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Chicago Bulls: 5 Questions To Address As Postseason Push Begins

By James D. Tillman III

Mar 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) moves around defender Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) during the second half of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) moves around defender Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) during the second half of the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers won 120-93. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers won 120-93. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Is Jimmy Butler’s Return Enough?

Earlier this season, Jimmy Butler didn’t mince words when he expressed that the team needed to be coached harder at times, himself included. Along with that, there were reports that some of the other players in the locker room took exception to Butler’s attempt to become the vocal leader of the ball club.

Whether or not Butler is the leader of this team remains to be seen. What cannot be debated is that the Bulls have a better record with him on the court (27-22); than they do when he is out of the lineup (5-8).

It is also worth mentioning that in his first game since injuring his left knee over a month ago, Butler compiled an impressive stat line that included 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a game-high rating of plus-28.

"“Jimmy makes a huge impact on both ends of the floor,” Gasol said, via ESPN. “Especially on the defensive end. His physicality and his activity and energy make a big difference because it kind of picks everybody up as well and sets a tone for the rest of the guys.”"

In other words, if the rest of the team doesn’t give the necessary energy and effort at both ends of the floor the way that Butler does, the Bulls’ chances of making the playoffs are between slim and none.

Next: Can Bulls Rediscover Defensive Edge?

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