also works against him because others around the league are performing at his level at smaller salaries. If the Bulls don't use their amnesty clause on him, everyone will be left scratching their heads.
Just when you think Joakim Noah can't go further beyond his role as starting center, he always finds a way to get better. Immensely better. Better in ways you couldn't even imagine. During just this season, Noah earned his second straight All-Star berth, was named Defensive Player of the Year, might be named to the All-NBA First Team, improved his passing skills in a way not typical for someone at his position, and more or less usurped Rose as team leader. He made the offense work so well that it looked like a mess whenever he couldn't suit up. The defense locked down more whenever he was on the court and he just had a knack for the big play. His emotions also fueled the team and it inspired everybody to play better basketball. There were bonus points if it happened at the United Center because the crowd was sure to respond whenever Noah became animated or did something big. As long as he stays healthy, he might become one of the league's top players of this decade.
The bench had a good year despite a thin usage in the playoffs. Two players in particular made everyone took notice. Taj Gibson has been a key asset to the bench for some time now. His drive and athleticism made him a pleasure to watch and Thibodeau routinely looked to him to close out games. He was also a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year and if the Bulls indeed amnesty Boozer, he would most likely become the regular starting power forward. Although he doesn't reach a double-double, he plays better defense and does everything else Boozer does at a younger age and lower cost. I'll save the conversation on if he can adjust to being a starter for another day, but it's clear he's paid his dues.
When D.J. Augustin was signed after being cut by the Raptors, I made it a footnote in a post about the Bulls struggling with production at point guard, even suggesting Augustin might be a blind squirrel who finds a nut. I couldn't have predicted he'd be a fully sighted squirrel who'd find enough nuts to last through winter after next. He scored so much and dished out so many assists that he became one of the NBA's best stories of the season. The Bulls gave him a chance to thrive in a system that previously benefited Nate Robinson and C.J. Watson up top. Those two moved on for bigger salaries. However, Augustin has expressed a desire to return, so a hometown discount is not out of the question. It would be great to see Augustin continue to play well at the destination that resurrected his career. The only question is whether he's a one-year wonder or this is just the beginning of a long-term renaissance for him.
Others came off the bench as needed and made their own impacts. Tony Snell became the rare rookie to get regular playing time under Thibodeau's watch, even starting on occasion. As his minutes increase, he should get more chances to shine. We caught glimpses of his smooth shooting stroke throughout the season, but he should use the offseason to develop the rest of his game. I'm not sure what his place on this or any team will be in the future, but he has shown he belongs in the NBA. Although Nazr Mohammed wasn't called upon as much in his second year with the team, he made some key plays here and there while giving the regular bigs a breather nightly. At 36 years old, this might be the end of his career and if he decides that it is, at least he could finish it up in his hometown.
Jimmer Fredette generated a lot of buzz in Chicago when the Bulls signed him late in the year, but he mainly played garbage minutes in games already decided. He was like a younger Brian Scalabrine in terms of following and excitement expressed whenever he scored. Mike James came and went throughout the season and didn't do much, only returning when the Bulls needed to round out their playoff roster. The same could be said for Ronnie Brewer and Lou Amundson, who each played in only one game. Greg Smith was signed after the playoff eligibility period passed, so we won't get to see what he can contribute until next season.
The offseason looks to be a defining one for these Bulls. Gar Forman and John Paxson will look to address the need of a second primary scorer, which has existed longer than it should have. Even if Rose is completely healthy next season, he can't do it by himself and there's not even a guarantee that he'll be back to his old self. The Bulls will be a player in the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes and even though I have questions about Anthony's defense, he really is the best chance for this group to seriously contend for a championship. His offense is unmatched by few players in the league and the Bulls need more points in the worst way. To make it work, he and Thibodeau would have to put aside their differences as to which part of the game each focuses more on. However, with the Lakers asking permission to interview Thibodeau for their head coaching job, maybe that would be a non-issue with another coach who places equal emphasis on offense and defense. Assuming Thibodeau stays however, he needs to know you can't preach one part of the game while neglecting another, which is one of the main things that did the Bulls in this year. Anthony would probably not want that kind of environment.
If Anthony re-signs with the Knicks or heads elsewhere, the Bulls have other free agency options. Lance Stephenson would be a real difference maker as he excels in just about every main aspect of the game. Trevor Ariza brings a veteran defensive presence, occasionally solid offense and has championship experience. Or, if the Bulls feel they have a chance in the draft, they can trade up to have a better chance of landing a young scorer like Doug McDermott or Nik Stauskas. Regardless of what they do, points have to come because you don't win in the NBA without them.
Although this officially wraps up my season of chronicling the Bulls, that does not mean I will keep this blog idle. Offseason moves and stories will be plentiful, especially from now until the main free agency period. As everything unfolds, I will put it all in perspective for you. Opening Night for the 2014-15 season is less than six months away, but that's far from an eternity. Our only concern should be if the next Bulls team will be changed for the better. Keep the faith, Bulls fans. That's what keeps our interest going sometimes.
Geoffrey Clark
