First, lets say Ben Gordon is playing elsewhere in the upcoming season. This makes the back court a little less crowded, but even though he was not a true shooting guard, who will be the shooting guard now? This puts a lot of pressure on different players, in other roles, to step up their game. Kirk Hinrich, will fell even more pressure than he already should, to return to his form before a down season in 2007. Big men such as Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray will have pressure turned towards them to begin performing well on a daily basis. And Thabo Sefolosha may finally get his chance to show we he can do on a more regular basis.

Which leads to the question of who will get playing time in the crowded positions? During the ‘Skiles Era’ there was always players that were in the ‘doghouse.’ He seemed to prejudge players before giving them a chance, such as Tim Thomas and Dikembe Mutombo. The new coaching staff should look to give evreyone an equal chance during training camp coming up in the next couple weeks to show what they can do. Putting players in different roles during pre-season to see where they are best suited in his system. This will give players such as Thomas, Noah and Thabo a new beginning. IF everyone knows their defined roles heading into the season, they should be prepared on a night-by-night basis when and where they will be needed.

Next is trying to figure out Kirk Hinrich’s role on the team. Hinrich has been the captain and leader of this team for a few years now at the point guard position. After drafting Derrick Rose, it is apparent he is now the future of this team at point guard. Hinrich is still a young player, and would most likely not be open to the idea of being a mentor to the young Rose, especially if it comes at the lose of playing time. If captain Kirk cannot show he can preform at the level he did prior to last season, his playing time will drop.

So although there are a lot of questions heading into the season for the Bulls, the depth at each position should work itself out. It will be up to the new and inexperienced Vinny del Negro and staff to figure out the roles for this young, promising Bulls team.