Curb Your Enthusiasm

With Game 7 on the horizon for the Chicago Bulls I want all fans of the team to remember one thing, this was a very good year for the Bulls. The outcome of the game tomorrow will not change this fact either. The Bulls finished the year at 41-41, which was eight games better than last year. And they made the improvements with two rookies leading the team in head coach Vinny Del Negro and point guard Derrick Rose. And to go along with their vast improvements on the floor general manager Jim Paxson has also set the Bulls up well for the future.

Derrick Rose surpassed the expectations of even a number one pick. He is the only point guard taken number one to have led his team to the playoffs during his rookie campaign (other number ones have taken their teams the playoffs but they were all centers). He ran away with the Rookie of the Year award, was a unanimous selection for the all rookie team, and even won the skills competition during All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Derrick Rose is legit and will only get better as time goes on.

Then there is head coach Vinny Del Negro. Despite this blog once whooping up on the coach credit is due his way. Just like any other rookie he had a lot to learn. While watching him learn on the job may have been hard at times, watching this playoff series with the Celtics you see that Vinny has made a lot of progress over the year. He is making adjustments from game to game, using his personal to their strengths and has his players playing hard for him. While you would like to see IN GAME adjustments, I understand that becoming a good coach is a process and just hope that next year we will see Vinny mature even more as a head coach.

Speaking of next year, the Bulls have finally made the proper moves to secure a position in the Easts top 8. Unlike the team of only 2 years ago this team actually has a star, Derrick Rose, and stars in the NBA equal staying power. Jim Paxson made a move this year that next year will help the team once Ben Gordon leaves via free agency in nabbing John Salmons. But more importantly he landed two first round (mid-level) draft picks this year (one from the Thunder for Thabo). He also made moves to ensure that once 2010 comes, there will be money available to sign a Mr. Chris Bosh.

So Bulls fans, tomorrow just live in the moment and try to curb your disappointment. The Bulls should not have even been in this position, just enjoy it. The expectations before the season began were to fight for an eight spot in the playoffs, instead they earned the seven seed and have the defending champs on the ropes. Win or lose I have loved the product and will eagerly await next years season.