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Jeff Van Gundy expects the Bulls to take a major step back next season.
"To lose (Derrick) Rose by itself is going to cost you -- even if you thought they were a 55-win team with Rose -- that costs you 12-15 games right there," Van Gundy said. "And then all the other guys I think people are overlooking. C.J. Watson even with his poor play to (Omer) Asik in that sixth game, listen, he was a very valuable back-up through all of Rose's injuries last year. He played well, and now, who's their backup, they have (Kirk) Hinrich and who? (Marquis Teague) No, no, he's not ... did you watch him in summer league? "Struggled" is being kind. That's not a knock. The 29th pick in the draft is such a hit-and-miss selection anyway. You have to give him time to grow and mature. But to think he's going to come in and play behind Hinrich next year ..."
Hinrich is expected to receive the bulk of the minutes at point guard.
"Their point guard situation last year was the MVP and a very good backup,” Van Gundy said. “This year it's a combo guard in Hinrich and we'll see who they can get as a backup. At the two-guard, (Rip) Hamilton is always hurt, and frankly in that Philly series, he's older, he's on the downside, and we'll see if he can bounce back ... Deng, you don't know where he's going to be injury-wise, and the frontcourt has been diminished. So to think that's a 50-win team ... listen, if they win half their games next year and make the playoffs, it's a heck of a year."
Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/222732/Van_Gundy_Bulls_Will_Be_Fortunate_To_Make_Playoffs_Next_Season#ixzz22KxbTBtL