The Bulls didn’t get one of the three big named free agents and the three players signing to another eastern conference team like the Miami Heat was discouraging but I have been awaken by the same people for the discouragement.

At first, the signing of Carlos Boozer didn’t seem like such a good move.  He definitely wasn’t big enough bait for LeBron to come to Chicago and at times he has brittle bones.  But, he when he is healthy, which is more than half of a season, he is a dependable 20 and 10 guy.  Plus, he is an eight year veteran who can mentor Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Actually, Boozer is the eldest player on the Bulls; he can give tips to the entire team. Also, he has playoff experience past the first round. After personal debate, I am excited to see Boozer as a Bull.

Reinsdorf has also offered Orlando Magic restricted free agent, J.J. Redick, a three year deal worth $20 million.  He hasn’t proven himself as a great player, so the contract may be a little much.  On the other hand, he has shown progress each of his four seasons in Orlando.  Redick was the only offense the Magic had in a couple of the games against the Boston Celtics in the quarter finals of the playoffs. The Bulls offer is based on potential and the player he could become, it is worth it.  He has shown he can play at the NBA level.

I GIVE THE FRONT OFFICE CREDIT. They are making the best out of a situation that looked like doomsday.  I would much rather have Boozer, Korver and Redick than the three guys that were traded for expiring contracts: Tyrus Thomas, John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich. Boozer is a man, Thomas is a little boy.  Korver is a better three-point shooter than Salmons and is more reliable to hit shots.  On the other Salmons plays better defense and unlike Korver, he can create his own shot.

I love Hinrich.  The Bulls should have traded Luol Deng and kept Hinrich, but he did have an overpaid contract they wanted to get off of the books.  Hinrich is the best backup point guard in the league.  He is a premier perimeter defender, a superb assist man and can he shoot from anywhere on the court.  The problem is, Rose is more valuable and when they traded Hinrich, so was LeBron, Wade or Bosh. Redick is bigger and is a more consistent shooter.  Plus, he has younger legs and still has plenty of upside.

The Bulls are putting together a team instead of relying on one superstar player to take the “team” to the next level.  To win a championship in the NBA, the organization has to have a team, not one guy.  It has been proven over and over again.  LeBron didn’t win in Cleveland because he didn’t have a team around him and didn’t play with what he did have.  The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers win because they have role players who know what they have to do on the court.  They perform their jobs well and let the Kobe Bryants, Paul Pierces, Pau Gasols and Kevin Garnetts of the world do what they do.

The Bulls are not at a championship level at the present time but they’re a better team than they were last year.  The summer isn’t over and the Chicago Bulls still have the money to pick up whomever they wish.

Phil Jackson has decided he wants to come back to the Los Angeles Lakers to attempt to win another championship.  This would mean Jackson would have 12 rings and four three-peats.  It is never happened in the NBA.  I love Jackson and am glad he isn’t succumbing to his injuries.

Doc Rivers is going to stay with the Boston Celtics.  He was thinking about throwing in the towel so he could spend time with his family.  Rivers has too much pride and wants to stay til the end of the big three.  Garnett is contracted to the team for two more years.  Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are free agents.  Pierce is reported to be working with the Celtics on a new contract while nothing has been said about Allen.  With their great showing in this years playoffs, I don’t see why Rivers would leave.  He still has the pieces to win another championship.

These are probably only one year returns, but one more year with Jackson and Rivers is better than none.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a gutsy move by hiring Byron Scott as their head coach.  It isn’t a gutsy move because of Scott’s ability because he is good at what he does.  The issue of course, is Lebron James.  Is Scott a big enough name for James to stay?  I don’t think he is, unless he can get Chris Paul to leave the Hornets and come to Cleveland.  Talk about interesting.  How would Lebron turn that down?

Either way,  the Boston Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau has been hired by the Chicago Bulls to replace Vinny Del Negro.

Thibodeau is well respected as a defensive master mind, helped the Boston Celtics become one of the best defending teams in the league.  Boston would never have beaten the Lakers in 2008 for the NBA Championship, if their team defense didn’t rotate and communicate like Thibodeau taught them.  It also helps that Kevin Garnett, one of the biggest mouths in the NBA, is on the Celtics.

In his 21 year coaching career, he has traveled the NBA ranks.  He began as an assistant to the expansion Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989.  In 1991, he was a scout for the Seattle SuperSonics.  He has been an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and until this years post season is over, the Boston Celtics.

