End of Preseason

After the last pre-season game, the Bulls look to the regular season with a number of questions and hopes.

1. Ben Wallace, Joakim Noah, and Tyrus Thomas all suffered injuries against their game with the Bucks. Depending upon the severity, the Bulls will be off to a difficult start to the season with three bigs out. I saw the Wallace injury, and I would say it's a definite sprain. He came down on Dan Gadzuric's foot going for an offensive rebound. This could end up with some serious burn for rookie Aaron Gray.

2. Speaking of Gray--viewers can already see the benefits and deficiencies he'll bring for the rest of his career. Big guy, some fundamentals, can score and pass with skill. I would compare him to a little less athletic Brad Miller. Gray will continually get beat off the dribble by quicker 4's and even some 5's. But he can bring a change of pace of the pine. I would consider him an upgrade over Mike Sweetney for sure.

3. Kirk Hinrich looked refreshed with great legs in his shooting form. I'll go ahead and proclaim that taking the summer off the U.S. National Team was a positive. I believe that Hinrich's numbers and defense will be climb once again this year.

4. Ben Gordon's ankles look A-OK, thank God.

5. Luol Deng=All-Star=Deeper play-off run this year. If he plateau's, Bull's are going to get beat in the 2nd round once again. Betting on his talent and character, we're in for a great season.

6. Sefolosha should come along this year. His defense is already solid, just needs that confidence in his shot. Once that comes into play, he can line up with Kirk, rather than Duhon.

Here's to the new year.