NBA Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls’ First Month Grade

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By @RyanRattyNFL

Chicago Bulls

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Even with all of Derrick Rose‘s injuries, the Chicago Bulls have still managed to stay afloat even without their best player. Similar to the 2011 season when Rose suffered a number of injuries, Rose has sprained his ankle twice in 2014 and strained his hamstring twice as well. Although Rose has played in just nine games, the Bulls have managed to be 11-6, which is good enough for third place in the Eastern Conference.

The main reason for Chicago’s success in 2014, besides their stellar defense, has been the play of Jimmy Butler. The fourth-year player out of Marquette has flourished as the team’s two-guard in 2014. In 39 minutes of play, which is similar to the amount Luol Deng played for many years, Butler is averaging around 22 points, six rebounds and three assists per game.

Butler has always been dominant on the defensive end, but this season, he is shooting the ball with more confidence and it is working for him. In a contract year, Butler will cash in at the end of the season, whether that’s from the Bulls or another team.

It’s not only Butler who’s having a great year. Signed over the offseason, Pau Gasol has been perfect in the frontcourt next to Joakim Noah. Gasol is spreading the floor and his play is making it clear that he is significantly better than Carlos Boozer, who was the power forward for the Bulls for the past four years. The scary thing is this team is still gelling. Sixth man standout Taj Gibson hasn’t been healthy because of a nagging ankle injury and Nikola Mirotic is getting more and more adjusted to the NBA.

In a weak Eastern Conference, the Bulls have the pieces to be the No. 1 seed. In fact, if the Bulls stay healthy, don’t be surprised if this team makes it to the NBA Finals. That’s how good they are and that’s how good they can be.

Bulls’ First Month Grade: A-

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.

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