I read this morning that the Chicago Bulls added a slew of assistant coaches. They also recently added a new play by play announcer in Chuck Swirsky. They have added a new Head Coach. So…how about adding some new players?

Sure, Derrick Rose was the big draft pick. But since then? Nothing. And they may have even lost a player as Ben Gordon recently said, “I guess it’s safe to say I’ve played my last game in a Bulls uniform”. Training camp opens on Monday and the Gordon situation remains unresolved. I find it difficult to fathom that he will turn down 6 years and 60 million guaranteed dollars, but athletes are a strange breed. My point is this: why is this even an issue? Why isn’t Gordon signed & traded? Is it because nobody wants him?

I’m not the biggest Ben Gordon fan. But he fills it up and the Bulls don’t have anyone like him. He shoots the 3 at a high percentage and averaged almost 19 a game last season.

But enough about him. Wasn’t this the offseason that Paxson was going to consolidate some of his gains? Exactly how do you find the minutes to keep Rose, Thabo, Hughes, Hinrich, Nocioni and Thomas productive–and happy? Isn’t that asking a lot of a first-time head coach?

Drew Gooden averaged 14 & 9 after coming over from the Cavs. I think that’s sustainable. And I’m interested to see if Deng progresses, Noah in year 2 and of course, Rose.

The Bulls could be a lot of fun. In the best scenario I see Thomas, Noah and Deng flying down the wings with Rose leading the break. I can see the very young Bulls running teams off the court with their speed and depth, and being very aggressive on D.

There’s definitely reason for optimism. I’m just surprised the the roster from June is the same one today.

[tags]Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, John Paxson[/tags]