Here’s how each Bull fared this season
Here’s a look at how the players on the Bulls roster fared during a 62-win season and disappointing finish in the Eastern Conference finals:
Ÿ Derrick Rose, signed through 2012: Anyone looking to blame Rose for the loss to Miami should have their head examined.
Rose was asked to do everything for the Bulls this season and delivered with flying colors, winning a well-deserved MVP award. Keep in mind that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are in their eighth NBA seasons, while James and Wade have already been to the NBA Finals.
Rose is in his third season and hadn’t won a playoff series until this year. Because he relies so much on athleticism, Rose’s best chance to win an NBA title is while he’s young and he’ll be better next year.
The Bulls would quickly sign him to a maximum extension this summer, but collective bargaining rules and a possible lockout makes everything unpredictable.
Ÿ Luol Deng, signed through 2014: Remember when fans were worried that Deng had an albatross contract that peaks at $14.3 million? Well, that was a long time ago.
Deng was outstanding this season and earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s most versatile players. He could have a legitimate chance of making the all-star team next season after guarding LeBron James as well as anyone could expect.
Ÿ Carlos Boozer, signed through 2015: After a stinker performance in Game 5, it’s easy to forget Boozer scored 46 total points in the two games at Miami. On Thursday, he hit 1 of 6 shots and delivered the head-scratching flagrant foul against James while the Bulls led by 11 in the third quarter and had all the momentum.
Boozer is close to untradeable, so the Bulls can hope his health and chemistry with Rose improves. On the bright side, he does rebound in traffic as well as anyone in the league.
Ÿ Joakim Noah, signed through 2016: He turned out to be a disappointment in the Miami series, averaging 9.8 rebounds and 6.0 points while shooting 31.7 percent. All that scoring confidence he’d built for three years seemed to disappear while he sat with a thumb injury. Bulls fans can feel confident, though, that Noah will work hard in the summer.
Ÿ Ronnie Brewer, signed through 2013: Played his heart out against Miami and knocked down some clutch baskets. One of the Bulls’ unsung heroes all season, with amazing defensive quickness. He’s a candidate to become full-time shooting guard if no better candidate steps up. He averaged 13.7 points for Utah in 2008-09.
Ÿ Kyle Korver, signed through 2013: His 3-point shooting fit the Bulls to perfection for most of the season, but then he hit just 4 of 14 from long range against Miami.
Ÿ Keith Bogans, signed through 2011: The Bulls probably couldn’t expect anything more from Bogans than what he gave them. Then again, it’s tough to win big with a shooting guard who averages 4.4 points.
Ÿ C.J. Watson, signed through 2013: He often brought scoring punch off the bench, but didn’t as fare well with fewer minutes in the playoffs.
Ÿ Taj Gibson, signed through 2013: Another very valuable reserve, turned into an outstanding defender in his second pro season. He’s also a decent scorer when he gets enough touches to feel confident.
Ÿ Omer Asik, signed through 2012: He might be the Bulls’ secret weapon for the future. The rookie from Turkey is tall, active and tough to shoot over. He’ll need about six weeks to recover from a broken left fibula.
Ÿ Kurt Thomas, signed through 2011: He’s 38, but if Thomas wants to come back next season, the Bulls should sign him up in a second. He always brought something positive to the floor when called upon.
Ÿ Rasual Butler, signed though 2011: A tall, streaky 3-point shooter is someone the Bulls might be able to use. But he’ll explore options since the Bulls don’t necessarily have a spot for him.
Ÿ Brian Scalabrine, signed through 2011: Will he go into coaching or replace Tom Heinsohn as the Celtics television analyst? Scalabrine was like an extra coach on the bench and has a strong presence in the locker room. Chances are Tom Thibodeau will want him back.