Meet the 2009-10 Bulls
1 Derrick Rose, 6-3, PG, Memphis: He missed most of preseason with an ankle injury, but the rest of the league will be eager to see what Rose can do for an encore in his second season. He spent the summer focused on defense and his outside shot.
2 Jannero Pargo, 6-1, SG, Arkansas: Chicago native is back from a three-year hiatus from the Bulls and one year away from the NBA. When he heats up, he'll hit every shot he takes.
9 Luol Deng, 6-9, SF, Duke: One of the important questions this season is whether Deng can turn back the clock two years to when he appeared on the verge of an all-star invitation. He may start slowly after taking most of the summer to recover from a stress fracture in his right shin.
11 Lindsey Hunter, 6-2, PG, Jackson State: He will be thrown into the action now and then, but Hunter is on the roster mostly to serve as a mentor to Rose and the other young Bulls. He turns 39 on Dec. 3.
12 Kirk Hinrich, 6-3, G, Kansas: Now in his seventh NBA season, Hinrich has taken on the role of a smart veteran who can do what it takes to help his team win. He is still the Bulls' best individual defender.
13 Joakim Noah, 6-11, C, Florida: Noah seemed to blossom during the Boston playoff series when he averaged 13.1 rebounds. He came back this fall stronger and seemingly determined to pick up where he left off.
15 John Salmons, 6-6, SG, Miami: The soft-spoken Salmons has a chance to cement his place as the best late-bloomer in NBA history if he can exceed last year's scoring average of 18.3 points.
16 James Johnson, 6-9, F, Wake Forest: This former kickboxing champion from Cheyenne, Wyo., is an impressive athlete and handles the ball well. He may be too unpolished to earn much playing time early.
22 Taj Gibson, 6-9, PF, USC: The No. 26 pick of the draft, Gibson was a pleasant surprise during the preseason. He was a smart defender and knocked down most every midrange jumper that was available. Will jump right into the rotation.
24 Tyrus Thomas, 6-10, F, LSU: When Thomas is at his best, the Bulls usually win. They'll be hoping for more improvement and consistency from the hyperathletic forward.
31 Jerome James, 7-1, C, Florida A&M: Since arriving from New York in February in the Larry Hughes trade, James has been rehabbing a torn Achilles' tendon. He has vowed to play sometime this season.
34 Aaron Gray, 7-0, C, Pittsburgh: He seems to be making a quick recovery from a stress fracture in his left fibula, but Gray figures to serve mostly as an emergency big man.
54 Brad Miller, 7-0, C, Purdue: This savvy veteran brought stability to the Bulls' inside game and has been a good influence on Noah. Pick-and-rolls are a specialty if he's knocking down the 15-footers.