I think the Bulls are getting slightly overlooked right now, but they kinda deserve it after they fizzled out last year.

Boozer is supposedly back and healthy. Apparently he's lost some weight too. The Bulls need 20/10 Boozer to have any chance of beating Miami.

Hamilton should provide the extra scoring weapon at the two that they desperately needed in last year's playoffs. I do wish we had a three point shooter to spread the defense a little more for Rose. But I wouldn't be surprised if Thibs tells him to step back and shoot the three a little more often, like he did with Lu last year.

People forget Rose was playing hurt in the playoffs last year. Definitely a step slow. But his explosive, aggressive style makes him kind of injury prone. Obviously the Bulls can forget about a title if he's not at full strength.

Still have alot of quality depth. Asik and Gibson are as good of a backup 4/5 combination as you'll find. Watson, Brewer and Korver are solid in their roles as well.

Overall, I like the Bulls to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals. If healthy, I think they can take Miami to six or seven hard-fought games, but I'm not sure if they can win.

I sure hope Rip has some life left in his game. If he can be a legitimate scoring threat, he makes the MVP and the Bulls that much tougher. Boozer has got to play better than he did last year. This team is deeper than most and should be able to handle the condensed schedule as well as anyone. If they are healthy and playing to potential, I'll take my chances in a 7-game conference finals against the Heat.

[This message has been edited by Dr. Cub, Esq. (edited 12/20/2011 1:15p).]

Bull are definitely my East team but I haven't been following all of their roster moves. Is Noah still there or did he pick up a contract in Europe?

Noah is still there.

Assuming they can stay healthy, I think one of the biggest questions facing the Bulls this year if they can score in the fourth quarter against Miami when:

Lebron is guarding Rose
Wade is guarding Hamilton
Battier is guarding Deng

Who's going to hit the big shots down the stretch?

I wasn't happy to see Battier head to Miami. He is an excellent defender and will cause Deng fits. Boozer will have to step up in that scenario. At least Rip adds a dimension that we didn't have last year. Or at least we hope he does.

Pre-season game on League Pass now. I'm flipping over during breaks in the Blackhawks game.

quote:

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ESPN News - Chicago Tribune: Reigning MVP Derrick Rose agrees to 5-year, $94 million extension with Bulls

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OH HOW I'VE MISSED THE TURKISH HAMMER.

In all likelihood it will be Chicago and Miami. But don't sleep on the Pacers.

Damn. I figured they would have league pass for free for pre-season. They have usually made the league pass available for the first week of the season in past years. I really want to see this game.

It's on the League Pass.

I know. But I'm not buying league pass this year. I don't have access to it unless i spend $179.99. That's what I was saying, it's usually free at this point in the year.

It IS free until January 8th, I think. I know it's free now because I'm watching it and I don't buy the League Pass.

Hmmm. Weird. I guess Time Warner doesn't offer it? That wouldn't make sense though. Oh well.

I've got Dish.

[This message has been edited by Dr. Cub, Esq. (edited 12/20/2011 8:22p).]

Ahhh. Provider shouldn't matter though. I'm on the phone with TW right now.

Dammit. TW doesn't offer preseason games. The free trial doesn't take place until Christmas. Sucks to suck.

Team is looking good. If Rip can play like this all season, look out Eastern Conference.

Agreed with Ital on the Pacers. They are a scary bunch. Played the Bulls real tough in the first round last year. Added David West in the offseason. I think they might still be one piece away from contending for the East, but I don't want to play them.

Rose: 9 assists in 28 minutes. Could see his assist numbers go up with Rip in the fold this year. He and Boozer combined to go 17-29 from the field tonight.

The bulls have a good team this year. They got exactly what they needed to get this offseason with Hamilton coming in to play the 2 guard. This season will come down to boozer. Does he play like he did last year or does he step his game up and play like he did at utah. Also noah needs to develop a better inside game and stop taking so many jumpers from the FT line.

STICK IT UP YOUR ASS, KOBE!

D-Rose baby! In Kobe's house!

Oops.. to Golden State.

Very sloppy and uninspired performance last night. Golden State came to play. They deserved the win.

I'm excited about the game against the Clippers tonight. Not sure if we will win, but it should be entertaining at the very least.

9:30pm on NBATV

Also on WGN. With Stacey King calling the action.

You watching this, Deluxe?

Wow, what a finish by the Bulls. DRose was getting the MVP chants at the Staples Center.

D Rose is king of Staples Center this year. A game winner on Christmas and 29-16-8 tonight.

Very nice win. Pleased to go 3-1 on the roadie to start the year.

Nice to see us knock down some open jumpers in the fourth. I also really liked how we went to Rip after our offense had kinda stagged in the third quarter. It was nice to see him go to work on Williams and take the burden off Rose.

Still like the clips but man, they really need another big to play behind Deandre.

Bulls up 54-28 at the half over Memphis.

84-44 end of the 3rd.