The Chicago Bulls Look Primed for a Deep Playoff Run in 2007

At the 2001 NBA Draft, then-GM Jerry Krause decided to pin the future of his post-Michael Jordan Bulls on two young frontcourt players named Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. The two were supposed to be the next great force in basketball, but instead became mediocre-to-average players who created more frustration than championship potential. This offseason, the five-year experiment finally ended as GM John Paxon traded Chandler to the Hornets for PJ Brown.

Paxson, who took the General Manager job in 2003, is extremely intelligent and made almost nothing but wise and economic decisions over the last three seasons. He fired personal friend but inadequate and soft coach Bill Cartwright and replaced him with aggressive winner Scott Skiles. He built a roster on young talent and role players, going for proven college players like Kirk Heinrich from Kansas instead of overhyped 19-year olds such as . The strategy has payed off, and the last two years have seen a resurgence in the Chicago Bulls, making the playoffs in 2004-05 and 2005-06 (despite struggles in the latter).

This offseason, with the young talent maturing after two or three seasons in the league with playoff experience, Paxson decided to go all out and find players to make his team into a real contender. HIs first answer was center Ben Wallace, five-time all-NBA and four-time defensive player of the year. Though he might be aging and slowing down at 32, Wallace is still one of the premier big men in the game and looks to be a huge addition for the club. In PJ Brown, the Bulls also recieved a veteran role player with a wealth of playoff experience. Between those two and hulking rookie Tyrus Thomas, whom the Bulls acquired via trading their original two draft picks, the talent in the frontcourt is much improved. Also key to the frontcourt rotation will be 23-year old Michael Sweetney, who should gain minutes at both center and power forward.