Thibodeau has aided his teams to finish in the top ten in team defense for 15 seasons.  This is impressive.

The Bulls were a solid defensive team last year.  Thibodeau will help them become great.  Joakim Noah wants to play defense and showed signs of defensive brilliance this season.  Kirk Hinrich is a good perimeter defender.  Derrick Rose is quick, giving him the ability to get in front of any match up and Luol Deng has great length and hoops to block shots from the corner.

They have the skills, now Thibodeau will give them techniques.

The question I have is, how does this help Chicago’s scoring?  The Bulls scoring was a huge problem this season.  The offensive sets resulted in Ros running around and trying to drive, or they were stagnant.  Three players roamed on the perimeter while Noah and Taj Gibson got faced until they needed to get a rebound.

Maybe Thibodeau has more than one trick up his sleeve, plus,  he will have assistants and hopefully an elite talent after free agency begins.

The hire could draw big names.  Thibodeau is well known and respected.  Basketball players need to know their coach can or wants to win before they believe in the system.  Thibodeau helped win a championship in 2008 and was a part of the Knicks trip to the finals in 199 with Jeff Van Gundy, Patrick Ewing and Allan Houston.

Thibodeau should be a good coach.  Some assistants who are supposed to do well, stumble and fall.  Others coach a team to two three-peat championship run, aka Phil Jackson.  He will not reach Jackson’s level, but he could be the coach to get Chicago further in the playoffs than first round.  This would mean a better record, so they’re not the eighth seed.

On a faith level, I have 85% faith that he will help the Bulls get to the next level.  The doubts I have are on offense.  If the defense can get points off of its hard work than that doubt would be quieted.  The other doubt, is if Thibodeau is a coach the big named free agents want to play for.

Lebron James might want to be on the same team with Thibodeau instead of receiving the wrath of his zone defensive schemes.

Wade has been reported to question the loyalty of the Bull’s management.  Joakim Noah and Lindsay Hunter have been quoted in the media saying Lebron should come to Chicago.  Bosh has listed Chicago as one of his five destinations he would like to play for next year.

Then the Bulls fired Vinny Del Negro, so they’re in the market for a new man on the sideline.  Avery Johnson, Byron Scott, Lawrence Frank, Jeff Van Gundy and Doug Collins are all ex-coaches looking for a job.  ESPN has sources who say Phil Jackson has been contacted to return as the Bull’s Head Coach and University of Kentucky’s John Calipari has been in the news for the job as well.

To add a little more controversy around the Bulls is the legacy of arguably the best player to ever grace the NBA, Michael Jordan.  It has been said players would not want to go to Chicago because they would be in the shadow of MJ.  The Utah Jazz’s power forward, Carlos Boozer, who is going to be a free agent, doesn’t agree.

I like these statements from Boozer.  Actually,  it makes his resume go closer to the top of the pile as a free agent pick up.

He isn’t scared to play in the house Jordan built.  He is showing pride in himself as a player.  He realizes the 90′s Bulls were great, but why shouldn’t any other great players be a Bull?

The Celtics have won the most championships in the history of the NBA.  This didn’t scare Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett going to Boston.  The Lakers are the second winning-est franchise in history.  This didn’t stop Shaquille O’Neal or Pau Gasol to moving to Los Angeles.   This didn’t stop Paul Pierce or Kobe Bryant from signing extensions either.

If anything Jordan and Scottie Pippen created a winning atmosphere other players should love to play in.  Sure, the Bulls fell off for about ten years, but this was because of former Bull’s general manager Jerry Krause causing problems with the stars and college players with tons of potential not panning out: Marcus Fizer, Jay Williams, Chris Duhon, Eddie Robinson and Tyrus Thomas.

When a conversation about the best three point shooter in the history of the NBA is started they’re a few names always mentioned: Ex-Bull Steve Kerr (has the best career three point shooting percentage), Reggie Miller, Glen Rice, Larry Bird, Mark Price and Ray Allen.

Allen is second in NBA history for the most three pointers made; he only trails Miller.

The Bulls desperately need a solid shooter to help spread the floor and move their offensive sets that were extremely stagnant this year.  Sounds like a perfect job for Allen.

