Is this Bulls Team for Real, or was I Drinking Again?

It’s bizarre.

The Chicago Bulls looked like a real team Thursday night,
particularly against another real one that could potentially contend for
another title in June.

What was remarkable was the rebounding effort throughout the
entire team.

Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah did exactly what they were
supposed to do in the 92-85 win. Both helped out on the weak side defense while never
giving up on an offensive rebound, and for a jump shooting team, this is
critical.

The Bulls are going to need second- and third-chance points
this year if they want to make a playoff run.

Derrick Rose was better than I thought he would be with a
sore ankle while trying to guard Tony Parker. He pitched in 13 points, seven
rebounds and seven assists. But what didn’t show up in the box score was fluid
and how controlled he looked.

He looked like an NBA point guard who wants the ball at all
times. He looked like a leader. These characteristics usually come off as silly
or trite, but there is something to be said about Rose’s court presence in the
first game of the season. As his ankle heals, and he gets into game-shape, I
suspect we’ll see a more aggressive Rose attacking the rim and taking jump
shots off the pick and roll.

The Bulls are crossing their fingers that he can find a
consistent jumper with three-point range along with his blazing speed and
strength. His form still looks a bit mechanical, however. Ben Gordon is no longer in Chicago, and his scoring will be missed down
the stretch.

My favorite play of the game: Brad Miller faking a 3-point
attempt and zipping the ball down to a wide open Thomas who flushed the ball in
as if he were playing on a Nerf hoop. As defenders closed in, he picked up an
easy foul. It’s astounding what can happen when a player is in the right place
at the right time.

I don’t suspect Thomas is a much better player than last
year, simply because he doesn’t let the game come to him. He is a remarkably
athletic player with no forte other than shot-blocking. If he can do what he
did in the second half of last night’s game, the Bulls are going to be a good
team.

Then again, we’ve been reading that line for three seasons
now.

My favorite did I just see that moment: Luol Deng draining
eight of 13 shots. He’s off to a good start and it’s needed considering he’s a
sensitive player that doesn’t play well when he’s lacking confidence. More
importantly, he was aggressive without going outside of his game or putting the
ball on the floor.

My wait and see before I get excited player: Joakim Noah.
While Noah has clearly turned the corner, I’m not sure how good he’ll be in the
league. Nevertheless, his length and athleticism, combined with his
relentlessness, are a good fit for any NBA team. But I wonder how good he’ll
really be as a center?