2015-2016 NBA Preview: New Bulls’ main man Jimmy Butler to lead Chicago in new season

Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21), forward Pau Gasol (16) and center Joakim Noah talk on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Reuters/Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With former NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose struggling with injuries the past few seasons, a changing of the guards is expected to happen for the Chicago Bulls with rising star Jimmy Butler poised to take over the reins after a breakout year last season.

Butler made his first-ever NBA All-Star team selection in the 2014-2015 season, the same year he was named as the league’s Most Improved Player and to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team.

Butler led his team in regular season scoring at 20.0 points per game and added 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game, which is among the top ten in takeaways in the entire league. The versatile wingman, known for his skills on both sides of the floor, upped his scoring in the postseason to 22.9 points per game with 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game in 12 postseason outings.

Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) reacts after making a three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Reuters/Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Butler’s performance last year makes him as the likely candidate as the Bulls’ new main man for the upcoming season.

Like clockwork, the injury-prone Rose is once again hurt after he was struck to the face in a September practice that caused a left orbital fracture. The point guard has logged in zero preseason games so far and his status is questionable for their opening day game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 27.

Nov 28, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) gets knocked to the floor during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Reuters/Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

However, Rose still has the capability of returning to his old MVP form, assuming he finds full health for the entire year. Last year, Rose averaged 17.7 points and 4.9 assists in the regular season but turned the ball over 3.2 times per game and shot just 28.0 per cent from behind the arc.

With a newfound star in Butler and a healthy Rose, the Bulls could be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Chicago squad will also rely on big men Pau Gasol, who recently lead the Spanish national team to the Eurobasket title, and Joakim Noah, who had a down-year last season but is expected to bounce back in the upcoming season.

Last season, Gasol averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots while Noah averaged 7.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 blocked shots per game. The pair will once again start for the Bulls with Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic expected to be useful back-ups in the frontcourt.

Gasol and Noah — Nov 13, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) and center Joakim Noah (13) block Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) during the third quarter at Air Canada Centre. Chicago won 100 - 93. Reuters/Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulls will practically be returning with the same core last season and the biggest change comes in the coaching department as former NBA player Fred Hoiberg takes over as head coach in place of Tom Thibodeau. Despite the criticism on the latter on how he burned out his players during his Bulls stint, Thibodeau led the Bulls to five straight playoff appearances from 2010 to 2015. The expectations on Hoiberg will be high as anything less than a postseason appearance will be considered a disappointment.

2015-2016 Chicago Bulls Projected Depth Chart:
Point Guards: Derrick Rose/Aaron Brooks/E’Twaun Moore
Shooting Guards: Jimmy Butler/Kirk Hinrich/Tony Snell
Small Forwards: Mike Dunleavy/Doug McDermott
Power Forwards: Pau Gasol/Nilola Mirotic/Taj Gibson
Centres: Joakim Noah/Cameron Bairstow

Other 2015-2016 NBA Season Team Previews:
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers look forward to return to NBA Finals
Atlanta Hawks return with same core, poised for another postseason run
Memphis Grizzlies to continue ‘Grit N’ Grind’ style in new season

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.