Bullish Start to NBA Season.

While the Miami Heat players were still posing with their new mammoth size championship rings, the Chicago Bulls were looking like the team of 15 strong last night. This game was over before it started as the Heat never got it going and looked nothing like the team that surged to the title last season. It's only one game and the NBA season is long and winding, but the Bulls were intent on sending an early message to the Heat and the rest of the NBA. They are a legitimate force to be reckoned with this season. Even the 12th man off the bench, Thabo Sefolosha, looked ready to contribute on this very deep Bulls team.

In all reality though, the real truth lies somewhere in the middle. The Heat obviously are better then what they showed and the Bulls may not be clicking on all cylinders for all 82 games. There are a few new players on the team, so there likely will be some growing pains along the way. I expect the Heat to still be in the top 4 in the East this season. I look for them to start rounding into shape toward the end of the season like they did last year. The Bulls, who gave Miami all they wanted in last year's playoffs, are much deeper and more versatile now. They could be poised to make the next step toward being a title contender this season.