Chicago Bulls 2012/13 Player Preview

The signed contracts and (nearly) exhausted cap space indicate the roster is essentially set for the 2012/13 season. While most Bulls fans, including myself, have been left confused, frustrated, and even angered by management’s offseason decisions, it now serves little purpose to dwell on the past and identify what could have been better options. Sure, the most effective bench on the winningest team of the past two years didn’t need to be dismantled, but the damage and subsequent reconstruction has been done. A more productive (albeit still speculative) discussion involves an assessment of each player scheduled to suit up for Chicago in October – or in Derrick Rose’s case, January… we hope.

The premise/framework of this assessment is simple and piggy backs off segment 1 of The Bulls Show: Episode 10. Each player currently on the Bulls’ roster has been categorized below strictly based on my basketball expectations for the upcoming season without much regard for the finances. In other words, these are actual “basketball decisions” unlike Gar Forman’s empty promise back in June.

The 3 categories range from low, signaling an anticipated drop off in effectiveness and/or productivity, to high, where the specified player should perform at an improved level compared to his prior season.

EXPECTATIONS: HIGH

Despite the premature passing of the beloved Bench Mob, Bulls fans should feel optimistic about some returning members and a few new additions to the team.

• Taj Gibson – Gibson is a potential cornerstone of this franchise if the Bulls are able to sign him long-term. He should make the proverbial leap this year and prove himself as one of our best 2-way players only behind Luol Deng. Gibson had already earned the reputation of a defensive workhorse, but he demonstrated an increase in offensive output during last year’s playoffs. As long as Gibson continues his relentless attacks to the rim and develops a more consistent jumper, he could establish himself as a well-rounded, upgraded version of Carlos Boozer without painted hair. Gibson also spent a portion of his summer on the USA-select team. The experience of competing with and against the NBA’s top-level talent on a daily basis should translate into a more confident and improved Gibson come opening night.
• Jimmy Butler – The sophomore appears poised to make a considerable improvement this season after a successful and aggressive showing at Summer League. Although I wouldn’t put too much stock in Summer League given its minor league vibe, the stars are still aligning for Butler this season. He should be receiving major minutes off the bench with the departure of Ronnie Brewer, but more importantly, he’ll actually have practice time to develop his craft. Last year’s lockout-shortened season forced unpolished rookies like Butler to spend more time observing games from the sidelines rather than getting reps at the Berto Center. Regardless, Butler did establish a solid foundation last year and showed plenty of promise during his abbreviated stints – most notably at Madison Square Garden checking Carmelo Anthony.
• Kirk Hinrich – I’m likely in the minority to set high expectations for the repatriating Bull, especially after the structuring of his contract has caused quite the uproar. However, I am confident that Captain “Stopgap” will rejuvenate his career under Thibs’ system. No, Hinrich is not worth his $3.9 million salary over two years and I’m possibly overstating Thibs’ coaching ability, but the combo guard fits the grimy identity of this Bulls team. At the very least, he’ll be a serviceable point guard while Rose is out and present a defensive “annoyance” (?). Although his last two years witnessed a significant decline, fans should consider that Hinrich was often injured during this period and spent his exile in toxic wastelands. It’s unfair to expect any player to flourish in environments where the team tunes out its coach or predominantly executes an isolation-based offense.
• Marco Belinelli – Belinelli is perhaps somewhere between a more dynamic Kyle Korver and a homeless man’s Ben Gordon. As a streaky and irrationally confident gunner, Belinelli should provide consistent offensive firepower off the bench that we haven’t seen from the 2 guard position in recent years. He can handle the ball and will not be relegated to only jump shooting. While Belinelli’s defense does leave something to be desired, in Thibs we trust. The head coach’s defensive schemes can be a quick remedy for such deficiencies.
• Nate Robinson – My high hopes for the “Mini Mamba Era” have already been well documented, so I won’t rehash the position in this space. Just keep in mind that such a positive outlook must be taken within the proper context. Robinson will bring value to this team, but only as the 12^th man, bench mascot & sparkplug.

EXPECTATIONS: INDIFFERENT

A projection for the following players is virtually unrealistic when their minutes will be limited, if not non-existent:

• Rip Hamilton – The jury is still out on whether Hamilton can stay healthy for extended periods during the season. Rip’s frequent lack of participation in 2012 suggests the injury-prone masked man won’t be much of a factor again. His poor shooting during last year’s playoffs when he was presumably healthy was just as discouraging. Moreover, the effectiveness of Hamilton is difficult to gauge when he may become Tracy McGrady in a matter of weeks.
• Nazr Mohammed – Our 4^th big man and 14 year veteran is expected to play a Kurt Thomas-type role without the intensity or intimidation. Without these intangibles, Mohammed remains a marginal offensive upgrade from Omer Asik in terms of points per game and free throw shooting. However, slightly higher offensive numbers compared to Asik doesn’t say much and won’t compensate for the significant loss in defensive prowess. Barring injury, expect Gibson, Boozer, & Noah to assume the majority of responsibilities around the rim.
• Marquis Teague – A disappointing Summer League and the addition of Nate Robinson imply that Teague will see very little action during his rookie campaign. Teague falls to 3^rd on the point guard depth chart even with Rose inactive. If anything, expect Teague to get some run in the D-League during the year unless Robinson drastically underperforms.
• Vladimir Radmanovic – The most surprising (perplexing?) signing of the offseason should become synonymous with “Garbage Time.” Expect Radmanovic to only make appearances during the waning moments of blowouts. Radmanovic’s most productive efforts may come off the court if he can use his Serbian roots to convince Nikola Mirotic to leave the Euroleague and join the Bulls next year.

EXPECTATIONS: LOW

Sadly, the lowest of expectations are reserved for our four most important players:

•  Joakim Noah – The finger pistol-wielding big man continues to experience the lingering effects of the gruesome ankle injury he suffered during last year’s playoffs. Although Noah is expected to fully recover by training camp next month, the severity of the injury was highlighted by his absence from the 2012 French national team. As a result, Noah may have spent the majority of the offseason rehabilitating instead of expanding his game. Missing the Olympics also prevented Noah from playing at the highest level of international competition. The benefits of this experience would have likely carried over into the NBA season.
• Carlos Boozer – Nothing suggests that the Bulls’ starting power forward will increase or even maintain the same level of productivity from last season. First, Boozer amazingly played every single game during the year, which deviates from his history of health. Since his rookie year, the 10 year veteran has played more than 75 games during a season only twice. Therefore, Boozer’s impact should already decrease based on his anticipated number of games alone. In a more distressing observation, Boozer has always thrived with the assistance of an explosive point guard. Boozer’s best years featured him as a pick & roll tandem with Deron Williams in Utah. During the past 2 seasons in Chicago, Boozer took advantage of the space created for open jumpers and offensive rebounds by a penetrating Derrick Rose. It’s safe to assume that Boozer won’t have these same opportunities with the lesser skilled Hinrich running the point for the majority of the season.
• Luol Deng – The Bulls’ ironman recently came under scrutiny for his decision to forgo surgery on his injured wrist until next offseason. Consequently, Deng will be playing hurt throughout the year and may have previewed his limited capabilities during the Olympics. In 5 games with Great Britain, Deng shot an abysmal 31.4% from the field while enduring a 1-4 record. While Deng represented the host country with pride, he also carried the burden of playing extensive minutes. Health and fatigue remain a glaring concern with Deng, who may not receive enough rest & recuperation to prepare for the upcoming season.
• Derrick Rose – Technically, the former MVP could default to the “indifferent” category given his injury and uncertain return. However, the focal point of the Bulls’ championship aspirations warrants a more distinct (negative) outlook. Assuming Rose does play basketball this season, his resurrection will be a long-winded transition. Rose’s reintegration to the team will likely lag due to rust and hesitation. We can expect him to return to the court tentative while he learns to trust his rehabilitated body. According to medical “reports“, athletes generally require up to 12 months to fully recover from an ACL tear and regain their original form. Therefore, it’s somewhat unreasonable to believe Rose will play anywhere close to his explosive self this season after suffering the injury only in April. While the Bulls leader and superstar will inspire and relieve the city upon his return, I am pessimistic Rose will have enough time and confidence to lead this team to their 7^th title in 2013. As a die-hard fan and season ticket holder, I hope I’m proven wrong.

Most fans agree that the Bulls have significantly downgraded their roster by sacrificing their depth for financial savings. However, the team’s title hopes still hinge primarily on their core 4 rather than their bench. Without expected improvements from their starting frontline (Boozer, Noah, Deng), and the questionable health of Rose, the forecast looks bleak for Chicago.

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