Remember the Chicago’s  first round playoff series last year against the Boston Celtics.  It was heart brake, but every Bull fan had to respect Allen for what he did to keep his team in it and eventually win the series.  He was a marksmen.  He put a team on his back that has two other players destined for the Hall of Fame.  Oh yeah,  Allen will be there too.

When he isn’t shooting, he can be a floor general.  In Boston, he has Rajon Rando and Paul Pierce who can do the same thing, but when called upon, he can drive, assist, create his own shot or simply ware out the defense because he never stops moving.  Allen is constantly moving, creating options for his team’s offensive set.

He is a leader.  During the current eastern conference finals against the Orlando Magic, he is constantly motivating his team.  He is in the ear of Rando, Glen Davis and Nate Robinson.

Allen has been around the league for 14 seasons. He knows the ins and outs of the game.

This also happens to be the problem with Allen.  In July he will be 35 years old.  He is past his prime.  His wheels are almost aired out.  Faster guards will be able to get past him with ease very soon.

Allen has been noted to be a humble guy, but what kind of deal will he be looking for?  Will he be the Allen Iverson or Tracy McGrady type who think they are never going to fall out of their elite status?  I think he knows he is at the end of his career, so I believe he would take a pay cut.

This season he is making $19.7 million.  I don’t know if any team in the NBA is going to make a huge offer like that to a 35 year old player.  Let’s face it, he has two maybe three years left.  It could be a stretch to give him three, but for some odd reason, great shooters always last in the NBA till they are in their late 30′s.

This is another question, why would Allen leave the Boston Celtics?  They’re in the eastern conference finals.  Rondo has picked up his slack.  Pierce will definitely stay.  Why not finish out your career on a winning team that you won a championship with?  I hope his answer is because he wants a new challenge.

At the age of 33 and 34 he has put up great numbers as a member of a Boston team with many options.  Two years ago he averages 18 ppg and this year 16 ppg.  He scored over 20 points 26 times this season.  26 times might not seem like a big deal, but he is on a team with five players who can put up 20 or more in Rando, Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace and Davis.

Why couldn’t he still shoot the lights out in Chicago?  Sure, he is old.  Sure, we would eat the money if his body deteriorates swiftly in the next year or two.  Sure, the Bulls would be considered geniuses if Allen signs and hits the game winning three to get the Bulls into the eastern conference finals next year. Sure, Rose and Hinrich would thank Allen for giving them some pointers on their shot and how to lead a team.

Although Allen is old, he can still play.  With age comes wisdom, something the Chicago Bulls need.  His shot will not leave him in age,  Chicago needs that too.

Allen would be a great two-to-three year option.  The Bulls would get some much needed leadership and one of the best three point shooters in history.  The only questions are the miles on his aging legs and his dedication to the Celtics.

Tomorrow Bullshome will share option number four.

It might sound silly to say Salmons since the Bulls just sent him to Milwaukee for expiring contracts on the trade deadline, but in Milwaukee he proved can be a scoring option.  In Chicago, he was inconsistent.  He goes to Milwaukee and turned their season around from not making the playoffs to gaining the sixth seed  and scaring the Atlanta Hawks in the first round by forcing a seven game series.

The Bucks did this without center Andrew Bogut, who was a legitimate top three or four center in the league.  Rookie Brandon Jennings had something to do with the Bucks hot streak, but it was Salmon’s performances that had fans saying “Fear the Deer”.

I have said before, Salmons did the same thing to Chicago.  In Sacramento he was inconsistent and not a main player for the Kings who had little to nothing with an injured Kevin Martin.  He gets traded to the Bulls and shines at the end of the season, helping the Bulls make the playoffs and give the Boston Celtics a run for their money.

This year, Chicago played the Sacramento role and Milwaukee took the place of Chicago.

If he can play at the level he has at the end of the last two seasons, for an entire season, he is worth taking him back.  Salmons could be the two guard the Bulls had and now need to get back.  Maybe they made a mistake by dealing him.

In his 30 games for the Bucks he averaged 20 ppg, shot 47% from the field and 87% from the free throw line. During his 51 games with the Bulls he averaged 13 ppg, shot 42% from the field and 79% from the line.

An argument could be made about who is on the Bucks compared to the Bull’s top scores Rose and Deng.  The Bucks have Bogut and Jennings.  Jennings creates his own shot and Bogut is a serious inside scoring presence the Bulls don’t have.  Noah’s name could be thrown in, but he scores off of hustle not set up plays.

