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A look at the Central Division Part three: Chicago Bulls

By Lennie King

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (right to left) Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) forward Tobias Harris (34) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) discuss a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; (right to left) Detroit Pistons forward Stanley Johnson (3) forward Tobias Harris (34) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) discuss a play during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

Last season the Chicago Bulls failed to make the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2007-2008 season. The season before drafting the youngest ever NBA MVP, Derrick Rose. While disappointing, the Bulls barely missed out on the eighth seed which Detroit claimed.

Through an injury ravaged season which saw Joakim Noah sidelined with a season ending shoulder injury, along with a number of other injuries to star players such as Pau Gasol, Jimmy Butler and of course the walking injury himself Derrick Rose, the Bulls managed to finish ninth and play a competitive brand of basketball.

Next: Detroit Pistons Player Profile: Ish Smith

Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough for Bulls management. After keeping the majority of the core group intact over the years, this off-season saw Derrick Rose shipped off to New York in exchange for next to nothing in return. Joakim Noah, the heart and soul of the Bulls squad for a number of years then followed Rose, signing with his hometown New York Knicks.

As if the loss of their starting point guard and center wasn’t enough, the Bulls also lost key big man Pau Gasol to San Antonio where he will perhaps take over for the recently retired Tim Duncan. Gasol wasn’t with Chicago as long but he may be the biggest loss to the team. His presence alone was a huge factor in the Bulls competing the way they did this past season. I’m sure Andre Drummond is sleeping a little better knowing he won’t have to play Pau four times this coming regular season. https://vine.co/v/iKamt6XH7ip

Mike Dunleavy Jr has also been shipped out of Chicago and went straight to the reigning champion and central division opponent cavaliers. Dunleavy was the starting small forward for the Bulls but struggled with injury all of last season having his starting spot covered by a number of different players.

Two more rotation players have since moved on. Aaron Brooks who has signed with a conference rival in the Indiana Pacers, plus another back up guard E’Twaun Moore who has signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Not as critical as the losses of Gasol, Noah and Rose, Brooks was a nice back up for Chicago, as seen in his stints when Rose wasn’t in the line up. Moore also had career shooting percentages last season with 48 percent from the field and a staggering 45 from down town.

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