1. The Bulls aren't where most people thought they'd be this season. What do you think has been the biggest reason for the team's struggles?

Adam Fluck: It’s difficult to single out one particular reason for the team’s struggles this year as the organization has dealt with so many issues, distractions, changes and challenges dating back to October. On paper, the Bulls were the same team that won 49 games a year ago and advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, only with an additional season of experience, rookie Joakim Noah, and Joe Smith rather than P.J. Brown. Expectations were high, but a lack of consistency has really hurt the team this season. The calling cards for last year’s team were playing hard every night out, bringing a strong defensive effort without exception, and executing fundamental team basketball. We simply haven’t seen that this season on any kind of consistent basis and the result is a team that may fall short of making the postseason.

2. Even with their struggles, the Bulls are still very much in the hunt for the last playoff spot. What does the team need to do to get over the hump and keep their playoff streak alive?

Adam Fluck: On three occasions in the last two weeks, the Bulls have owned double-digit leads heading into the final frame only to see them disappear and turn into losses. If Chicago can find a way to win the close games and hold off fourth quarter rallies, like it did against Atlanta earlier this week, it might have a shot at capturing the eighth seed. The team’s offense has clicked as of late, scoring 100-plus points in 30 games this season, including 24 games under Interim Head Coach Jim Boylan; Chicago is 18-12 in those contests. On the other hand, when Chicago’s defense surrenders 100 or more points this season, the Bulls are 4-30. In other words, if the Bulls don’t defend, they don’t stand much of a chance. Number aside, each and every game is a big one for the Bulls as the season quickly winds down, so they need to play every night like it’s their last.

3. Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas weren't getting a lot of playing time when Ben Wallace was on the roster. Now that he is gone, have they been getting more PT? How do you rate their progress this season?

Adam Fluck: Both players have indeed seen more minutes since the trade, most notably Noah, who has taken over the starting center role and held his own. Through 21 starts, the 6-11 rookie has averaged 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 27.1 minutes per game. Playing time for Thomas has been tougher to come by due to the play of Drew Gooden, who recorded his best game of the season on Tuesday against the Hawks with 31 points and 16 boards. It’s no secret that Thomas possesses incredible talent and athleticism. The hope in Chicago is that a focused and determined offseason spent in the gym will put the second-year pro in a position to breakout next year.

4. Ben Gordon and Luol Deng famously turned down extensions before the season. Do you anticipate the Bulls getting deals done with both of them in the offseason, or are either of them potentially going to be on the market?

Adam Fluck: Deng and Gordon will become restricted free agents this summer, meaning the Bulls will have the right to match any contract offered to the players. In addition, Chicago can pay them more than any other team can and only a handful of teams are expected to be below the salary cap, thus in a position to offer either player more than the mid-level exception. As they did in the fall, Deng and Gordon will weigh the Bulls’ offer with their other options. Both players possess loads of talent and are still very young—even by NBA standards—plus they’ve been key contributors on the Bulls roster. While it’s possible the team could reach a long-term deal with one or both players, either could decide to accept the Bulls’ one-year qualifying offer and become unrestricted free agents next summer. Time will tell.

5. Looking forward, what do you think are the biggest things the Bulls need to work on in the offseason to get the team back to the level they were at the last few years?

Adam Fluck: Bulls general manager John Paxson is going to have a very busy summer. He’ll have three avenues to choose from as he attempts to right the ship—the NBA Draft on June 26, free agency, and trades. A decision on a head coach will also be made. The final three weeks of this season, should the Bulls secure a postseason spot or not, could shed some light on what to expect this offseason and next year as well. Change is most likely on the way, and it could be significant. Simply put, Paxson will try and assemble a team that will play well together and bring the maximum effort and intensity needed to win in the NBA.