(My Sportsbook) - Chicago is a town that was spoiled, NBA-wsie anyway, for the better part of a decade. Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson teamed up to make championships an expected rite of passage in the Windy City, until both departed leaving only glorious memories behind.

Citizens of Chicago have since endured a few attempts at the rebuilding process. Bill Cartwright took over the reins from Tim Floyd just after Christmas last season. Cartwright immediately instilled a new attitude in the young Bulls, and was rewarded with a three-year extension in March.

June arrived and Chicago was waiting with the second overall selection in the NBA Draft.

The Bulls were winners on Draft Day because they were simply in the right place at the right time. Houston was dead set on taking Yao Ming with the first overall selection, which left Jay Williams at No.2 for Jerry Krause and company. Unlike the many imports in the talent pool, we've all seen what Williams can do. In all likelihood he will be a prolific NBA scorer, since he can create his own shot and already has NBA range. On top of that, every team he worked out for was blown away by his approach. Williams is a great talent and a solid character guy, which is a rare combination.

"He's an outstanding player, but he's just as good a person," Bulls executive vice president Jerry Krause said. "We were sweating and hoping that he would be there."

Krause gave up on dealing the pick for a player once it became obvious that Houston was focusing on Yao.

"We never really got to the point where we talked about trading the pick," Krause said. "We think the young man we got is a very special player. We determined that very early, especially after we met him. This young man is not a [typical] 20-year-old."

FRONCOURT:

When Chicago dealt Brad Miller to Indiana, it opened the door for Eddy Curry to become the starter.

The most impressive aspect of Curry's game is the way he asserts himself inside. He goes takes the ball hard to the rack and slams it down with authority. Another year of Cartwright's tutelage and NBA seasoning may help him improve on his 6.7 ppg. scoring performance.

Because Curry, 19, is so young and inexperienced, Krause will try to add a veteran big man, who can play both center and power forward, to mentor Curry.

Tyson Chandler will start at the power forward spot. He has good jumping ability and great speed but lacks toughness and a reliable shot. Chandler is another young Bull that could hit his stride with a little more seasoning.

Donyell Marshall will start at the small forward spot, which will allow Jalen Rose to play in the backcourt where he's a better fit. Marshall can score and is an effective rebounder. He's a little soft on the defensive end, but the Bulls can only hope that the shot-blocking skills of Curry and Chandler erase some of those mistakes.

GUARDS:

With Rose and Williams in the backcourt, Bulls fans have some reason for optimism.

Rose became the team's leader shortly after his arrival last season. His size and skills are undeniable, and his experience and professionalism can't hurt such a young team. Rose looked at the big picture after he arrived last season -- working hard to get the ball to his teammates rather than shooting excessively. He especially went out of his way to feed Curry and Chandler in the post, realizing that they're the future of the franchise.

Williams is a point guard with blazing speed that has also proven to have NBA range on his jumper. He should be a quick study and excel in the Association.

BENCH:

Jamal Crawford entered training camp as the top point guard, but he knew he'd have a hard time holding off Williams for the starting job. Nevertheless, Crawford gives the Bulls a solid reserve at the point guard position. He can also play the shooting guard, which will allow Cartwright to be creative and get a lot of scorers on the floor at times. Crawford has good size (6-5, 175), which will help him on the defensive end.

Trenton Hassell started 47 games last season because of his solid defense. He'll have a harder time earning minutes this season because of the infusion of talent at the guard positions.

Dalibor Bagaric, Chicago's reserve pivot, has a nice shooting touch from the perimeter for a player his size (7-1, 270). Unlike most sweet-shooting big men, Bagaric has the weight to clog the lane. His main weakness is speed -- both foot speed and in his shot release. Based purely on size, however, he can have some dominating moments in the Eastern Conference.

Marcus Fizer was the team's best low-post scoring threat last season because of his strength and post-up ability. He can play either the three or the four, and this versatility will allow him to log plenty of minutes.

The frontcourt rotation is rounded out by power forward Lonny Baxter and small forward Eddie Robinson. Baxter has the size to play inside, but he doesn't seem to have the necessary mean streak. Robinson played just 29 games last season due to injury.

OUTLOOK:

Obviously, the Bulls are not ready to be a playoff team, but that's not to say there isn't be reason for optimism. Chicago will not be blown out of the building night after night anymore, and it could improve to 30 wins this season.