2015 NBA All-Star Game: Early Prediction For Chicago Bulls
By Jonathan Brannon
@jbrannon89
Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls currently sit atop their division with a record of 15-9. Like most Bulls teams under head coach Tom Thibodeau, they have been tough defensively and work hard every night. As NBA All-Star voting begins, how many Bulls can make the team and represent the Eastern Conference this season?
Derrick Rose is automatically the first name that comes to mind, but for Rose to make the team, he’ll need to rely more on his fame than his play this season. Rose has again been slowed with injury, but he’s averaging 16 points, five assists and three rebounds per game, all of which are below his career averages. With plenty of talented point guards in the Eastern Conference, Rose will need to get healthy and prove his worth during the next month.
Pau Gasol looks likely to make the All-Star game with about 19 points and 12 boards per game while also averaging two blocks per game. Gasol is playing very well and looks to be among the best big men in the league. Unless something unexpected happens, Gasol should be at the All-Star game.
Joakim Noah has a chance to make an All-Star appearance as well, but he has struggled some this season and missed games due to injury. If he can get back on the court and work hard this next month, he has a chance to make it as well.
The most worthy candidate, and perhaps the biggest surprise of the season, is Jimmy Butler. He leads the team in scoring and steals, and he constantly takes on the best scorer on defense. Butler has worked his way into the spotlight in Chicago over the past couple of years, and now it is time that he gets rewarded for it.
In all, Bulls fans should expect at least two representatives during the All-Star game and up to four if they’re lucky.
Prediction: Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler
Jonathan Brannon is a San Antonio Spurs writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jbrannon89, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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