Top 5 Chicago Bulls Storylines To Follow During Preseason

The Bulls had a clear need for perimeter shooting and scoring last season. Fans are anxiously awaiting to see if Doug McDermott will be an immediate answer to that issue. McDermott seems to be a perfect fit for the Bulls and Tom Thibodeau’s system, but Thibs rarely gives rookies significant minutes. McDermott can probably help Chicago this season, but will Thibodeau break his traditional habits and give him that opportunity?

The 34-year-old Gasol is definitely an upgrade from Carlos Boozer. His game is one that shouldn’t decay as quickly as a player who relies on explosiveness, though he did average career-lows last season with the Lakers. Gasol and Joakim Noah combine to be one of the best frontcourt duos in the league and their interior passing will be a thing of beauty once they get comfortable playing with each other. The question is: how soon can they do that?

Tom Thibodeau is one of the most intense coaches in sports. His teams give 100 percent effort from tip-off until the final buzzer 82 games straight. The Bulls have seemed burnt out come playoff time, though. Thibs needs to adjust his coaching style to help his core players like Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah remain fresh until May and June. His stubbornness must be put aside if the Bulls want to compete for the title.

Taj Gibson is no longer a young prospect trying to make a name for himself. He is a near 30-year-old sixth man, trying to elevate his game to an elite level. He averaged 13 PPG and almost seven RPG last season. The Bulls dropped Carlos Boozer and added Pau Gasol, which should help Gibson’s game, as Gasol is becoming a more willing team player. Gibson should have a goal to win sixth man of the year, and help the Bulls to a deep playoff run.

The Bulls' two best players, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, are both coming off knee sugeries. Rose’s has obviously been heavily documented, but Noah’s is still a bit of a mystery. It was just scope surgery that he had, and he says he’s ready for the 82-game grind, but only time will tell -- so far, so good for this dynamic duo.