The Bulls Second Quarter: Holy shit, where did Carlos Boozer come from?

After focusing on the mere possibility of acquiring Kevin Love during the last quarterly update, I suppose that the ongoing disaster that is the Los Angeles Lakers means I should spend this quarter discussing the possibility of trading for Pau Gasol? Oh sure, in years past, I'd probably be quick to suggest pushing one Carlos Boozer out the door in such an offer. The only problem this year—especially since the turn of 2013—is that "the consolation prize" in the great free agent frenzy of 2010 has been playing relatively inspired basketball lately.

The Bulls are not only tied for the top spot in the Central Division, but even more remarkably, are a mere three games back in the Eastern Conference. Amazing because all of this has happened without the services of Derrick Rose, whose image typically graces the graphic of these quarterly updates. 

As encouraging as the standings might be, I would not say the regular season success to this point necessarily will translate to a lengthy playoff run. At best, you're might be talking about the Eastern Conference Finals. Even then, it still seems like all signs are pointing to another Heat-Thunder Finals this year. If nothing else, at least when Rose returns to the court for Chicago, he will not be coming as a piece desperately needed to turn around a sinking ship, but rather to contribute and hopefully make what has been a fairly good team an even better one.

 
NOTE: Photo taken from here