Chicago Bulls Preview 2014
By Ronald Agers
Oct 20, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Now that we have discussed the best case scenario, let’s flip the script. What’s the worst case scenario for the Chicago Bulls this season?
1) Derrick Rose goes down with injury…again.
Let’s be clear here. I am a believer that karma can be spoken into existence. None of us wants this to happen. The Chicago Bulls are a better team to watch when Derrick Rose is on the floor healthy and playing at 100%. We are all affected (writer included) when Rose is playing at a MVP level. He makes this team fun to watch. When he’s hurt, well we all had it rough last year.
If Rose goes down again, the Bulls will probably make moves. There are already rumors floating that Taj Gibson could be traded for a swingman if Rose got hurt. Look Pippen Peoples, the message is clear…if Rose gets hurt, so does the title chances.
2) Derrick Rose does not adjust to the team changes.
Slow down and think for a second. Has Derrick Rose ever had this much talent around him in his career? I know you don’t have to think about if he’s had an talented big man to play with in the post. That answer is an easy no.
Rose is going to have to change his game to make all of his teammates better. Gone are the days of crossing his man up and going to the basket with reckless abandon. That is not needed anymore. With all of the additions, D-Rose is going to have to show his point guard skills. If he doesn’t, this problem will come up in the postseason.
3) Tom Thibodeau does the EXACT same things as last year.
If Tom Thibodeau does not make any adjustments to his philosophies, the Chicago Bulls will struggle. We all know the routines…
–Having rookies collect dust on the bench.
–Using the same offense as last year.
–Rolling the ball to Derrick Rose and having him do everything.
–Running his players into the ground with heavy minutes.
I could go on, but if Thibodeau does not make changes from the last two years, he will be exposed…as will the Chicago Bulls.