Eastern Conference Shaping Up Nicely For Chicago!

The Chicago Bulls are back.  That's not exactly 'breaking news' to hardcore NBA fans who have watched the Bulls play terrific basketball all season long.  But there are still non-believers.

I am NOT one of them, however.

Derrick Rose is this year's MVP, no question about it.  He is completely unstoppable offensively, and can also defend, make that SHUT DOWN, any guard in the league (sans Kobe).

Many are critical of the cast of teammates that surrounds him.  I happen to think that his supporting squad is pretty good, actually.  I love the big guys for the Bulls.  Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer give them two reliable, tough, big men.  Luol Deng is another defensive stopper, that can provide offense when needed.  The bench is deep, and the players roles are well defined.  The Bulls are hitting on all cylinders right now.

That's bad news for the Magic, or the Hawks - because the Bulls will get the winner of that series.  Chicago will beat either of those teams.  Then they will face the Celtics or Heat, for the right to go to the NBA Finals.

Several of the Celtics players and coaches have admitted - they want no part of the Bulls.  The Bulls almost beat them in each of the last two playoffs.  Boston seems to bring out the best of Derrick Rose.

And what about LeBron, D-Wade, and the Heat?  Oh yeah, the Bulls SWEPT THEM this year.

I don't know if the Bulls are ready to win a championship yet.  To do that, they would have to beat the Lakers in a 7 game series.  Not impossible, but not likely, either.

However, Chicago is certainly the best team in the Eastern Conference - and it would be very surprising if they did not make it to the NBA Finals.