Coming into the season, many "experts" predicted that the Bulls would return to the Finals after the signing of Ben Wallace. The Ben Wallace signing was supposed to elevate the Bulls to the next level. The Bulls were supposed to be one of the best defensive teams in the league, and they were supposed to cause problems with the amount of depth they have on the roster. Now, mid-way through the season, the team is 24-19, which isn't a terrific record, though still not horrible. I admit that I haven't seen many Bulls game this season, but from the ones I saw, it seemed like the squad still needs one or two players to put them on top. The team has terrific depth, and terrific defensive players, but struggles on offense, and has trouble holding on to big leads. But even with the problems, the Bulls play in the very weak Eastern Conference, so anything can happen So, what do you guys think? Are the Bulls still favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals?
If you look at the standings we have the best conference record in the eastern conference I believe our record is 19-9 against Eastern Conference teams. What killed us was our early circus trip out west. I personally think we are better than any team in the Eastern Conference. I believe we will be representing the east in the finals if we can find some consistency in our play, and not play down to the competition. There are plenty of other good teams like the Pistons, Cavs, and Magic so it will not be easy.
I don't think they are the favorites right now or were at the starting of the season. Most experts had them in the top but mostly Pistons and Heat infront of them, but Heat haven't been playing so well this season, some had the Cavs too. But, like Blur said, the Bulls just have to start playing consistent. They have a good record against the East. And they have to improve on the road, because the completely suck, but that goes along with them having to play consistent, because they play great one night and then are completely dead the other night.
Like SP23 said, I don't think Chicago is considered the favorite but they are definitely contenders. The Eastern Conference contenders include Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, and Chicago in my opinion. All of those teams have the pieces to represent the East in the Finals and those teams are all very talented when at full strength. If the Bulls were in the West, I'd say they weren't contenders just because of how good the elite teams such as Phoenix and Dallas have been. However, being in the East really makes things much easier for the Bulls and barring any big injuries, they will be contenders.
I believe you can add your Magic in that Eastern mix, Swish. They have shown a lot of promise with their core of players and as each game goes by they will only get better. If the Bulls manage to pick up Gasol or even possibly Garnett without losing something of signifigant importance on the current roster then the Bulls will definitely be considered as the favorites to get to the NBA finals representing the Eastern Conference. Though I believe the Grizzlies are more likely to pick up more draft picks then players, while the steady T'Wolves would likely want Gordon and Deng in a package with a few draft picks. I would prefer that they go for Gasol in that case, unless the Wolves bomb and blow out their season on a low standard. Then Garnett may likely be easier to steal away.
I believe that the Bulls have a good chance of making it to the second round playoffs. They aren't consistent enough to make it to the finals, as much as I would like for them to win it again, I don't think they will. Of course, if they pick up their game a bit, this view will change. The Bulls are still a favorite in the East, and quite frankly, they are a feared team to play because you never know what to expect of them when you play them. Some nights they are mediocre, some nights they are unstoppable. It's all in the matter of the Bulls being more consistent offensively, they are already a well layed out defensive team.
