At center, from Turkey, Omer Asik (and Destroy). On offense grab it, pass it, or dunk it. The same goes on the defensive end, minus the dunk. Asik’s main goal is to be a bruiser, fluster the opposition with his length, and use his ability to run the floor. Thus far, he has done all the Bulls can ask him too. His effort, defense and rebounding cannot be questioned and though it’s a small step, he has become the tiniest bit better at catching and putting the ball up. A few times, he has even taken a dribble and made a jump hook, something his game did not have last year. With 6 fouls to give and all the energy in the world, Asik will continue to be a valuable defensive piece. Best case scenario he gives the East’s Beast’s such as Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, and Chris Bosh fits come playoff time. Mid-Season grade: B+
At forward featuring a contract that makes the Bulls payroll jump higher than he can himself…Carlos Boozer. I’ll start with the positives. As mentioned earlier, he has been healthy. He hits open jump shots, and is an above average passer. He also leads the league in “Gimme that Sh*t’s” and “Grab it Jo’s”. The positives were short lived, onto the negatives. Boozer is often a black hole on offense. He jab steps and shoots fade-away’s like he’s Dirk Nowitzki. The problem, he doesn’t make them as often as Dirk, and when he misses it’s almost a sure rebound for the other team. There have also been countless situations where his effort can be questioned. Highlights have shown Boozer avoiding giving up a foul on plays at the rim and him being out-hustled by his man on the fast break. This is simply unacceptable. If he continues to stay healthy and brings a new level of intensity in the playoffs he can be a helpful piece. He's a threat to hit the open jumper, but he needs to be more of a force on the court.
Mid-Season grade: B-
Ronnie Brewer knows his role and has thrived in it. He is active on offense and has clearly worked on his jump shot. His on-ball defense brings back memories of Scottie Pippen. If he were and inch or two taller he would be the dream matchup to guard that James character in Miami. However, he will be asked to take down the two guards in the East. Thibodeau will have to decide how to balance Brewer's defense and Hamilton's offense come playoff time. Brewer seems capable of being a significant contributor down the stretch. Thus far he has done his job. Mid-Season Grade: A-
Now for the rook, Jimmy Butler. I would hate to be the guy he has to guard in the final two minutes of a blowout. He brings intensity no matter what. He is out to prove he can perhaps replace Ronnie Brewer one day as a bench swing man with a tough defensive style. He has performed well in his limited playing time and has shown the ability to finish at the rim. Overall he has given the Bulls his all when asked to. Mid-Season Grade: B
Luol Deng finally got his due and made the All-Star team. The issue concerning Deng is his wrist. He bypassed the surgery that would have finished his season. Though I like his tenacity, his health concerns me based on his track record. His defense is impeccable and his outside shot is becoming more reliable as the days go by. If he can utilize his playoff experience and become a clutch go to option for D Rose, things will go well for the Bulls. Mid-Season Grade: A
The 7-foot-4 wingspan known as Taj Gibson has done all that he has been asked this year. His numbers are down a bit due to Boozer's health, but he is still effective on the defensive end. If he could improve his jump shot and his free-throw percentage, Boozer would see even less playing time. As it stands, Gibson will see time when a defensive presence is needed. Hopefully he has a few more dunks up his sleeve for this years playoffs. Mid-Season Grade: B
Gimme that Hot Sauce! It's pretty simple when it comes to Kyle Korver. He is either a spark or a dud. He has been shooting the rock well this year and is a dangerous passer off of a screen, but his defense consists of taking a charge and an attempted strip. This simply will not cut it when he has to guard players such as Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson in the playoffs. He is a formidable matchup with the Mike Miller's and Steve Nowak's of the world, but beyond his stroke from the arc, he brings little to the table. Simply put, be spaces the floor and gives Rose more room to operate. Mid-Season Grade: B
Good old Johnny L as I call him. That's about all of the nice things I have to say about him. The man will forever be remembered as the guy who missed the free throws against the Nuggets and the chump that LeBron jumped over. This wouldn't be so hard to stomach, but when Lucas enters the game he feels like he has the ability to shoot the ball like he's the MVP himself. He needs to quite taking ridiculous jump shots and run the offense. I was disgusted when he achieved his career high of 25 points on 28 shots. At this point I'd consider him the 4th string point guard behind Rose, Watson, and savvy veteran Mike James. However, Thibodeau doesn't see things the same way as he continues to play him. Let's just hope Rose and Watson stay healthy throughout the playoffs and this issues blows over. Mid-Season Grade: D
Mike James. Like his tenure with the Bulls, I'll keep this short and sweet. He keeps the offense moving, isn't afraid of pressure, and he D'd up Rajon Rondo like he wanted to keep his job. Though his impact has been limited, he's done more than enough during his ten-day contracts. Mid-Season Grade: B
Quick-Draw McGraw Joakim Noah is next. Though I don't approve of his pistol celebration with a 4-2 lead over Boston, his effort of late has been remarkable. Over the last month Noah has been averaging 11.8 PPG and 11.5 RPG. His 15 foot jumper has become cash money and he always brings the intensity. Though he started off slow, the only legitimate complaint I have is that he needs to become a better finisher around the rim. When D Rose drives and misses, Noah needs to clean up the loose trash (see Mighty Ducks series). Mid Season Grade: B
Too big, too fast to strong. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose is fun to watch. Thibodeau has clearly been resting him to assure he is full strength come playoff time. His jump shot continues to improve, making him scarier for defenses around the league. He also has the type of swagger necessary to carry a team. With the talent pool Miami brings to the table, the story will always be do the Bulls have enough around Rose to compete. At this point all I know is that there is no one else I'd rather have steering the ship then Rose. I have no doubts he will be giving it his all injury or not come playoffs. Call me a homer but... Mid-Season Grade: A+ this dude's unreal.
Scal-a-brine! His chance to make headlines came earlier this year when he missed a game winning 3 against the Pacers. Either way, he is an extremely positive bench presence and knows Thibodeau's defensive scheme like the back of his hand. Not to mention Stacey King brings out his "A" material when this man steps on the floor. Whether it's getting up to celebrate with teammates or checking into the game, it's always good news when Scalabrine stands up. Mid-Season Grade: C+
Last but not least CJ Watsooooon. His shooting percentage isn't very hot at 38%, but with Rose sitting out he has been asked to do a lot. Watson has the speed and the jump shot to be an effective scorer. I only support his shot selection due to his track record. When John Lucas drops 41 in an NBA game I'll let a few reckless shots slide. For now, I think Watson is the perfect back up to Rose. His offensive game allows for the Bulls to run a similar offense as to when Rose is available. As the season presses on, his shots should fall more frequently. Mid-Season Grade: C+
Rip Hamilton I will give an Injured Reserve Pass. In his limited time I like his ability to be a shooting and passing threat off of screens. He has playoff experience and hopefully come back healthy and gain some chemistry with the team. If Rose can drive and dish to a slicing Luol Deng and a free Richard Hamilton, the offense will become much more potent. Hamilton brings the type of offense Korver does with better D.
Thibodeau has the Bulls playing at a high level. Anytime they play a weak team, they put them away. They will likely finish as the one or two seed in the Eastern Conference. The real question is will their teamwork and camaraderie be enough to get them past teams such as Miami or Oklahoma City? Overall Mid-Season Grade: A-
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