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The Chicago Bulls finished the 2003-04 NBA season with a regular season record of 23 wins and 59 losses. They finished last in the Central division and didn't make the playoffs. Now on to the 2004-05 season:

Coaching:

Scott Skiles is a no-nonsense guy. He's going to have to get something out of the young players on this team to remain their coach next season.

Centers:

A rarity in today's NBA, the Bulls have fairly decent depth at the center position. But, it's not without question marks. This is a make-or-break year for the two youngsters, Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler.

Ever since being selected 4th overall in the 2001 draft, Curry has shown flashes of dominance. The questions about Curry have to do with work ethic and showing up for every minute of every game. He has a lot of gifts around the basket on the offensive side, but still seems to lack the killer instinct to be a great rebounder night and night out. If Eddy is to be considered an elite center in the NBA, this is the year he has to put it all together.

Tyson Chandler will get some time at the center position. See below for more on him. The Bulls also have experienced workhorse Antonio Davis at the center position. The 11-year veteran will always provide good defense and solid rebounding. He's lost a step since his best seasons statistically in Toronto, but he's a nice player to have on the roster.

The Bulls will probably have Curry and Chandler on the court at the same time, and rotate Antonio into the mix.

Forwards:

The Bulls spent their 7th pick this past draft on Duke freshman Luol Deng. It's the feeling of this writer that Deng came out a year or two early. He should see a solid amount of minutes for the Bulls. If they're smart, they'll bring the young man along slowly. He doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but he has a chance at a very long and productive NBA career.

Chandler appears to be the polar opposite of Eddy; he lacks a post game and seems very tentative with the ball on the offensive side. Chandler excels on the defensive end, though. He has a great rebounding and shot-blocking ability. The biggest question mark with the secondnd overall pick from 2001 is his health. He's had chronic back problems since entering the NBA. If Chandler is to become the defensive juggarnaut he's capable of being, he'll have to be on the court. Not in the trainers room. Chandler works very hard, so he's definitely got the drive to improve.

Argentine Andres Nocioni is an interesting rookie who will get playing time. Athletic and injury prone Eddie Robinson may also see some action.

At the power forward position, the Bulls will probably use committee of Tyson Chandler, Antonio Davis, Othella Harrington and free agent signing Gary Trent.

Guards:

It seems the Bulls never stop drafting point guards (or undersized shooting guards - whichever term you prefer). This year they drafted UConn standout Ben Gordon and Duke senior Chris Duhon. Consider recent picks Kirk Hinrich, Jay Williams and Jamal Crawford in previous years. You'd think after that many selections they might have something of a nucleus at the guard spots. This doesn't appear to be the case. Now with Jamal Crawford in New York and Jay Williams at home, the Bulls still have a ton of questions in the backcourt.

Ben Gordon is a shoot-first guy. Although he has point guard ability, he's probably going to have the most success in the NBA as a two-guard. Being only 6'3, he could be a defensive liability. Though, he's very strong. There is no denying his immense talent, but he has to be brought along properly.

Kirk Hinrich, the sophomore out of Kansas, had an above-average rookie campaign for the Bulls. At times he showed great promise as a point guard, while other times he looked completely lost at the position. With Gordon around, he hopefully can defer a lot of the shots he took last year and become more of a true point guard. The 38% Field Goal percentage suggests that would be a positive for the team.

The Bulls also have a pair of college standouts in third year Frank Williams and rookie Chris Duhon. For Williams, this is a make-or-break campaign. For Duhon, first he has to make the team as a 2nd round pick. Chris is probably the most natural point guard on the team and should see some minutes. Three point specialist Eric Piatkowski and Adrian Griffin may also see some time at the 2 guard spot.

Strengths:

I don't see a lot. This team is still very young and inexperienced, even after five or so years of rebuilding. The depth at the power position should be good in the Eastern Conference. They also have the potential to have a very productive backcourt.

Weaknesses:

Youth and inexperience. Young players just don't win very often in the NBA. There are going to be many nights where Bulls fans will have blank looks on their face watching the mistakes new Bulls Gordon and Deng make. If Curry and Chandler don't evolve into 40 minute a night guys up front, they may have to look at rebuilding that part of the team as well.

Outlook:

Best case scenario: Their draft picks work out and they flirt with a 40 win campaign.

Worst case scenario: They still have a messy roster with no clearly defined roles and underachieving young players and limp to a 20-win season.

I think they'll be somewhere in the middle.

Prediction: 5th in the Central 27-55.