Since the big trade, the Bulls played great basketball.  It all came to a head in this unbelievable playoff series with the defending champion Boston Celtics.  The Celtics didn’t compose themselves like champions, but they pulled out the win in an anti-climatic Game 7 and sent the Bulls packing.

Regardless of the outcome of the series, the second half of the season was a wild success.  Brad Miller and John Salmons, though having some glaring weaknesses in their games, brought a lot to the team and were clear upgrades over what the Bulls had been trotting out there.  Hinrich hopefully raised his trade value and may have even shown something that lead some to believe he can start at the 2 for the Bulls next year.  Noah took giant leaps forward, playing ferocious defense and even elevating his offensive game to “not the worst ever”.  Tyrus still remains a question mark and Gordon will be out the door more likely than not.

The two big stories this season are stark contrasts.  On the one hand, rookie Derrick Rose looked like more than just a future all-star.  He looks like he will be one of the next big superstars in this league.  On the other hand, rookie Vinny Del Negro looked like an idiot.  With Ben Gordon on the way out and Deng coming back from injury, the lineup may look very different than it was and we will find out if Vinny can adjust.

The question is, was Vinny just a rookie coach learning the ropes, or is he really an idiot?  It’s easy for us as fans to just assume he was an idiot, but it’s not easy to handle the pressure and difficult choices involved in head coaching.  Am I trying to defend him?  Maybe a little, but I want him gone as much as the next person.  The problem is he won’t be gone.  After the Bulls great play down the stretch this season, he will get another season at least, whether he earned it or not.  Unless the Bulls play terrible to start the season, Vinny will be back.  Sorry guys.

With very little cap space there probably won’t be any big additions through free agency, though it is possible Paxson will try to move Hinrich and either Deng or Salmons.  While some people have suggested to me that Salmons start at the 2-guard spot, that seems like a poor idea.  The main weakness in his game is his ballhandling, which is extremely suspect.  If he were to line up at the 2, he would have to be handling the ball a lot, which could create a lot of turnovers.

Anyways, keep your heads up Bulls fans, the future looks bright.  Derrick Rose will be here for many years and with the addition of Salmons and the growth of Noah, the Bulls are going to be playoff contenders in the East for years to come.

Game 1 – Sat April 18 Chicago at Boston 11:30AM ESPN
Game 2 – Mon April 20 Chicago at Boston 6:00PM TNT
Game 3 – Thu April 23 Boston at Chicago 7:00PM TNT
Game 4 – Sun April 26 Boston at Chicago 12:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Boston at Chicago TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Chicago at Boston TBD TNT

*If Necessary

And I think they will be necessary.  As much as I love Garnett, I have no problem playing the Celtics without him.

And you know what?  I’m happy about it.  I don’t share Zoner’s reasoning for it, mostly because I think we have a legitimate shot to push the Celtics to 7 and even score an upset.  I felt that way before the recent news that KG will probably not be available for the series and maybe the entire playoffs.  While the Magic are a bit hobbled right now, the Celtics are old and tired and I think we match up well against them.  Our guards aren’t going to cover anyone, that is a fact.  Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Paul Pierce will run amok on offense.  But so would Rafer Alston and whoever the magic are tossing out there at the 2 these days.  So either way our backcourt gets burned.  The difference is, the Magic have Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu to spread the Bulls defense.  Even if the Celtics have KG, who is a formidable force on the defensive end, offensively he can be contained by the Bulls frontcourt.  Howard, Lewis and Turkoglu on the other hand, would kill Noah, Tyrus and Miller.

Also keep in mind that we played a Garnett-less Celtics on March 17th at the United Center and won.  Their inability to defend without Garnett was exposed, as the Bulls racked up 127 points and outscored the C’s in fastbreak points 17-6.

Thus I am feeling really good about us facing the Celtics right now.  It’s too bad we crapped the bed at home last night, but maybe it will work out for the best.  Are you ready for 40 games in 40 nights?