Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) celebrates with teammates Jimmy Butler (21) and Mike Dunleavy (34) as they enter a timeout against the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bulls
Last Year’s Outcome: 50-32, L, Second Round
Best-Case Scenario: Reach NBA Finals
Why: Assuming that Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson can all remain healthy for an entire season, this team’s ceiling – something that they’ve failed to reach in each of the last handful of seasons, begins and ends with an NBA Finals appearance. Can they win the NBA Finals? Because they would be facing off against a Western Conference powerhouse, and because Rose is no longer in MVP form, I would have to lean no.
However, simply qualifying for the Finals ins’t a bad feat. The question with the Bulls always has been, and will continue to be, healthy. If this team can remain healthy, they’re going to challenge the Hawks, Cavs and Wizards for the best team in the conference. As we’ve witnessed during the last three seasons, that’s a big “if.”
Worst-Case Scenario: First Round Playoff Exit
Why: I would have a hard time seeing the Bulls not making the playoffs, even if they had a horrendous season. While I’m not a big proponent of predicting injuries, even if the Bulls remain healthy, I could see a scenario where they could get bounced in the first round.
While I don’t like predicting injuries, I’m also not going to just assume Rose is going to return to his former MVP form. I don’t believe he ever will, unfortunately. And what if Noah doesn’t bounce back from a poor season? There’s an argument to be made that this Bulls team is closer to not making the playoffs than they are to winning an NBA Championship.
What Will Probably Happen: Second Round Playoff Exit
Why: I would absolutely love this team if last year never happened. I believe the window closed for this current core last season. If they were going to make the NBA Finals, it was last season. And if it weren’t for an injury to Pau Gasol, they just might’ve.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers