Playoff Picture: Chicago Bulls

Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Another season, another Chicago Bulls outfit entering the playoffs with more questions than answers swirling around them. Yet for all of the talk, it has still be another hard working, but largely successful regular season run for these guys. Much of that credit needs to go to head coach Tom Thibodeau, the no nonsense leader who doesn’t do excuses.

It would appear the Bulls have some other factors going for them as well. As sad as Derrick Rose’s demise has been for this franchise, they no longer depend on him as a savior to take them to the promised land. He figures to be ready for the playoffs, and that’s great. But in Jimmy Butler and the rejuvenated Pau Gasol, there are others who are now able to share the burden.

All the talk has been about the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers this season, teams who have set the pace (Hawks) and brought the star power (Cavaliers). Yet Chicago is right behind them, perhaps finally ready to strike and go on the deep playoff run this fan base deserves to see.

Next: Veteran Reborn In Windy City