In 2010/11 Thibs focused on developing the defense first and foremost. He has done that again this year. The offensive struggles of the new guys could largely be caused by their focus on learning the defense. As they get more comfortable with the defense and don’t have to think about it they will relax and their offense will improve.

The Bulls offense will be very interesting this season. The oppts will not have any one guy to focus on like thy did when DRose was on the floor. On any given night Noah, Deng, Boozer, Hamilton, Robinson, Gibson or Hinrich can be the leading scorer. If Hinich can stay healthy he is the perfect PG to take advantage of that kind of diverse offense. He will identify what the opponents defense will give the Bulls and also who has the hot hand. His assist totals will not accurately reflect his value to the offense. He will make a lot of passes that will get his team mates assists. He did it before when he ws with the Bulls.

If you notice the way the new Bulls talk they sound just like the old “Bench Mob”. They say the ame words, they want to work hard and contribute anyway they can to winning. I think that is a tribute to Gar/Pax for finding players with the mentality needed to fill the roles that were left open by the departure of the “Bench Mob”. As fans we need to have the patience to let the new guys develope their identity. I also believe that we should have confidence that Thibs will get the most possible out of the 2012/13 Bulls. I see these Bulls definitely in the playoffs with at least a 6th seed. If DRose makes it back by mid to late February it could be a top 4 seed.

of course, I wanna see them win, but getting a lottery pick wouldn’t hurt

I agree with you, but in all fairness to Braedan, he is just doing his job – stating the facts and making observations based upon them.

But it is true as fans that it is our job to have blind faith and think positive.

BULLS!