The Chicago Bulls are getting ready to open up camp and the team is focusing on improving team chemistry this season, especially with franchise stars Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose. The team has signed Jordan Crawford to a camp deal and he could make the roster, while a Taj Gibson trade could come later this season to add depth behind Joakim Noah.
The Bulls are coming into the season with high expectations after changing coaches to Fred Hoiberg and the team feels they are ready for a run to the finals. The team lost in the playoffs last year and they have yet to breakthrough into the finals from the eastern conference and the franchise hopes the coaching change can spark that. Reports after the season had some players tired out from Tom Thibodeau and Hoiberg comes in with more of a "players coach" reputation.
The Bulls made some significant moves in the offseason even without making any splashy free agent signings, as they kept Jimmy Butler and their most important free agents. The team gave Butler a max contract extension as a restricted free agent and they also kept Kirk Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy on deals. The Bulls also brought back Aaron Brooks and he should continue providing some solid depth behind Derrick Rose, who made it through last season without another major injury. The team also has added Jordan Crawford on a training camp deal, according to Yahoo Sports.
After the Bulls lost in the postseason (and before it was certain that Butler would sign) there were local reports that Butler was "frustrated" with Rose and the offensive role he had for the team. Following his extension, Butler was asked about the situation and he said on ESPN Radio that he thinks the two will have "better" chemistry for the upcoming season. Butler said that the two are planning to work on things in camp and that the two should work on it, as they are the cornerstones of the franchise. Butler said: "I think we will. And I think we better, because the way I look at it, I don't think either one of us is going anywhere anytime soon."
According to ESPN stats, the Bulls had a more efficient offense with Butler and Rose on the court together and that is not much of a surprise considering how important they are to the team. Butler comes in after having the best season of his career with 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and he will be looking to improve on that even more going forward.
The Bulls roster has some solid depth up front at the forward position, as the team drafted Bobby Portis this year and they already have Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson. Gibson is a potential trade option this year, as Pro Basketball Talk and the Chicago Tribune reported this summer that Gibson could end up on the trade block. The Bulls could use some more depth behind Joakim Noah at center and with Gibson making over $8 million per year the next two seasons, he may be too expensive for his role as bench player. Expect Gibson to be mentioned at the deadline, as he is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Check here for more on the Bulls, signing Crawford and the chemistry between Rose and Butler.