Last time I looked at the standings, the Chicago Bulls were a game out of the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. With over a month of regular season games until the second season begins, which is the NBA playoffs, The Bulls have not only a good shot at finishing 8th, but could catch Philadelphia for the 7th seed. The Bulls have a simple formula: win games. Win the games you are supposed to win, and beat some good teams on the road. After all, that's what playoff teams do.
I think this is doable. The Bulls really needed scoring punch and Larry Hughes is coming through very nicely. He has put up nice offensive numbers in his outings, Drew Gooden gives the team strong production for his minutes. He scores, makes passes, and rebounds.
And, Noah is playing exceptional in recent games. He had a career high 20 rebounds versus Cleveland the other night, with 13 points. He seems more relaxed and seems to fit into the Bulls system. It appears he just wanted a chance to show what he can do. With Wallace's departure, the Bulls look for Noah to be a force on the glass. And, he has really responded.
The Bulls need players who want to win, and know what it takes to win. Noah, with NCAA titles in his recent past, knows how to win, and plays with a ferocious passion. He needs to be unleashed and now that appears to be happening.
If Chicago can get more consistent points from Gordon, Heinrich, and Deng, They will make a strong run for the playoffs. And, will be a tough team to play against. Perhaps fulfilling some of the promise, Chicago fans had for them when this season started.
