Man, I agree. I predict a similar thing as last year. Last year, the Bulls didn't do much to retain their players and brought in some questionable guys only to see that the bench was still pretty good. This year, the Bulls, imo, have assembled a real nice group in the background.
It doesn't seem like the Bulls did much, again, in the off season. But what they did do, imo, they did with a lot of purpose! With DRose coming back, it was all about spreading the floor. Secondly, it was all about versatility. We've got defensive specialists at every position. Half the team can play multiple positions well.
The Bulls may need a second 'star' to be an annual favorite to win it all, but they are good enough now, imo. As much as some fans clamor for other players, the Heart that the team showed me last year was undeniable! I would go to war with these guys!!!
I think people also underestimate the maturing of the Bulls. Thibbs is obviously one of the best coaches in the NBA. Rose is still figuring out how to be a star, I mean he's not even in his prime yet. Taj is gaining 20lbs of muscle. Jimmy's looks to be very 'MJ' like, imo, defensively. If Jimmy can score too.....watch out!
Teague could be huge if he develops like Jimmy did. MDunn, imo, will be our 6th man of the year. People will look back on him, imo, and say wow.... nice pickup for Garpax. Deng can rest cuz of this. Kirk can now be a major force coming off the bench! And imo, Snell and Murphy look very promising so far.
If we can roll into the playoffs with our full crew and healthy, I don't care who we play! The Bulls are going to treat the Heat like the Pistons when they finally overcame them, and I think it's this year!