So far the Chicago Bulls, currently 5-1, have had quite an unusual preseason. From key players Rose, Thomas, Miller and Salmons all missing games, to center Joakim Noah scoring 20 points in a single game, to Tyrus Thomas having 22 points and 13 rebounds in his first game back...nothing has followed suit. So what does this say about the Bulls upcoming season?
To me, it shows drive. Drive and hunger. Hunger for a better season than 41-41. Hunger to make it to the Playoffs again. And hunger to get the ring.
Last season, Derrick Rose sitting out turned stomachs of Bulls fans around the nation. Though I would not exactly call the Bulls a "one-man team", it is no secret that Rose getting drafted changed the game completely for Chicago. Along with agility, speed and incredible athleticism, Rose brought the Bulls hope and motivated them to return to the Jordan days, and be a team feared throughout the league. Obviously Rose is still one of our greatest assets and it is a joy to see him play, but at this point it is safe to say we have proved to ourselves, as well as others, that we do not need him to succeed.
Moving along to Joakim Noah, though he has always been one of my favorite Bulls players, his consistency has been questioned over and over again. I have heard people target him from everything from his free throws to his temper but I have a feeling that this year, the only type of criticism he will be getting will be on his hair. Noah, in a game against the Bucks, had 20 points and 16 rebounds, proving to everyone that he is no joke, but instead a killer threat. In a post-game interview Noah made it clear he now understands his role more than ever: "I understand my role is always going to be the energy guy, try to get offensive rebounds, try to get extra possessions for my team. If I can add like a hook shot or something, especially at end-of-the-clock situations, I think that can help the team." And help the team he did. The Bulls came out 87-86, giving them yet another preseason win.
In terms of what to say about Tyrus Thomas, I almost have no words. I was actually at Friday nights game, and when I heard he was going to play for the first time since the Bulls went head to head with the Pacers during their first preseason game, I was excited to say the least. In my opinion, though his jump shots could still use a bit of work, Tyrus has gone through the biggest transformation, both physically and mentally, since first entering the league.People may have doubted him along the way, saying that he is cocky well beyond his talent, but like Joakim Noah, this year the chatter surrounding him will be anything but negative. 22 points and 13 rebounds on his first game back? Can anyone say improvement?
The Bulls will be back on Monday night facing the Orlando Magic and so far this preseason has kept me on my toes, making me wonder what is in store for Chicago tomorrow. As long as they keep up the good work though, I have no complaints. Will Brad Miller suddenly hit a handful of threes? Will Kirk Hinrich dunk? You never know with the Bulls.
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