Chicago Bulls: Despite Everything, It Is OK To Hope

The Chicago Bulls may have a lot of doubters in their corner this year, but as they prepare to play their first game of 2016-17, there is still reason to be hopeful.

The Chicago Bulls have unfortunately become somewhat of a joke in this league.

Never seemingly really having a chance at the championship but yet never falling to the bottom of the barrel either, the organization has been stuck somewhere in the middle for some time now.

Despite drafting Derrick Rose. Despite being coached by Tom Thibodeau. Despite being in the Eastern Conference.

And this trend has only become more apparent over the last few years.

Rose stopped caring, mouthing off about prioritizing his son’s graduation over playing. The front office let go of Thibodeau in the most appalling of ways, only to hire close friend head coach Fred Hoiberg instead. There was locker room drama. Chicago missed the playoffs.

All in all, the Bulls have not had a good look about them in a hot minute.

But this season, that has the opportunity to change.

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Except of course, that people around the league are still doubting Chicago.

Because how could a front office that has failed the city so many times, be trusted? How will Hoiberg suddenly turn things around to coach harder and better motivate his team?

How likely is it that Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler can really share a court together, without egos clashing?

How will the Bulls make it into the postseason, when so many other Eastern squads have beefed up their rosters?

In essence, why would anything change now?

Well, that is certainly a fair point.

But to play devil’s advocate for a minute … for the small percentage of fans who are still clinging to hope: you are not wrong.

Look, the front office is definitely not without fault. There is a reason, a good reason at that, that general manager Gar Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson have the reputations that they do.

However, they did finally make some moves worthy of applause this offseason.

And yes, Hoiberg had what would be appropriately called a terrible first year. He coached as though he was back handling college ball, unable to get a handle on his players on or off of the court.

But with that said, he does have a new group of guys to deal with. Not to mention a whole lot of criticism under his belt that he had time to reflect on.

As for the so-labeled Alpha Three? Well, there are probably as many reasons to believe in them, as to doubt them.