Rudy Gay has plenty of potential.  He has averaged 18 ppg, 6 rpg and is 45% from the field in his four seasons in the NBA.  In these four seasons he has only missed 10 games; he can stay healthy.

This season he was ranked third in the NBA in minutes played, 13th in total steals, 15th in field goals made, , 16th in total points and 18th in ppg.

Gay can take it outside, a career 35% three-point shooter, or can cut through the lane and throw it down. Gay isn’t automatic from 3, but can hit when he is on.  His dashing to the basket skills can be compared to Desmond Mason and Darius Miles when they were in their prime.

The problem with picking up Gay is,  he isn’t proven.  As a player, he has never been to the post season.  He can’t be held to full blame because of the Memphis roster, but he is a team captain and is looked to help this team get better.

They do have an up and coming star center in Marc Gasol, guard O.J. Mayo and all-star forward in Zach Randolf.  Gay is the all around most talented (Randolf is one of the best interior scorers in the league) on the team,  but he hasn’t been a leader.

The Bulls need a leader.  Rose and Hinrich try, but they’re not strong leaders.  Deng doesn’t talk or play dedicated like a leader.  Joakim Noah’s play (like Rose) could define him as a leader of the team, but it doesn’t always work.

Maybe the Bulls need a player with a voice, unfortunately, Kevin Garnett isn’t up for grabs.

Also, Gay’s play is similar to Deng.  Gay has a better jump shot but all in all, they play similar styles.  This could cause a problem with the starting line up or could help the team by having a strong scorer come off the bench.

The question is, who would come off the bench?  I’d go with Deng.  Have Rudy start and then interchange them throughout games in the two and three spots.  The Bulls would then have some length.

The reason this is a tie, is because Gay and Salmons are good at what they do, which is opposite of each other.

Salmons is a shooter, Gay is more of an inside banger who occasionally shoots outside.  Gay is a better defender and Salmons is better at running offensive sets.

Gay is a better re-bounder, probably because of size and Salmons is a better set up man, probably because of his better ball handling skills.

Money wise, Salmons is making $5 mill this year and Gay $3 mill.  Both have another possible year on their current contracts offering each another million.

If the Bulls picked one of these guys up, they could still shop for other prominent pieces like true shooters in Kyle Korver, Mike Miller or J.J. Redick.  If the Bulls want to continue to build defense,  Ronnie Brewer is available.

Number ten is a tie between John Salmons and Rudy Gay.  Between these two players, would you rather have Gay come from Memphis or Salmons come back to Chicago?

Click in tomorrow for # 9 of the top 10 summer free agent options for the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago has six players on the books for next season: Luol Deng, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, Kirk Hinrich and James Johnson.  They are allowed to have 15, so there is room for nine more players.

The NBA projects next year’s salary cap to be $56.1 million.  Chicago only has $33.6 million spent, meaning they have $22.5 mill to go shopping with.

Fortunately for the Bulls, they have plenty of money to replace at least one of these empty roster spots with an elite NBA athlete and add a few strong counter parts to the young and talented nucleus all ready on the team.

Let’s start by getting rid of the free agents that have no chance of coming to Chicago.

Paul Pierce has the early termination option in his contract.  The Boston Celtics are a serious threat to win the championship this year.  He has been in Boston his entire career and is loved there.  They looked old all season, but now, look like they’re in their early 20′s come playoff time. Rajon Rondo is a superstar and will be the new face of the Celtics, but Pierce is going to stay to pass the torch.  Plus, Doc Rivers doesn’t want to disband the big three: Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

Manu Ginobili already signed an extension with the San Antonio Spurs.  There was no reason for him to leave.  San Antonio is his city and he proved he can still play and lead them to victory when healthy.

Tracy McGrady is washed up.  He had his spot as an NBA superstar taken away by injuries.  In 13 seasons, he has only played in 70 or more games five times.  He can’t stay healthy and he can’t play at the elite level he thinks he can.

Shaquille O’Neal is at the end of his career.  He is still a legitimate 12 points and 7 rebounds a game kind of guy.  This isn’t bad for a center in the NBA these days.  Shaq’s size is also a positive for a low post presence on offense and defense.  He is just too slow and will not fit in with the Bull’s offense.  Chicago likes to push the ball.

Jermaine O’Neal is at the end of his career as well.  He didn’t do anything to help Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat in the playoffs, he would be a waste of money.

