Predicting the Chicago Bulls’ 2015 Starting 5 Following Free Agency

Predicting the Chicago Bulls’ 2015 Starting 5 Following Free Agency

By Brian Kalchik

July 15, 2015

Predicting the Chicago Bulls’ 2015 Starting 5 Following Free Agency

2015-16 Chicago Bulls — The Chicago Bulls didn't tinker their roster much this offseason in the hopes of getting back to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and beyond. Here is what I think the projected starting five for the Bulls will be next season under first-year coach Fred Hoiberg.

The Chicago Bulls didn't tinker their roster much this offseason in the hopes of getting back to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals and beyond. Here is what I think the projected starting five for the Bulls will be next season under first-year coach Fred Hoiberg.

Point Guard: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls

Point Guard: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls — Derrick Rose used to be an elite point guard, but over the past few years, injuries have stunted his growth. After his 2011 MVP campaign, Rose was on his way to running the league next to LeBron James. An ACL injury and a meniscus tear have cut Rose's playing time in the past three seasons. That said, a strong playoff performance means Rose will be lining up next season as the starting PG, barring any injury.

Derrick Rose used to be an elite point guard, but over the past few years, injuries have stunted his growth. After his 2011 MVP campaign, Rose was on his way to running the league next to LeBron James. An ACL injury and a meniscus tear have cut Rose's playing time in the past three seasons. That said, a strong playoff performance means Rose will be lining up next season as the starting PG, barring any injury.

Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler Chicago Bulls

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Shooting Guard: Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler Chicago Bulls — Outside of LeBron James, Jimmy Butler is the best wing defender and two-way wing player in the game. Butler more than lived up to the high expectations placed on him, earning a big pay-day from the Bulls. He can play both shooting guard and small forward.

Outside of LeBron James, Jimmy Butler is the best wing defender and two-way wing player in the game. Butler more than lived up to the high expectations placed on him, earning a big pay-day from the Bulls. He can play both shooting guard and small forward.

Small Forward: Mike Dunleavy

Mike Dunleavy Jr. Chicago Bulls

Small Forward: Mike Dunleavy

Mike Dunleavy Chicago Bulls — Small forward is by far the weakest position for the Bulls, but once again, Mike Dunleavy will be the starter. Dunleavy isn't an excellent athlete or defender, but he does plenty of things well enough and spaces the floor well.

Small forward is by far the weakest position for the Bulls, but once again, Mike Dunleavy will be the starter. Dunleavy isn't an excellent athlete or defender, but he does plenty of things well enough and spaces the floor well.

Power Forward: Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol Chicago Bulls

Power Forward: Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol Chicago Bulls — Gasol will be a guaranteed Day-1 starter in 2015. In his first season with the Bulls, Gasol was a productive big man who helped replace Carlos Boozer. Gasol has the ability and size to play both the power forward and center positions, and proved to be a double-double machine.

Gasol will be a guaranteed Day-1 starter in 2015. In his first season with the Bulls, Gasol was a productive big man who helped replace Carlos Boozer. Gasol has the ability and size to play both the power forward and center positions, and proved to be a double-double machine.

Center: Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah Chicago Bulls

Center: Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah Chicago Bulls — Like Rose, Joakim Noah is guaranteed to start, but he'll have to prove himself after last season's setback. After knee surgery last offseason, he never fully recovered. He'll still be in the starting five, but it remains to be seen if he can be the dominant center he once was as a Defensive Player of the Year.

Like Rose, Joakim Noah is guaranteed to start, but he'll have to prove himself after last season's setback. After knee surgery last offseason, he never fully recovered. He'll still be in the starting five, but it remains to be seen if he can be the dominant center he once was as a Defensive Player of the Year.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer and featured writer for www.RantSports.com. He also covers the NBA, College Basketball, Fantasy Sports, Clubhouse and College Football for the site. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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