Oct. 26--Aaron Brooks
Pos: G. Ht: 6-1. Wt: 161. Age: 30. College: Oregon.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 11.6 points; 42.1 percent shooting; 38.7 percent 3-point shooting; 83.3 percent free-throw shooting; 2 rebounds; 3.2 assists; 23 minutes per game; 82 games
Comment: In theory, the Bulls won't need his bench scoring as much as last season. But he has proved to be a points-per-minute benefit consistently.
Derrick Rose
Pos: G. Ht: 6-3. Wt: 190. Age: 27. College: Memphis.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 17.7 points; 40.5 percent shooting; 28 percent 3-point shooting; 81.3 percent free-throw shooting; 3.2 rebounds; 4.9 assists; 30 minutes per game; 51 games
Comment: He can slide to more of a facilitator role because of myriad offensive options. But look for him to have the ball in his hands late.
Doug McDermott
Pos: F. Ht: 6-8. Wt: 225. Age: 23. College: Creighton.
2014-15 regular-season statistics; 3 points; 40.2 percent shooting; 31.7 percent 3-point shooting; 66.7 percent free-throw shooting; 1.2 rebounds; 0.2 assists; 8.9 minutes; 36 games
Comment: He's poised to make the biggest jump if he can handle defensive duties and provide consistent scoring off the bench.
Bobby Portis
Pos: F. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 250. Age: 20. College: Arkansas.
2014-15 college statistics: 17.5 points; 53.6 percent shooting; 46.7 percent 3-point shooting; 73.7 percent free-throw shooting; 8.9 rebounds; 1.2 assists; 29.9 minutes; 36 games
Comment: The first-round pick is slotted for frontcourt insurance for injury or, less likely, a trade. But he proved with a high motor and nice shooting touch in preseason that he belongs.
Cristiano Felicio
Pos: C. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 270. Age: 23. Pre-NBA: Brazil.
2014-15 Brazilian league statistics: 5.6 points; 65.2 percent shooting; (didn't attempt 3-pointer); 69.5 percent free-throw shooting; 4.9 rebounds; 0.7 assists; 15.4 minutes; 48 games
Comment: Management and coaches are genuinely high on the big man's potential. But he could become a luxury tax casualty by season's end.
Kirk Hinrich
Pos: G. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 190. Age: 34. College: Kansas.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 5.7 points; 37.3 percent shooting; 34.5 percent 3-point shooting; 70 percent free-throw shooting; 1.8 rebounds; 2.2 assists; 24.4 minutes; 66 games
Comment: Fred Hoiberg is the latest coach to praise Hinrich's organizational skills at both ends. He remains a reserve high on intangibles, and often injuries.
Joakim Noah
Pos: C-F. Ht: 6-11. Wt: 232. Age: 30. College: Florida.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 7.2 points; 44.5 percent shooting; 0-for-2 on 3-pointers; 60.3 percent free-throw shooting; 9.6 rebounds; 4.7 assists; 30.6 minutes; 67 games
Comment: Fourth in most valuable player voting just two seasons ago, Noah must adjust to a bench role. But his rebounding and defense will still prove crucial.
Pau Gasol
Pos: C-F. Ht: 7-0. Wt: 250. Age: 35. Pre-NBA: Spain
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 18.5 points; 49.4 percent shooting; 46.2 percent 3-point shooting; 80.3 percent free-throw shooting; 11.8 rebounds; 2.7 assists; 34.4 minutes; 78 games
Comment: He isn't projected to play or be featured as much as last season when he started the All-Star Game. But his scoring and pick-and-pop ability fit well for Fred Hoiberg's offense.
Tony Snell
Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 200. Age: 23. College: New Mexico.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 6 points; 37.1 percent shooting; 37.1 percent 3-point shooting; 80 percent free-throw shooting; 2.4 rebounds; 0.9 assists; 19.6 minutes; 72 games
Comment: Hoiberg hopes he can lessen the defensive load on Jimmy Butler, but the third-year player is still prone to inconsistent play and disappearing acts.
Jimmy Butler
Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-7. Wt: 220. Age: 26. College: Marquette.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 20 points; 46.2 percent shooting; 37.3 percent 3-point shooting; 83.4 percent free-throw shooting; 5.8 rebounds; 3.3 assists; 38.7 minutes; 65 games
Comment: Thibodeau featured isolation plays for him often, so Butler must adapt to Hoiberg's read-and-react system to grow offensively. Still the team's best two-way player.
Taj Gibson
Pos: F. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 225. Age: 30. College: USC.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 10.3 points; 50.2 percent shooting; Didn't take 3-pointer; 71.7 percent free-throw shooting; 6.4 rebounds; 1.1 assists; 27.3 minutes; 62 games
Comment: The veteran hopes his ankle problems are behind him after offseason left ankle surgery and remains a vital reserve.
Mike Dunleavy
Pos: G-F. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 230. Age: 35. College: Duke.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 9.4 points; 43.5 percent shooting; 40.7 percent 3-point shooting; 80.5 percent free-throw shooting; 3.9 rebounds; 1.8 assists; 29.2 minutes; 63 games
Comment: He's out until at least late November following back surgery. When he returns, he'll provide shooting, intangibles and smarts as he's done throughout his career.
Cameron Bairstow
Pos: F-C. Ht: 6-9. Wt: 250. Age: 24. College: New Mexico.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 0.6 points; 21.4 percent shooting; Didn't attempt a 3; 80 percent free-throw shooting; 0.4 rebounds; 0.1 assists; 4 minutes; 18 games
Comment: He's a strong, physical practice player. But if he's playing major minutes, something is up.
Nikola Mirotic
Pos: F. Wt: 6-10. Ht: 220. Age: 24. Pre-NBA: Real Madrid.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 10.2 points; 40.5 percent shooting; 31.6 percent 3-point shooting; 80.3 percent free-throw shooting; 4.9 rebounds; 1.2 assists; 20.2 minutes; 82 games
Comment: Like McDermott, he could make a huge jump under Hoiberg, starting the season as a starter. He must improve his defense and 3-point efficiency, but the skill is obvious.
E'Twaun Moore
Pos: G. Ht: 6-4. Wt: 191. Age: 26. College: Purdue.
2014-15 regular-season statistics: 2.7 points; 44.6 percent shooting; 34.2 percent 3-point shooting; 60 percent free-throw shooting; 0.8 rebounds; 0.6 assists; 9 minutes; 56 games
Comment: He's able to play both guard positions, which is why he's likely to stick in the rotation.
