MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: This is a tough one, since no one on the entire roster met expectations this season. By default, it might as well go to guard Ben Gordon, who was the Bulls' leading scorer for the third straight season at 18.6 points.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: This honor could be split about eight ways and include one player now toiling in Cleveland. Ben Wallace aside, F Luol Deng might have to lead the disappointing category since he missed 19 games with injuries and didn't build on last year's promise. That said, Deng was also a strong candidate for team MVP by averaging 17.0 points while shooting 48 percent from the field. BIGGEST NEEDS: The Bulls need someone who can make the game easier for his teammates. They're not likely to find a top-notch superstar this summer but can help themselves immensely by choosing either Memphis point guard Derrick Rose or Kansas State forward Michael Beasley with the top draft pick.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: Most of the focus will be on guard Ben Gordon and forward Luol Deng, who will become restricted free agents on July 1 because they turned down the Bulls' offers for contract extensions last summer. The Bulls won't let either player walk away but might explore sign-and-trade scenarios. Beyond that, guard Chris Duhon and guard Shannon Brown are unrestricted free agents. Neither is likely to return. Rookie guard Demetris Nichols is restricted.
PLAYER NOTES:
--Guard Larry Hughes is the one Bulls player with direct experience working with Doug Collins, who is expected to be named head coach. Hughes played for Collins in Washington for one season, 2002-03.
--Guard Kirk Hinrich is not planning to join Team USA training camp in preparation for the Beijing Olympics. Hinrich represented his country in the FIBA World Championships in 2006.
--Former interim head coach Jim Boylan is back together with Scott Skiles. Boylan will serve on Skiles' staff with the Milwaukee Bucks.
