The Bulls were very active in the offseason and made some significant free agent signings and trades. They also had excellent draft, which has suddenly made them one of the favorites in the East.
Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace, who was an unrestrictive free agent, left Central Division-rival Detroit and signed a lucrative, multi-year contract with the Bulls. A four-time All-Star, Wallace spent the past six seasons with the Pistons and averaged 7.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.78 steals and 2.21 blocks per game while playing all 82 regular-season games for the Detroit during the 2005-06 campaign.
Wallace is an intimidating presence in the middle and will absolutely make the Bulls a tougher and more physical team down low. His offensive skills have never been on display in Detroit. And Chicago did not bring Wallace to the Windy City to score, it wanted him for his toughness and not to mention by signing him it hurts the Pistons big time.
Thirty-seven-year-old forward P.J. Brown was acquired as part of a trade from the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets for Tyson Chandler. The 6-11 Brown also adds veteran leadership to the Bulls. He registered 9.0 points and 7.3 boards in 75 games for the Hornets last season.
The Bulls have also added LSU forward Tyrus Thomas, who was originally selected with the fourth overall pick by Portland in a trade on draft night. Chicago , which owned the 2nd and 16th overall picks when the 2006 NBA Draft started, acquired the rights to Thomas and the contract of forward Viktor Khryapa from the Trail Blazers for the rights to second overall selection LaMarcus Aldridge and a future second round draft pick. The Bulls also obtained the rights to Swiss star Thabo Sefolosha, who was picked at No. 13, from the Philadelphia 76ers for the rights to Memphis swingman Rodney Carney, who Chicago selected at No. 16, a 2007 second round draft pick and cash considerations.
Last season, the Bulls, who were the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, qualified for the playoffs for the second straight year. However, for the second straight season Chicago was knocked out in the first round as the eventual world champion Miami Heat won the best-of-seven series in six contests. In the 2004 playoffs, the Washington Wizards also knocked out the Bulls in six
The backcourt tandem of Ben Gordon and 25-year-old Kirk Hinrich had a strong showing last season. The 23-year-old Gordon averaged a team-high 16.9 points per game, while, Hinrich netted 15.9 and dished out a team-best 6.3 assists per contest.
Forwards Andres Nocioni and Luol Deng did a solid job up front, as both of them have blossomed into productive NBA players. Deng registered 14.3 points and 6.6 rebounds in 78 games, while Nocioni scored 13.0 points and grabbed 6.1 boards in 82 contests.
Chicago has a solid roster mixed with veterans and youngsters. The Bulls have players that work hard on defense and play team ball on the offensive end of the court. This is a team that has been put together to win now.
BACKCOURT
Gordon and Hinrich give the Bulls a versatile backcourt. Both can play either guard spot and are excellent outside shooters. Head coach Scott Skiles has to feel good about his starting guards.
Chris Duhon is a competent backup point guard. The 6-1 Duhon is not an offensive threat, but he is a decent defender and knows how to run an offense. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.0 assists in 74 games during the 2005-06 season.
Free Agent Adrian Griffin signed with the team during the offseason. Last season, the 32-year-old Griffin averaged 4.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 52 games for the Dallas Mavericks. Griffin, who played for Chicago during the 2004-05 campaign, was signed for his defensive ability. He will earn his minutes at shooting guard and will also spend some time at small forward.
Sefolosha is athletic and is also know for his work on defense. He should get some minutes during his rookie season, but will most likely learn from watching Gordon and Hinrich do their thing.
FRONTCOURT
Brown, Deng, Nocioni and Wallace give the Bulls four strong forwards. Brown and Wallace can play center and power forward, while Deng and Nocioni will work at small forward.
Chicago hopes Wallace will be the same intimidating presence that he was for the Pistons. Like Detroit, the Bulls will earn their victories with defense. If Wallace can be the anchor that he was for six seasons in Detroit then the Bulls are in excellent shape.
Thomas is raw and will get to know the NBA game from watching Wallace and Brown. His impact will not be felt for a couple of years. But it should be worth waiting for.
The Bulls frontcourt is athletic and will be extremely tough defensively. Deng and Nocioni may have to pick up some more of the scoring load, but Chicago’s frontcourt seems to be in excellent shape.
OUTLOOK
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson has done a great job putting the Bulls roster together. The offseason appears to have been great, but the real test comes when Chicago takes the court and starts battling teams like the Cavaliers, Heat and the Pistons.
Chicago should be able to rack up 50 wins during the regular season. A trip to the conference finals is the goal here, but the Bulls still may be a year away from achieving that.
Chicago Bulls 
