NBA JAM: CHICAGO BULLS

In our continuing rundown on the NBA season, Neate looks at the Central Division, specifically the Chicago Bulls.

Last season: 41-41, 8th in Eastern Conference, lost to Miami in first round of playoffs
Coach: Scott Skiles
New faces not named Ben Wallace: Howard Eisley, Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha
Funny-looking white guy: Kirk Hinrich (but he can play)
Blogs: Blog A Bull

If you watched the Bulls' pre-season win over the Raptors on Friday, then you probably noticed that Ben Gordon ate Toronto's lunch, pouring in 38 points.

Word has it that Gordon, who averaged a team-best 16.9 points per game last year, is determined to become more of a complete scorer, not just a guy who comes in off the bench and tosses in a couple threes before anyone's realized he's on the court. It's a simple formula: If you attack the basket more, you get more foul shots -- hidden offence -- and you get more room on the perimeter to hoist those threes.

Throw in more offence from Gordon, Kirk Hinrich at the point (and a solid second-team point guard in Chris Duhon) and the added presence of Ben Wallace to an already strong defensive team, and the Bulls have improved themselves at both ends of the floor. Small forward Andres Nocioni also gives them a good glue guy and a bit of an edge.

The Bulls aren't an upper-echelon team, even in the East, but they could challenge for fifth or sixth in the conference. Can't help but wonder where they'd be, though, if they had held on to Elton Brand a few years back instead of going with Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler.

By the way, Bulls coach Scott Skiles likens 6-foot-5 rookie Swiss swingman Thabo Sefolosha to former Raptor Doug Christie. Considering all the stuff said about Mrs. Christie, you better think twice before you hang that label on a guy.

Also in Central: Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks

Previously:
Southwest Division: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets, San Antonio Spurs
Southeast Division: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards

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