Eastern Conference standings

They have the Bulls basically in a dead-heat for the 4-seed with Brooklyn, New York and Philly. I think that's a bit optimistic personally given their suspect backcourt until Rose gets back and their lack of a margin for error on the injury front.

That is awful. The Bulls don't have the talent or depth to get there this year.

even with me being a huge homer, I think the Bulls finish 7th. Bump up 5-7 and I'll think thats about right

I'm drinking the kool aid, I think this a decent team without Derrick...especially with how bad much of the NBA is in comparison.

Bulls get 3rd seed behind Miami and Boston.

Rose returns in December.

I seriously doubt they let Derrick come back that much earlier than expected (they're currently guessing March).

Their frontcourt will still be good, their backcourt will be ugly. Kirk would be in the running for worst starting PG in the league, and their shooting guards aren't exactly amazing. They're going to need the new guys to play pretty well while Rose is out.