2005 Chicago Bulls Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Chicago Bulls.

2005 Chicago Bulls Team Preview

Last year the Bulls were a surprise team. It had been seven years since the Windy City warriors grabbed a playoff position. They finished second in the Central Conference and qualified for the post season in style, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Although they had home court advantage for the first round, they dropped the ball and lost to the Warriors 2-4. What got the Bulls into the big tournament and can they do it again this year?

First was defense. In fact, Chicago was first in defense in the entire league with opponents hitting only 42.2 percent of their shots. The team can press and force other clubs into making mistakes, taking bad shots, and throwing errant passes.

The other important element the Bulls possess is teamwork. In a league that extols individual athleticism, embraces the slam-dunk and cheers the three-point pop, true team play is an anomaly. Coach Scott Skiles is adept at utilizing all of his players in effective combinations. Off the bench the Bulls compiled 40.2 points per game, which was also the best in the NBA.

This is a young team with a majority of its players having five or fewer years of experience. Returning to the court for Chicago are shooting guard Kirk Hinrich (15.7 points per game) and small forward Luoi Deng (11.7 points per game). Center Eddie Curry, who has been a disappointment, is now with the Knicks, which means energetic rebounder Tyson Chandler (9.7 rebounds per game) will take over at that position. Last season Chandler played a little less than Curry but grabbed almost twice as many balls off the rim. Twelve-year vet Antonio Davis has also gone to Gotham City, but former Knick Tim Thomas offers more points and minutes and younger legs than Davis does. Guard Ben Gordon was indispensable off the bench last year earning an average of 15.1 points while playing 24.4 minutes per contest. Per minute on the court he was the team’s most productive player. Look for him to continue in that menacing position.

Last year in one season the Bulls went from 23 to 47 wins! Was it a fluke? Probably not—the Bulls have improved their shooting and durability during the off season. Look for this young club to be positioned once again for the post season.

For more information on the 2005 Chicago Bulls Team, click here to visit their official team website.