Chicago Bulls: The Rise of Rose?

The Rise of Rose?

Chicago Bulls

By Myke Miravite, Quezon City Science HS

OUTLOOK

With their key players plagued by injuries, it is really up for 2009 Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose to grab the limelight. The Bulls had their numbers rising when they hit the jackpot at the 2008 Draft lottery, acquiring this superstar in the making. The Bulls however hit a speed bump when they lost Kirk Heinrich and Luol Deng during the mid-season because of a thumb injury and stress fracture, respectively.

But many still believe that this is the most promising Bulls team of the post-Jordan era. John Salmons and Deng are highly capable of giving Rose a hand in lifting the team while Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah can provide the hustle and energy that the Bulls need.

But that won't be enough to make the Bulls one of the top contenders in the East unless something dramatic happens to the Magic, Cavs or Celtics. But they're well-positioned to capture one of those top three spots in the future--2010 and beyond.

X-FACTOR

Derrick Rose. This 21-year-old point guard, also a former member of the US national training pool for the Beijing Olympics, Rose will surely into the occasion, especially when the going gets tough. Averaging an impressive 18.9 ppg and 6.1 assists on nearly 50% shooting, he will still be the core of the team this season.

PREDICTION

50-32 (Last Year: 41-41)

Will probably earn the 5^th-7th berth in the Playoffs