By Sports Editor Jay Ahuja

Before the 2013-2014 season started, the Chicago Bulls were title contenders seeking revenge. Since then, the Bulls have lost star Derrick Rose for the season because of a meniscus tear during the tenth game, and all star Luol Deng was traded away to save money and attain future draft picks.

Because of these losses, many experts say that Chicago has little or no chance to win a championship, but after an above average season (48-34), the Bulls have achieved so much more than what was expected. They may not win a championship this season, but Chicago has become the most feared team in the National Basketball Association.

And the reason? Derrick Rose’s injury.

During the past two seasons that Derrick Rose has been out, two-time all star center Joakim Noah has finally found his identity on the team. He is simply the leader. When the team lacks energy, Noah is the first one to start screaming encouragement. When the team is struggling on offense and/or defense, Noah is the one to make an outstanding play that brings back life into the team.

I would never have said this two years ago.

I probably wouldn’t have even said this last year, but Derrick Rose’s injury has brought more advantages rather than disadvantages to the team as a whole. I know this might draw criticism, but the fact is that this team has pushed its potential farther than just one player. Noah has become the heart and soul of the Bulls, and Taj Gibson has provided a huge offensive boost off the bench. He has a solid chance to win Sixth Man of The Year.

In addition, D.J. Augustin has become one of the biggest scoring threats (13 points per game, 4 assists per game) on the team. When Rose was on the team, many of the plays centered around him, and his teammates never had a chance to prove themselves.

Now, head coach Tom Thibodeau has given extra minutes to a lot of young and raw players, such as Jimmy Butler. This decision has added depth to the team’s talent. Chicago has the number one defense in the league, and they have become known for upsetting the best teams and shutting down superstars across the league.

Even with everything this team has gained since Rose has been injured, they still look to him as their most valuable player. They even remain excited about what the future has to bring when Rose returns for the 2014-2015 season. When Bulls fans were chanting M-V-P for Noah this season, he told the press that he was not the MVP of this team. He told them that Rose was still the only MVP.

While this basketball team has improved exponentially, they have remained humble and united, still believing that Rose will come back and take the team to the next level. That is, without a doubt, true, but it was Rose’s injury that set up this scenario. Next season, the Bulls will most likely be ranked as one of the top five teams in the NBA going into the season, and they deserve it. This team has dealt with adversity and succeeded.