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NBA: Previewing the Central Division

By Maruful Hossain

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, forward LeBron James and guard J.R. Smith laugh during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship celebration in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, forward LeBron James and guard J.R. Smith laugh during the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship celebration in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bulls

Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

One might say that the Chicago Bulls had the most intriguing offseaon this year. It all started when they traded Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, and a 2017 second round pick to the New York Knicks for Jose Calderon, Robin Lopez, and Jerian Grant. This signaled the end of the Derrick Rose era in Chicago. Joakim Noah also left for the Knicks to a 4-year, 72 million dollar contract. Pau Gasol left for the San Antonio Spurs as well. These moves clearly show that the Bulls team are now Jimmy Butler‘s team.

Under head coach Fred Hoiberg, the Bulls have missed the playoffs, but with their offseason moves, we will see how Hoiberg responds in year two.

The Bulls seemed to be in a rebuilding mode, but they went right ahead and signed Rajon Rondo. Rondo, who averaged 11.9 points, 11.7 assists and six rebounds last year, was a player that the Bulls could not pass up. While he isn’t a shooter that Hoiberg needs, Rondo doesn’t need to shoot for the Bulls as he can facilitate to players like Butler, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, and others.

Perhaps the most surprising move of the offseason: signing Dwyane Wade. Wade, after a fallout with Pat Riley, decided to go back to his hometown Chicago. This season will be the first time that we will see Wade not in a Miami Heat jersey.

With these moves being made, this shows that the Bulls are still trying to remain competitive as possible. With Gasol’s departure, expect forwards like Taj Gibson, Mirotic, and Bobby Portis to have a bigger role for the Bulls at the 4 and 5. Lopez isn’t such a bad substitute himself. He gives the Bulls defense and is a durable player.

Perhaps the most intriguing matchup this season is the Bulls versus the Cavs. We get to see LeBron James and Dwyane Wade go at it again and this time as division rivals. With the Bulls having a young squad, expect Wade, Rondo, and Butler to lead the young Bulls this season. While Wade and Rondo said that the Bulls is “Jimmy Butler’s team”, how will the three of them mesh this season?

Next: Indiana Pacers