How Will The Central Division Play Out Next Season?

Feb 21, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21), center Joakim Noah (13), and guard Derrick Rose (1) during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the United Center. The Bulls won 112-107. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Place – Chicago Bulls – 47-35

I told you I didn’t think the Chicago Bulls were that much better than the Bucks this season! They are still going to be good though–any team able to trot out Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol is going to be pretty damn good. But regression is real, and Pau is getting on in years.

And he might have to play center if Joakim Noah continues his lightning fast decline, which means the Bulls will be like the Pacers–not able to stop any competent center down low. I can already see Greg Monroe licking his chops.

But the Butler/Rose backcourt is still excellent, and their big man depth is still great as well. This team has a ton of power forwards, even if Pau ends up playing center minutes. They also have a question mark at coach–Fred Hoiberg is a great college coach, but that doesn’t always translate to the pros.

Plus pulling a complete 180 and switching from a defensive to offensive focus is going to be difficult, and will just look weird to be honest. Not watching the Bulls grind to close victories is going to take some getting used to. At least we won’t have to worry about this next team having offensive problems anytime soon…

Next: The King Continues To Reign