They?re ba-ack.

 Celebrations were in order Saturday night at the United Center, as the Chicago Bulls clinched a birth in the post-season for the first time since the 1997-98 campaign, when Michael Jordan & Co. culminated the franchise?s dynasty era with their sixth NBA title in eight years.  A crowning achievement, of sorts, for a franchise that has endured six seasons of dreadful basketball (a .259 winning percentage tells you all you need to know) and who no one expected to reach this point back in November.

 No one, that is, except the Bulls themselves.

 While there are many reasons to explain Chicago?s magical turnaround ? stellar defense, solid drafting the last couple of seasons and terrific depth ? perhaps what best explains the winds of change in the Windy City this season has been patience - particularly general manager John Paxson?s decision to stand pat with his young roster, and coaching staff, for that matter.

 Paxson?s patience was put to the test following last season?s disappointing 23-win campaign, when the rookie executive very well could have scrapped the franchise?s rebuilding plan, instead opting to build around more experienced and established players (Lord knows local media were trying to push Paxson in that direction).  

 Yet when the Bulls found themselves with the third overall pick in last June?s NBA draft, Paxson opted not to trade away the pick for a serviceable veteran and instead stuck to his guns by selecting Connecticut standout Ben Gordon.  In addition to drafting Gordon, Paxson performed yet another draft night coup by acquiring the rights to Duke?s Luol Deng, selected seventh overall by the Phoenix Suns.  Paxson and the Bulls, so we all thought, were going to put their more-than-patient fan base through two or three more years of rebuilding torment (hey, they?ve waited this long, right, so why not?).    

 Entering the season, the Bulls were thus considered nothing more than an Eastern Conference afterthought, a collection of underachievers who?ve simply failed to adapt to the pro game.  Add to that, a coach on the hot seat in Scott Skiles, in the last year of his contract, and you have a recipe doomed for failure.  

 So when Chicago got off to a dismal 0-9 start it appeared inevitable Paxson would gut the roster (which included twin tower restricted free agents-to-be Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler ? the primary culprits in the Bulls? failed rebuilding project) as well as relieve Skiles of his duties (with former Bull Phil Jackson unemployed, Paxson would be foolish not to at least give him a phone call).  But once again, Paxson stood pat.  

 Though receiving league-wide interest in his young big men, Paxson never budged for fear of watching them blossom elsewhere (Chicago had been down that path before with the likes of Elton Brand, Ron Artest and Brad Miller, and Paxson wasn?t about to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor, Jerry Krause).   Paxson didn?t even flinch when Curry?s agents tried their best, via numerous trade demands, to have their client shipped out of town earlier in the year.  The franchise was going to sink or swim with their young thoroughbreds as well as Skiles, Paxson?s hand-picked choice as head coach following the Bill Cartwright debacle.  

 And needless to say, Paxson?s patience paid off, as the Bulls not only came all the way back from their 0-for-9 start to qualify for the playoffs by winning 44 of their ensuing 67 games, but are a legitimate force to be reckoned with come the second season.  Chicago has all the ingredients necessary for a prolonged playoff run:  they?re young, talented, deep, hungry, on a tremendous roll (winners of 12 of their last 13 games) and are stingy defensively ? a post-season pre-requisite.  

 If anything, injuries could hamper the Bulls this spring.  Curry still remains sidelined with an irregular heartbeat, and there is no word yet as to when he can return to the lineup, while Deng was lost for the season after tearing a ligament in his right wrist in a Mar. 28 game versus Memphis.  Deng?s absence especially will be a tough blow, as he was the Bulls? best perimeter defender in addition to providing 12 points and 5 rebounds a night off the bench.        

 ?This is a huge turnaround for our franchise,? said Paxson following Saturday?s win.  ?Scott (Skiles) has done a better job than anybody in the league.  Our guys work hard every night and I can?t discount what they have done.  This is great for our franchise.?

 Chicago?s storybook season just goes to show how the best things come to those who wait.  

Kostas.Bolos@realgm.com