Forget the first two losses in Miami. Forget the game 3 blowout win in front of the eyes of the guy with the statue out front. Forget this season all together and you still have a whole future of promise in Chi-town. And I'm not just talking next season, but for years to come.

Since the arrival of John Paxson, the Chicago Bulls organization has seen bright spot after bright spot bless the halls that Jordan built.

We've seen the maturation of three young perimeter players drafted out of college (what?!...out of college!!!??) turn into a very deadly backcourt.

Kirk Hinrich is the precise passing point guard, credited by many experts as one of the best at the pick and roll. He has matured into a leader that knows his roll and knows how to make his team better.

Ben Gordon is the lights out assassin. Capable of hitting any shot from anywhere, at any time. His scoring flurries and speed make him a danger to any defender, and few are capable at stopping his shot.

Luol Deng is becoming the workman's worker. He can score, he can scrap, and he can defend.

Now you must also consider the fan favorite Andres Nocioni. An Olympic gold medalist and the dirty dog of the bunch. He's the guy that frustrates the opposing team's best scorer. The second coming of Bruce Bowen. With an even better shot and tenacious demeanor. He is Chicago's energy; he is heart and soul of this young squad. And the Chicago fans have fallen in love with this guy.

Throw in the ever lowered scowl of Coach Scott Skiles. He preaches defense 24/7. He preaches toughness 24/7. He takes no guff, and he tolerates zero whining. This is a man that challenged Shaq to a fist fight when both played for Orlando. Now how many players in the NBA can put that on their resume?

Before the season started, I concluded that when John Paxson moved Eddy Curry to the New York Knicks, that it was a mistake. The only thing the Bulls got in return was the shadow of Tim Thomas (now in PHX), Mike Sweetney's ever growing buddha belly and New York's first round draft pick. But like many, I figured that New York would at least not be the crappiest team in the league. Not with all of that talent and a championship coach. I've never been so happy to put my foot in my mouth. Enter this year's draft and you will see John Paxson smiling at a potential number 1 pick. And I'll make sure I get him to pick me some numbers for the Illinois State Lottery as well.

Because of the Eddy Curry trade, my man Pax is also sitting on tons of cap room to sign a very serviceable free agent or two during the off-season. One big move or a couple of well placed smaller moves, and you can consider the Bulls a championship contender in the year(s) ahead.

And all the while, Michael Jordan is looking on from his skybox cheering the home team. This young Bulls squad got it together by the end of the season and made the playoffs when most had left this team with not much size to be lottery fodder. They held today's most dominant center to 8 points in a playoff game. And that was the worst game that Shaquille has ever played in the playoffs. They also lead Miami's legendary coach to declare that his team straight up got their asses kicked in game 3, which by the way, was hilarious.

And yes, in the windy city.....the best is yet to come.