5. Chicago Bulls
As has been the case over the past several seasons, Chicago’s ability to contend for a title will depend greatly on the health of one Derrick Rose. If he goes through a clean season from an injury perspective, the Bulls will contend with Cleveland for the right to play in the NBA Finals in 2015-16.
With Jimmy Butler prepared to hit restricted free agency and rumors swirling about Joakim Noah’s future with the team, Chicago’s roster may have somewhat of a new look to it. While we can assume Butler will return, I wouldn’t put it past the team’s front office to make a bold move either in free agency or via a trade. Despite a relatively team-friendly contract, Noah’s importance to the team has taken somewhat of a hit in recent seasons. He’s still averaging a double-double, but he saw his minutes drop to 30 per game during the 2014-15 season. If the Bulls can find someone to take on that contract while getting a couple lesser pieces in return, it might be the best route to go here.
Chicago’s championship blueprint is in place. It has a solid inside-out game with Rose, Butler and Pau Gasol. It also has an intriguing youngster in Nikola Mirotić potentially prepared to take over for Noah inside should the Bulls move on from the former All-Star. It’s now all about Rose’s health, how Fred Hoiberg will perform in his first season as a NBA coach and the Noah situation. Either way, Chicago should be right there with Cleveland in the Eastern Conference.
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