Looking Ahead

As the Bulls depth chart stands right now according to ESPN.com, the team’s opening day starting lineup will be Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes, Luol Deng, Drew Gooden and Joakim Noah.  That may not look like a playoff team, but the Bulls are building for the future as much as they are playing for the present.  The other seven players currently under contract are Derrick Rose, Thabo Sefolosha, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas, Aaron Gray, Demetris Nichols and Cedric Simmons.

Let’s assume that Hughes and Gooden don’t figure into the team’s long term plans.  Rose will likely be starting at some point this season, which could slide Hinrich over to the two guard.  Larry Hughes’ penchant for bad shots, lack of long range and need to have the ball in his hands don’t really complement Rose’s game, but Hinrich’s shooting will and it will enable to the Bulls to start two playmakers in the backcourt. Hinrich will also spent time at the point when Rose is on the bench.  Sefolosha has the potential to be a lockdown defender.  Deng, Nocioni and Nichols cover the small forward position.  Inside scoring needs to be addressed, as the team is filled with good, young defenders who don’t have much of an offensive game.  The future looks pretty bright in Chicago, but post scoring will be needed.

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