Yao Ming has health injuries just as bad as his ex-teammate McGrady.  Ming is a scoring and defensive presence, but his ankles, feet and knees can’t hold up.

Josh Howard is too much baggage.  He can play, but he is inconsistent and has let off the court situations interfere with his NBA career.

Michael Redd would be a great piece to add because of his shooting.  He is one of the best pure shooters in the league but he can’t stay on the court.  In the last two seasons he has only played 51 games.  I would like to add him to the “get” list, but I don’t know how he’s going to bounce back from his injuries.

Tyson Chandler is all ready on the Bulls, Joakim Noah.  They play a similar style, except, Noah is younger, plays with more energy and can score further from the basket than Chandler.  If the Bulls get a big man, they need a scorer, not defense and rebounding.

Anybody not mentioned is up for grabs in the next 10 posts, come back tomorrow to find out who number ten is.

EAST

Cleveland Cavaliers VS Chicago Bulls- Cavs in 5

I would love for the Bulls to win more than one game or even take the series, but it will not happen.  Lebron James is just too much for the Bulls to handle.  The Bulls played a great game, but still lost game 2.  Enough said,  I’m going to pout in silence…..

Boston Celtics VS Miami Heat (three old men VS a young superstar)- Boston Celtics (old men) 4-3

This is going to be a great series.  Dwayne Wade is a superstar and will win one or two games by himself.  If he gets any help at all they will win one more and could possibly take the series.  Kevin Garnett is not the same KG we know and love, plus he is out for game two because of his elbow.  The Boston Celtics have a champion swagger.  Paul Pierce will not give up for anybody and Rajon Rondo has become a great basketball player.  I think the Celtics have too much for Wade to win the series.

Atlanta Hawks VS Milwaukee Bucks- Hawks sweep

Atlanta has a balanced scoring attack.  They have perimeter shooters in Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford.  They have physical players who will take it inside Josh Smith and Marvin Williams.  Plus,  they have the most underrated player in the NBA, Joe Johnson.  He can shoot, defend, rebound and is a good teammate.  Andrew Bogut is out for the Bucks.  With him in the lineup the Bucks could have won a few games, but not without him.  John Salmons and Brandon Jennings won’t give the team enough to get them past the Hawks.

Orlando Magic VS Charlotte Bobcats- Magic sweep

Dwight Howard is a beast.  Charlotte’s Tyson Chandler is not going to contain Howard.  The Magic are the best three point shooting team in the history of the NBA. Enough said.

WEST

LA Lakers VS Oklahoma City Thunder- Lakers in 6

Kobe or Ron Artest against Kevin Durant is the best one-on-one match-up in the first round.  Kobe is a solid defender and Artest is one of the best in the game.  Durant is the best scorer in the game.  This should be fun to watch.  The Lakers are just too good.  They have a great veteran team who are going to teach the young Thunder lessons.  The Thunder are a good team and will find enough scoring to get a couple games, but Kobe and company will win the series.

Denver Nuggets VS Utah Jazz- Nuggets in 6

The Jazz are banged up.  The Nuggets have something to prove.  They were at one time the number two seed in the west but fell to fourth after a bad stretch of loses.  Kenyon Martin is back to add physical inside play.  The Nuggets will miss George Karl but they will find a way to win the series in six games.

Phoenix Suns VS Portland Trailblazers- Suns in 6

I wanted to give the series to Portland, but, I can’t do it with Brandon Roy on the IR.  Roy is the difference maker.  Portland has a good team, but I think Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash will take care of business.

Dallas Mavericks VS San Antonio Spurs- Dallas in 5

The boring Spurs are done.  They can’t stay healthy and Tim Duncan is not even a shell of his former self.  Dallas is rolling.  Dirk is playing at an MVP level and Jason Kidd is playing like he is 24 instead of 37.  Kidd is still the best passer in the game and can add 15-to-20 points any given night.  Plus, Caron Butler and Brendan Hayword have come from Washington and added key pieces the Mavericks were missing.

The biggest event is the Boston Celtic’s Kevin Garnett getting banned from game two in his team’s series against the Miami Heat.  In game one, teammate Paul Pierce fell to the court and laid in pain.  Miami Heat’s Quentin Richardson stood over him and said some words.  With 40 seconds left in the game, Garnett came to protect Pierce, elbowing Richardson in the face.  KG is not allowed to enter the arena for game two and Richardson has to pay a $25,000 fine.

