NBA 2016-17 forecast: Central Division

By Brian Boake | Oct 24, 2016

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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CHICAGO BULLS

Last season: 42 – 40

This season: 40 – 42

Somehow Bulls GM Gar Forman has lost the plot. His roster doesn’t make sense to a lot of commentators, me included. Sure, having Dwyane Wade on board looks wonderful on paper, but the man turns 35 in January. How many more shots can he get off on those well-worn legs?

Rajon Rondo is a terrific passer and defender, and next to impossible to coach. Also, he can’t shoot.

Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) talks to the Toronto Raptors mascot before the start of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmy Butler is a devastating offensive contributor and a top-rank defender. But he has a tendency to ball-stop, which will create some tension with his former-All-Star mates. These guys are going to learn to share, or the development of potential young stars like Doug McDermott will stagnate.

Chicago’s inside game is all but non-existent.

I don’t believe coach Fred Hoiberg is the man who can find enough ball to satisfy everyone. The team is unbalanced and will disappoint.

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