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| In leading the Chicago Bulls to a surprising first half of the NBA season, Noah and Deng have earned reserve spots in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. |
The reason is much more than the fact that two Bulls were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team: Center Joakim Noah and Forward Luol Deng. Joakim Noah was selected to his first All-Star Game for averaging a double double in points (11.9 ppg) and rebounds (11.2 rpg, 5th in the NBA), as well as, leading the Chicago Bulls in steals (1.3 spg) and blocks (2.0 bpg). Luol Deng leads the Bulls in points (17.0 ppg) while putting in a team-high 39.7 minutes per game for the Eastern Conference's current #4 seed.
And the reason is much more than that the Chicago Bulls have exceeded expectations in the first three months of the NBA season. and remain entrenched among the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has Chicago winning (30-21 on the season) despite injuries (all starters have missed games with injury) and 7 new players on the Bulls' 15 man roster; with every opportunity to simply tread water, the culture of winning keeps Thibs crew scrapping for every loose ball and winning every close game.
Even with all that to be excited about, Chicago Bulls fans are most excited this All-Star Weekend what this time was meant to mark. Bulls fans have been told that the 2013 NBA All-Star Game will be the earliest time to expect #theReturn. #theReturn of drive. #theReturn of push. #theReturn of focus. #theReturn of hope. #theReturn of belief.
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| For weeks heading into the All-Star Break, Chicago has been hanging on every rumor of #theReturn of Derrick Rose. |
Yes, with the 2013 NBA All-Star Break fast approaching, Chicago Bulls fans have been anticipating #theReturn of Derrick Rose.
While reports today have Rose still "far away" from returning, the mid-NBA season pause is a natural time for fans to reflect on their favorite team and their team's chances in the post-season; and Chicago Bulls fans have got to like the view.
The injuries to several starters have revealed that the new additions to the Chicago Bulls bench are quite possibly better than last seasons' incredible Bench Mob; Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli provide consistent offensive production off the bench, and Kirk Hinrich is rejuvinated in his second stint with Chicago, running the point in Rose's absence.
The continuing hard work and development of young players under Thibodeau has also been something to watch for. Taj Gibson is a starter coming off the bench at power forward, and second-year swingman, Jimmy Butler, has become a solid and dependable contributor with potential to be more.
In addition, Chicago has already faced their arch-nemesis and the defending NBA Champs, Miami Heat, (without Rose) once this season in South Beach, leading by nearly 30 points most of the game and finally winning a 96-89 decision. The Bulls will test their depth against the Heat three more times this season, beginning with a February 21st match-up a week after All-Star Weekend.
With the looming return of their star and the growth and cohesion of a team under masterful Coach Thibodeau, Chicago fans are looking at All-Star Weekend like the start to a deep Chicago Bulls playoff run, with DRose back at the helm.
How deep do you think the Chicago Bulls will go this post-season when Derrick Rose returns at full strength? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
