Taking a Look at the Miami Heat’s Competition in the East

Chicago Bulls

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are most likely on the decline now, especially considering Pau Gasol is another year older and Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose no longer look like All-Stars, but this team still has enough talent to be competitive. Not to mention, the Bulls did re-signed 25-year-old Jimmy Butler, who is quickly becoming one of the best two-way players in the league.

The Bulls biggest problem is the diminishment of their superstars. Noah, who’s always been known as a defensive catalyst, was clearly not the same last season. According to Nylon Calculus, Noah allowed a rim field goal percentage of 58.2 percent.

Many Chicago fans are hoping Derrick Rose will return to form, but last season he recorded his lowest player efficiency rating (when playing at least half a season) since his rookie campaign.

The Bulls probably don’t have enough to make a legitimate run at a Finals appearance, but they won’t be an easy out.

Next: Wait, the Bucks?