In many ways, Joakim Noah’s shocking outfit at last June’s NBA draft — seersucker suit, bow tie and long, flowing hair — serves as a metaphor for this Bulls season.
No longer the cute little team that could huff and puff its way up the playoff mountain, these Bulls are impossible to miss as an Eastern Conference contender.
While stellar team defense and a perimeter-based offense might not be as outlandish as a seersucker suit, the Bulls have nowhere to hide.
Only an Eastern Conference finals appearance will stamp this season as progress.
Can they get there? That’s just one of the questions surrounding this team.
Beyond his wardrobe, how is Noah looking?
He has been the typical NBA rookie. The flashes of energy and athleticism are there, along with surprisingly proficient ballhandling and passing ability. But he has been slowed by an ankle injury as well as by problems grasping offensive sets. At this point, he’s barely a rotation player.
Are any rookies solidly in the rotation?
Shockingly, Aaron Gray. The spate of injuries that plagued the Bulls in the preseason afforded the 7-foot second-rounder a chance. Gray didn’t blow it, displaying a solid base of fundamentals and a true post presence. But he’s slow.
Weren’t the Bulls missing that last season?
They have been missing that since Eddy Curry’s electrocardiogram came back funky and he got traded to the Knicks.
For all the noise the Bulls made about using Luol Deng as a shooting guard and in post-up situations, the trick will be utilizing those mismatches.
In their exhibition games, the Bulls didn’t show the inclination to use or recognize Deng consistently in those opportunities.
Does that mean Deng has been ineffective?
Hardly. Deng was easily the Bulls’ most consistent and efficient offensive threat during the exhibitions — and that includes Ben Gordon — so this appears to be another step forward for the burgeoning All-Star. Deng’s summer with the British national team featured him in yet another new role, as go-to scorer. And while NBA opponents will present stiffer challenges than, say, Belarus, look for Deng to handle any challenge thrown his way this season.
What about Gordon?
By all accounts, he had one of the best off-seasons of work in recent Bulls history. But a sprained left ankle slowed the team’s leading returning scorer during the preseason. And he still must exhibit better defensive ability and decision-making to be considered more than an incredibly creative scorer trapped in a 6-foot-2-inch shooting guard’s body. That said, Gordon again will be counted on to bail the Bulls out of offensive lethargy.
What can fans expect of Joe Smith?
What the 12-year veteran has provided his entire career: A team-first mind-set, which means he will accept either a starting or reserve role with class. An ability to hit the face-up jumper. And length that can translate into solid if not spectacular defense, much like the guy he replaced, P.J. Brown.
What’s Brown up to?
Hanging with his family, one of four Bulls from last season’s playoff roster no longer in the league. Michael Sweetney, Martynas Andriuskevicius and Andre Barrett are the others. Viktor Khryapa, contrary to rumors, is still in the league but again will be buried on the Bulls’ bench.
Isn’t that a testament to the Bulls’ depth?
So is this: Either Thabo Sefolosha or Chris Duhon at some point this season won’t be happy with his playing time. The Bulls expect a big step forward from Sefolosha, the second-year guard who is bigger than Duhon. But Duhon always seems to find a way into the rotation because of his solid team-defense skills. Stay tuned on this battle.
That’s one of the few battles from Bulls camp, right?
Indeed, familiarity and continuity might be two of the strongest attributes of this team. Only the power forward position was up for grabs, and it really doesn’t matter who starts because that will change throughout the season and Smith, Noah, Gray and Tyrus Thomas all will get playing time.
But the core of the team — Deng, Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni and Ben Wallace — is entering its second season. And Wallace’s veteran ways make it seem as if he has been here longer, especially now that he’s wearing his trademark headband again.
What’s the schedule like?
Slightly favorable out of the gate for the first time in many seasons. The annual extended November trip features only four games out west before a trip home, and three are winnable on paper. And there will be no headband controversy dogging the trip this season.
So how many victories?
We knew you would get to that. Last year’s prediction of 52 victories was just three too high, so put this down in ink: The Bulls will win 53 games. And they will lose in the conference finals to the Pistons.
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kcjohnson@tribune.com