I like Garnett supporting his wounded teammate.  I like the NBA being the authority they wish to be and give the suspension and the fine.  What was Q doing?  If you knock down somebody and feel proud of it, cool, but it was wrong of him to further humiliate Pierce.  Richardson is a good player but why did he have to be ignorant?  Guess it was his 15 seconds of fame in his first playoff game since 2004 when he was with the Phoenix Suns.

Ron Artest VS Kevin Durant is the must see one-on-one match up in the first round.  Artest is arguably the best man defender in the league.  He is pesky and very seldom leaves his man; seldom as in never.  Durant is the best scorer in the league,  well at least to the points per game stat.  He became the youngest player in NBA history to win the scoring crown by scoring 30 ppg this season.

In game 1, Durant was held way below his averages.  Instead of 30 points, he was held to 24.  Six points isn’t much but he didn’t get those 24 from his scoring ability.  Nine of those points came from his 9-of-11 from the free throw line.  Durant averaged 47% from the field but was 7-of-24 in game one.  Artest and Kobe Bryant blanketed him.  Durant couldn’t even get rebounds, his eight a game, fell to two.  Without Durant, the Thunder are destined to be swept.  Lakers won game one, 87-79.

This is the biggest surprise.  The Portland Trailblazers beat the Suns without Brandon Roy.  With Roy in the lineup, the Blazers have the young talent possessing the ability to beat the Suns.  The Trailblazers should not beat the Suns without him.  Roy brings 22 pppg and 5 rebounds and assists to the box score every game.  The Blazers did not let the loss of their leader effect them.

Andre Miller, not know for his scoring, dropped 31 points and eight assists.  LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 points and Marcus Camby gradded 17 rebounds.  If they continue to play like this,  the Suns may find themselves booted in the first round.  Once Roy was put on the Injured Reserve list,  the Suns were the huge favorite.  They better come to play because Portland is hungry for a playoff series win.

The Orlando Magic beat the Charlotte Bobcats 98-89, not a big surprise.  The thing for me, was Stephen Jackson.  Jackson is known as a pure scorer who lacks dedication.  He hyper extended his knee against the Magic in game one.  Instead of giving up or saying, man, I can’t play.  He said, “No Chance in Hell, I’m not going to play in game two.”

This is awesome for the Bobcats.  He is one of their main leaders.  He has a reputation.  A statement like this, might change the outcome of a few games in the series.  The Magic will still win, but Jackson’s approach could make the series interesting.

Milwaukee Bucks rookie point guard Brandon Jennings is amazing.  In game one against the Atlanta Hawks he dropped 34 points.  The problem is, he didn’t have much help against the balanced attack of the Hawks.  Joe Johnson scored 22, Mike Bibby 19, Jamal Crawford 17, Al Horford 15, and both Josh Smith and Marvin Williams had 12.  John Salmons will have to score more than 16 without Andrew Bogut in the lineup.

One more thing.  The Dallas Mavericks are going to be awfully tough to beat.  Jason Kidd, Caron Butler and Dirk Nowitzki are rolling.  They beat the Spurs only by six, 100-94, but the aging Spurs had no defensive answers for the three stars scoring.

This is great.  the bad part is, the Bulls now have to rely on the Raptors to lose their last two games against the bad Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.  The Raptors are not a good team, but it is going to be hard for them to lose both of these games even if their star, Chris Bosh, isn’t in the lineup.

Chicago has two tough opponents in the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats.  Both teams have clenched a playoff spot.  We beat Charlotte a week ago, so it is possible. Boston is always in consideration to win the championship.  The Celtics are old, so, Head Coach Doc Rivers may sit Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.  If they do play, hopefully it will limited minutes, this would give Chicago a win,  I think.

I’m also the guy who said Chicago had a give me win against the New Jersey Nets.  We all saw what happened, awful.

The win against Toronto is definitely a momentum boost the Bulls need.  They looked like a playoff team instead of terrible that they tend to do.  They didn’t settle for tough shots and they had good ball movement.  This style of basketball is the only chance the Bulls have of beating Boston and Charlotte.

Derrick Rose had 26 points and 7 assists.  Joakim Noah recorded another double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds.  Hakim Warrick and Ronald Murray came off the bench to score 10 points a piece.