Gibson is ready to step up and fill a big role for Chicago.
Coming into the season, Chicago looks very weak in terms of forwards, but one rookie seems to think differently.
Taj Gibson had a monstrous preseason, and has shown the Bulls that he is ready to come into the league as a starter. Without Tyrus Thomas on the roster, Gibson was given the green light, and will be asked to develop very quickly.
James Johnson, who was actually picked earlier than Gibson, as the 16th overall selection in the draft, has been told he might end up in the development league. He didn't prove to be very good on offense, but still forces shots frequently. His defense is sub-par as well. When you're a rookie, that's never a good combination. Chicago will most likely send him down, and wait for injuries to strike and have him at the ready.
Chicago is a young team, but they look to compete this year, and also improve next offseason in the free agency period. They have enough cap room for almost two maximum contracts, which will be used, fans are expecting at least one star, maybe two to be coming Chicago's way next year.
We aren't here to talk about the offseason though, the Bulls still have a good team coming into a brand new season, get ready for a wild season, the Bulls look to shake things up with their young, up-tempo team.
Derrick Rose, seems to be more comfortable after his first season.
Today the Bulls GM, Neal has made his biggest prediction in his short time with the Bulls. After joining the organization after last year, he seems to be fitting in quite nicely.
Neal predicts that second year PG, Derrick Rose will be on the all-star team. Rose is definitely an all-star caliber player, but in a star studded league, he may have his work cut out for him.
Derrick Rose averaged 16.8 PPG 6.3 APG in his rookie year. Those are amazing numbers for a rookie point guard, but if he is going to be an all-star, he will need to step it up, as we believe he will.
Rose is now the main source of scoring for Chicago, after losing Ben Gordon in free agency, be ready for the second year star to show more confidence, and start giving himself more shots.
"Rose is the kind of guy who doesn't have to force his own game to look good, and can make others score at the same time. When you look for someone to run your team around, he is the perfect fit. If he's not an all-star this year, there is something wrong with this league.", Neal said in his interview.
Role: Starter - Star of the team
Strength(s): Going to the basket, athletic ability
Weakness(s): Mid-range shooting, perimeter defense
Overall Grade: B+
Kirk Hinrich
Role: Starter - Position is guarenteed
Strength(s): Ball handling, passing, mid-range shooting
Weakness(s): Finishing, athletic ability
Overall Grade: B
Jannero Pargo
Role: Bench Warmer - Will see the floor in certain situations
Strength(s): Good shooter
Weakness(s): Decision making, defense
Overall Grade: C-
Acie Law
Role: Prospect - Needs time to develop, could be a backup for Rose
Strength(s): Speed, ball handling
Weakness(s): Mid-range shooting
Overall Grade: D+
Role: Sixth Man - Playing time will be ample.
Strength(s): Mid-range shooting, athletic ability
Weakness(s): Ball handling
Overall Grade: C
Devin Brown
Role: Bench Warmer - Will only play if we are hit by injuries.
Strength(s): Defense, finishing
Weakness(s): Ball handling, Mid-range shooting
Overall Grade: D
Role: Starter - If something better comes along, you're on the bench.
Strength(s): Mid-range shooting, low post defense
Weakness(s): Ball handling,finishing
Overall Grade: B-
Hakim Warrick
Role: Role Player - Will get plenty of playing time.
Strength(s): Athletic ability
Weakness(s): Ball handling, low post defense
Overall Grade: C
Del Negro has been fighting for respect since day one. Mission failed.
Rumors coming from a source within the Bulls organization say that Vinny Del Negro is on the outs.
Del Negro enjoyed a playoff appearance last season, but failed to advance past the Celtics, overall, it was better than expected from him. From the minute he was announced the coach, people were questioning the hiring.
With the young Derrick Rose, good coaching is important, if handled right, Rose could turn into one of the league's superstars.
Del Negro needs to have respect from his players, and he surely isn't getting any. Vinny had never coached before the Bulls, and it looks like that is a problem. There were a number of games last year where Derrick Rose wasn't in the game during clutch situations, times when you need your star in the game.
A replacement will probably come before the season, if not, they won't be hiring a full time coach, just someone to fill in.
However this plays out, it will be interesting to watch.