When the injuries first started to pile up, my 1st thought was that we just throw this season down the drain and wait for summer.  Especially with us falling from our cushy spot at #6 to fighting for the #8 spot and having to play the Cavs in the 1st round.  But after some careful consideration, I've changed my mind...

If we can make it into the playoffs, we'll be facing a team in the Cavs, that has legit title hopes.  This will be a showcase for D. Rose, Noah, and company to show the rest of the league what they learned from last year.  All those soon-to-be free agents will be watching.  Plus, it's not like the Cavs run over us, we actually matchup pretty good with them.  I could easily see the playoff series going 6 or 7 games. 

An added bonus to all this is that we would be facing the #1 Free Agent option in this summer class.  We all know the Cavs offense is give the ball to Lebron and get out the way.  Just think how much of an impression we could make if we do keep it competitive.  Lebron would get an eye witness account of how his team would matchup with the Bulls.  And remember he probably won't have Shaq or Big Z next year.  Watching D. Rose light up Mo Williams, watching Taj and Noah out-hustle Varejao and Hickson.  This could very well be a great sales opportunity.

If u don't think Chitown is on the radar, check these quotes from a recent KC Johnson article:

"Chicago is a great city," James said. "It's one of the best cities you have in America. From lifestyle to sports town, it's a great city. I know that. You guys know that. Everybody knows that."

"Derrick Rose is an incredible talent and Taj Gibson and (Joakim) Noah are bright spots for them," he said. "They have a lot of great pieces in place when they're healthy. It's very difficult to play and win with four starters out like they've had."

He's definitely taken notice, getting into the playoffs and giving him a first hand look, would be wonderful.  Even if we lose, he leave the series thinking "Damn, imagine what those guys could do if I was a part of the team"