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
10. Chicago Bulls
Key Additions: Bobby Portis
In a scenario that consists of the Chicago Bulls winning the NBA Championship, a lot of things have to go right for Derrick Rose and company – even more than went right for the Golden State Warriors last season, if that’s even possible.
Speaking of Rose, he HAS to get through an entire season healthy – no setbacks, no “soreness.” Nothing. And the same has to be the case for Joakim Noah who, by the end of last season, looked like a shell of himself. Without those two things, the Bulls don’t stand much of a chance to win the championship.
But that’s not all.
The Bulls need health, and also need Jimmy Butler to take another progressional step this season. Assuming Rose doesn’t return to his former MVP-self, the Bulls are going to need Butler to be more assertive when the games matter most – something that he struggled to do at times last year in the playoffs.
If Chicago can do all of those things, they’ll be well on their way to potentially winning the NBA championship. I just have my reservations about their ability to do so, however.
Next: Miami Heat