POINT GUARDS
Kirk Hinrich / Chris Duhon / Jannero Pargo
SHOOTING GUARDS
Ben Gordon / Eric Piatkowski / Eddie Basden
SMALL FORWARDS
Luol Deng / Andres Nocioni
POWER FORWARDS
Tyson Chandler / Othella Harrington / Malik Allen
CENTERS
Eddy Curry / Antonio Davis
Kirk Hinrich / Chris Duhon / Jannero Pargo
SHOOTING GUARDS
Ben Gordon / Eric Piatkowski / Eddie Basden
SMALL FORWARDS
Luol Deng / Andres Nocioni
POWER FORWARDS
Tyson Chandler / Othella Harrington / Malik Allen
CENTERS
Eddy Curry / Antonio Davis
2004/05 : 47-35, 2nd Central
Key Additions : Nil
Coach : Scott Skiles
Strengths : This Chicago Bulls roster is strong all over the court. Gordon and Hinrich are dangerous from the perimeter, Deng gives them a pure athlete who does a bit of everything, whilst upfront Curry, Chandler and Davis combine to give them a good mix. Role players like Duhon, Harrington and Piatkowski all bring different intangibles which helped the Bulls charge into the finals after a terrible start to last season. With Eddy Curry all but resigned, the Bulls have managed to keep their entire core together. This stability should allow Coach Skiles to further mold this team into an Eastern Conference threat.
Weaknesses : Eddy Curry brings many question marks this season. Will his heart condition affect his play? Will the fact he missed out on the big dollars cause conflict? I believe both will have a negative impact on this ball club, combined with his laziness on the defensive end. With Piatkowski's game fading to near nothing, the Bulls do lack shooters. Ben Gordon is streaky, and he is the only player outside Hinrich to provide a threat outside the arc. This can lead to a young team panicing a little on offense.
Key Player : 6th man of the year, Ben Gordon, again will be called upon to spark the Bulls offense. Chicago lack a legitimate 20ppg player, and will rely on Gordon with his multi dimensional offense. More consistency from the perimeter will make Gordon nearly unguardable. His 4th quarter antics were a real highlight, an amzing feat for a rookie.
Overview : For this team to improve, it needs to come within. Hinrich, Gordon, Chandler and Curry will be asked to step up their game to another level, or face the prospect of being swallowed up by the ever improving Eastern Conference. The status of Curry is a concern, but they do have solid depth to cover his many lapses. Tyson Chandler was rewarded this summer with a large contract. He must repay their faith with a more consistent game. If Coach Skiles and the veterans on the Bulls roster can keep in the ear of the Bulls youngens, look for the Bulls to repeat their effort and finish mid playoff seeding. In such a tough division though, they could easily slide to 7th - 8th seed.
Win Range : 43-48 wins.