Pippen Ain't Easy
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2017 NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics, Game 1 Outlook

By Michael Whitlow

Feb 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives on Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives on Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dwyane Wade, SG, Chicago Bulls
Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA;Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reaches for a loose ball during the second half of the Boston Celtics 100-80 win over the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Player to watch for the Bulls (not named Jimmy Butler): Dwyane Wade

Hey, believe me … I hear those that say, “This could be the series for Nikola Mirotic to break out and show why the Bulls should re-sign him this summer.” I whole-heartedly agree with that.

(I’d also listen to “Rajon Rondo is back with his former team that made him who he is today. He’ll be motivated to perform, too.” I agree with that as well.)

But, there’s another reason why the Bulls brought in Dwyane Wade other than they thought this “Three Alphas” thing was going to work (which, it was never going to) and that he’s from the Chicago area.

Wade’s been of the greatest players in this generation and where he’s built a lot of his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career is in the postseason. The man does have three rings after all.

He’s not The Flash that we saw in the 2006 NBA Finals that basically carried the Heat to a title. But, Wade is still one of the best crunch-time shooters in the game and when your team needs a big shot to go down, he’s a guy that can step up and throw a dagger or two.

The Bulls need to set the tone early in this season and set in a sense of confidence and belief that they can win not only the opener, but the series. Wade’s the kind of veteran that can do just that.

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Player to watch for the Celtics (not named Isaiah Thomas): Al Horford

Joakim Noah’s partner in crime in the front court at The University of Florida a decade ago is the choice here for a few reasons.

For one, Al Horford probably has a sense of redemption on his mind. Horford and the Atlanta Hawks were the top seed in the Eastern Conference after the best season in franchise history and got swept out of the postseason by LeBron James a couple years ago. Coming back to this postseason and Horford’s on the team with the top seed again.

Two, the Bulls have absolutely bullied the Celtics on the boards this season. Horford’s not an elite rebounder by any means, but he and the rest of Boston’s front court depth must rebound the basketball in this series. It’s an absolute must for them.

Three, Horford’s a knockdown shooter from 17-19 feet. If he can pull Robin Lopez and Cristiano Felicio from the basket, that’ll open up lanes for cuts and offensive rebounding opportunities for the Celtics.

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