Time to return to my favorite topic, the Chicago Bulls.

Well its down to crunch time and tonight's game against the Nets is important because they are ahead of us in the standings. We are currently 2 and a half games behind the Hawks.

So why is it important to make the playoffs?
Some people say that we should just scrap the rest of the season and shoot for a lottery pick. I think that is the wrong attitude. First of all, the Bulls don't need to get younger, there are enough young prospects on the team. Second, its more important to end the year on a good note rather than a sour one. Coming into training camp for next year it is important to build on something. If the Bulls play well down the stretch, that is something to build on. Without it, the season was just a complete waste and a case of taking ten steps back after one step forward last season. Third, this team still is very young and the playoff atmosphere is completely different from the regular season. The playoffs are all about matchups, stops, and strategy. Every possession is intensified. It would help players like Noah, Gray, Thomas, Thabo, and others to get a little more experience under their belt.

Next year
The Bulls can become better by subtraction. It is clear that there is no one who is safe from trades. The team is overloaded with guards right now. Duhon is pretty much gone. To stay are most likely Thabo, Hinrich, and Hughes. That leaves Gordon as the odd man out. The Bulls like Thabo's size too much. Hinrich's contract is okay if he plays like he did in the previous seasons and Hughes contract is too big to move. Additionally, Gordon while he is a scorer has tended this year to make more crucial, boneheaded turnovers. He'll go up in the air and lose the ball, have it striped, or make a ridulous attempt.

For the big men, I would prefer to keep Nocioni, Deng, Noah, Gray, and Gooden. Nocioni embodes what made this team good in previous years. This year the effort doesn't seem to be there on a team level. Nocioni is the player that always is hustling. They need his leadership by example. He is a good reserve player, who can come out and start if needed. He also has a nice 3 pt touch and drive. Deng needs to redevelop his mid range jumper. Some where between international basketball and injuries he seems to have lost his bread and butter. Maybe he was focusing too much on developing a post game, but the Bulls need his midrange shot. I think Noah is a very defensive, rebounding player. He goes out there with the same energy as Noc and that's the kind of player the Bulls are looking for. Gray is a nice reserve that can step in. He has a nature touch in the post, but does lack defensive skills. I like Gooden because he provides a strong, big man down in the paint that can push people around and take up space. He needs to be an enforcer down low and average around 15 pts and 10 boards. That leaves Thomas out. I like his athleticism and effort, but he's still too raw. Gordon and Thomas could provide an interesting package for a trade.

Trades and free agents
Tradewise, the Bulls are in better shape than they were last season. Hughes and Gooden are definitely improvements over Wallace and PJ Brown. The Bulls have many pieces in place for a major trade. I think the turmoil in the West bodes well for the Bulls. Some team, namely aging older teams, will not make the playoffs decide to sell and start young again. The Bulls have plenty of young talent and by the looks of it should have a decent pick in the draft. The key would be to get quality for quantity. The West could yield potential free agents looking an easier route to the playoffs. Elton Brand sounds good. I think this team still has the potential it showed the past few seasons. What is lacking is the effort, presence, and chemistry. Too often are leads blown or mistakes made. The longest winning streak is 2 this season. If they can develop some of the chemistry and presence they lost this season, I will feel much better about next season.