NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls season depends on Derrick Rose recovery

Chicago Bulls

Placing last season: 50-16 (1^st in Eastern Conference, Playoffs: First-round)

Key moves: The Bulls did very little to improve their team in the offseason and really speaking they didn’t need to. They should have figured to have a role to play deep into last season’s playoffs if not for Derrick Rose tearing his ACL in the first round against Philadelphia – an injury which culminated in their exit from the playoffs just a few games later.

The Bulls signed bit-part players Nazr Mohammed and Marco Belinelli but really speaking this isn’t going to be a season where the Bulls can reach their potential as long as Rose is out.

Challenges ahead: This is a lost season for the Bulls. As evidenced in the playoff loss to the 76ers, they just can’t go deep without the presence of Derrick Rose. Carlos Boozer is ageing badly and Joakim Noah has done little to fulfil the potential he showed in his rookie season.

Reason to be positive: Bulls fans need Rose to come back at some point this season and show few ill effects from a serious surgery. They won’t be expecting a deep playoff run but just signs of a full recovery for Rose will do wonders for the Bulls’ morale.

Prediction: 44-38 (6^th in Eastern Conference)

image: © Keith Allison

Jason Torquato

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Jason Torquato has always been passionate about sport and has played golf and tennis from a young age. In recent years, he has mostly enjoyed sport from his sofa, which has allowed him to accumulate knowledge and good understanding of numerous disciplines, with a special focus on American sports. Jason can’t fall asleep or wake up without listening to a sport podcast.