Nov 21, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Nate Robinson (10) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 97-87. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chicago Bulls
Record (last season): 48-34
Key Addition(s): Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, Derrick Rose*
Key Loss: Carlos Boozer, D.J. Augustin
The Chicago Bulls, assuming good health, should finally be that team we all expected them to be a few years ago — they’re going to be loaded. With a myriad of frontcourt talent, sprinkled in the with return of Derrick Rose, this year could spell for another dominant Bulls squad. Perhaps one that has “enough” to make it all the way.
Thing is, with this Bulls team, they don’t need Rose to have an MVP-type season. They just need him to be good enough. With the additions of Gasol, McDermott and Mirotic, Rose won’t have to be that dominant force he was three years ago. He will have the least pressure on him than he’s had in his entire career.
That, in my opinion, is the biggest factor heading into this season.