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Chicago Bulls
Overall: 66
Title track: 43
Ownership: 64
Coaching: 96
Players: 29
Fan relations: 52
Affordability: 96
Stadium experience: 60
Bang for the buck: 90
Change from last year: -13
The Bulls are a winning team with a worldwide brand that maintains a high level of popularity because of the lasting image of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen taking championship trophies. That continues to offset the high cost of being a Bulls fan and the unsettled feeling that comes with injuries and a high-profile coaching change.
What's good
The Bulls' strong suit is also an area of concern. They are a solid 29th overall in the players category, but that's a drop of 21 spots, likely due to the constant uncertainty surrounding Derrick Rose's health and the feeling that the championship window for this group might have closed. Still, it's a good core, fronted now by Jimmy Butler, the reigning most improved player, even if the team might have let its best chance to beat LeBron James pass by in the spring.
What's bad
For Chicago fans, affordability and bang for the buck remain issues. In fact, one year after those two categories dragged the Bulls' ranking down to 53rd overall (from 24th and 42nd overall the previous two years), poorer ratings for affordability and bang for the buck -- which is measured in wins per dollar spent by fans -- brought the Bulls even lower this year, to 66th overall. That's one result when a team goes from 62 wins in Tom Thibodeau's first season in Chicago to 50 wins in his last.
What's new
The Bulls took a steep slide in the coaching rankings -- from 11th a year ago to 96th this year -- by firing Thibodeau at the end of last season. Thibodeau's relationship with the Bulls' front office was fractured beyond repair, but the messy way in which the divorce between team and coach was finalized drew the ire of many fans. It culminated in a scathing statement from longtime owner Jerry Reinsdorf directed toward Thibodeau. Former Bulls player (and management favorite) Fred Hoiberg was hired to change the offense, and Bulls personnel are already raving about the more positive atmosphere in the building. But it will be interesting to see how long Thibodeau's shadow remains a presence on this team, especially if the Bulls can't get over the hump of beating James and the Cavs in the playoffs.
Next: Orlando Magic | Full rankings