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How the Chicago Bulls Can Win the Title This Season

By Jacob Iden

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With the Chicago Bulls’ struggles in the last month, it is feeling less and less likely that they have a legitimate chance of winning a championship, something that seemed within their grasp in the beginning of the season. Injuries and poor play have seemed to derail this season for the Bulls and has made it feel like their chances are sinking by the day. The Cavaliers hitting top stride also has the belief surrounding the Bulls’ chances hitting a low.

With all that being said, there is still a definite possibility that the Bulls can win it all this season. Even though the Eastern Conference has been better than advertised, it is not unfathomable that the Bulls can survive and make it through to the Finals.

I definitely believe they have what it takes to win it, but there are few “ifs” that need to happen if they are to pull off an amazing run and win the championship.

 1. Nikola Mirotic Needs To Continue His Amazing Production

The Bulls have been hit hard by the injury bug this season and no one has taken advantage of these unfortunate events than Nikola Mirotic. While he is only averaging roughly nine points a game, his production has skyrocketed in the past few months with more minutes being given to him. When players start to get back for the Bulls, it is important that Mirotic keeps his minutes up because he is an absolute nightmare to defend for opposing teams and his defense has picked up dramatically since the start of the season. If Mirotic can continue to be a 20-point scorer for the Bulls off the bench in the postseason, they are going to be extremely tough to beat.

 2. They Need to Get Back to Being a Top-5 Defense

This, obviously, is a massive if because of how they have defended all year. This is the worst defensive team the Bulls have had since they hired Thibodeau. They have not grinded teams like they have in the past, and Thibs has been visibly distraught on numerous occasions during the season. They have shown flashes of being a great defensive team and their roster has the players to be a great defensive team, but they need to be much more consistent. Hopefully the return of their starting backcourt and a rejuvenated attitude towards defending will propel the Bulls back to being a top-5 defense.

 3. Derrick Rose Returns to Pre-Injury Form

This has been a big if not only in Chicago but also around the league. Derrick Rose‘s health has been such a big question mark the last few years. This season before his latest injury he was just getting back to his normal self, attacking the basket more and playing with his trademark fearlessness. After yet another injury though, it is unknown what type of production we will see from him. Without him playing at a very high level, especially in the postseason where it is so difficult to score, the Bulls could really struggle. If he can play like his old self though, the Bulls will be so difficult to guard that Rose could lead them all the way to a championship.

In conclusion, it is definitely going to be a difficult road to win it all this season for the Bulls, but if a few things fall their way it is not implausible that the Bulls could end their 17-year wait to win a championship.

Next: Grades For Chicago's Win Over Charlotte

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