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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 1

By Gerald Bourguet

November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrates against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 133-120. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) and guard Jerian Grant (2) react after a dunk by Wade against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls: Three Alphas Coexisting

The Chicago Bulls have been one of the biggest surprises in the East, not only because they’ve shot better from three-point range than expected (34.6 percent), but also because their Three Alphas have become symbiotic so quickly.

That chemistry rests primarily on Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo ceding control of the team to Jimmy Butler, who has become an absolute superstar in his leadership role and is averaging 25.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

But ignoring the fact that the Bulls are a +2.1 with Rondo on the floor and a +10.1 with him on the bench, the Three Alphas have somehow found a way to coexist without any of them possessing a serviceable three-point shot. Despite both Butler and Wade operating in the midrange, the Bulls are 9-6 and look poised to make their return to the playoffs.