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Keeping with the theme of multiplicity, the Bulls are also in a position to rack up a good amount of end-of-year accolades. Their best chances are for Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year.

Thibodeau has been considered one of the best coaches in the league since he took the reins back in 2010. Over the last couple of seasons he has actually overachieved by keeping his club above .500 and in the playoffs despite not having his best player.

He now has the deepest, most talented roster of his tenancy and the opportunity to do things he’s only been able to conceive in years past. Whatever success this team experiences will be largely due to his strategizing. If he can muster a result that looks like his 2010-11 debut, he can expect to add a second Red Auerbach Trophy to his mantle.

The Most Improved Player recognition was first awarded in the 1985-86 season, and no Chicago Bulls player has ever earned it. Butler will change that.

Although he posted a career-high 13.1 points-per-game average last year, the former Marquette Golden Eagle’s shooting percentages took a huge hit. This season, he has the advantage of being flanked by much better talent. This will help ease defensive pressure and open his game.

Butler has played in six preseason contests, dropping at least 18 points in four of those games, including two 20-plus-point performances. He will continue to benefit from his surrounding teammates’ talents as opponents would most certainly rather yield the floor to him than let Rose and Gasol run amok. Butler will get his first taste of NBA hardware.

Reserve power forward Taj Gibson fell short of claiming the Sixth Man of the Year award last season after losing out to prolific reserve scorer Jamal Crawford. During the preseason, the former USC Trojan has looked to pick up right where he left off and show that he is still deserving of consideration.

Gibson has improved his face-up game, finishes with better control at the rim and can still hit the mid-range jumper. Since he will still get quality minutes, there’s no reason to think he will be denied for two consecutive years.