The Bulls are the best team in the NBA in terms of defense and rebounding, but they remain challenged in terms of offensive efficiency despite the addition of Carlos Boozer and the development of Derrick Rose's jumper (amongst many other other-worldly abilities).

Chicago's offense is primarily predicated on Rose creating off the dribble, whether in isolation or on pick and rolls.

Lacking consistent perimeter shooters, however, the Bulls are unable to fully convert on those promising open looks against teams sagging into the paint to guard against Rose and Boozer. The shooting guard position is clearly the area where the Bulls need an upgrade, preferably in the form of a scorer who can hit three-pointers and also put the ball on the deck. The NBA is filled with players who fit this job description, but that perfect blend (especially for a team that values character as the Bulls do) is arduously narrow.

Keith Bogans is a fine journeyman player, but certainly not any title contender's dream as the starter at shooting guard, even if he only plays less than 18 minutes per night.

Chicago also is in need of a low post scorer, though that is a secondary concern and not something that would easily be fulfilled. Joakim Noah's return certainly won't change things in this department.

Desperation Meter: The Bulls consider themselves title contenders, but are not aging out of their window like Boston, nor are they yet in 'WE MUST WIN IT ALL OR I'M OUT OF HERE' mode that Cleveland was in for years with LeBron James and the evolving situation for Dwight Howard and the Magic.

Chicago should be able to convert a relative spare part in Taj Gibson into the right fit at shooting guard. Gibson does a lot of things well, but he brings nothing to the table offensively in the post and is generally a replaceable and value must beget value.

The Bulls are comparable to the Thunder in the Western Conference, where anything less than advancing out of the first round would be a disappointment and yet they feel either too young or one player away from making a genuine run.

J.R. Smith and O.J. Mayo are both players within Chicago's grasp and could become their tipping point.

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