"Second Chances" | NBA Live 16 Chicago Bulls Dynasty | 2015-2016

[Andrew]

Second Chances: An NBA Live 16 Chicago Bulls Dynasty



Welcome to my first new franchise story topic in...well, a long time! It's been a long detour, and while my NBA 2K14 MyCAREER is ongoing, I'm delighted to have returned to my roots as a franchise gamer by taking control of the Chicago Bulls in NBA Live 16's Dynasty mode. I'm also currently playing a co-op Association with Dee using the Bulls in NBA 2K9; we'll be talking about that on the NLSC Podcast, and possibly here as well. Stay tuned!

As for my solo franchise gaming, I ended up choosing NBA Live 16 as it's a game I've been looking to spend more time with after revisiting it here and there. It also presented me with an intriguing scenario: bringing back a declining Ben Gordon for one more run with the Chicago Bulls. In real life, it was Derrick Rose's final year in Chicago, while Gordon departed the NBA after the defending champion Golden State Warriors released him during training camp. Suffice it to say that this backcourt that should've been kept together in 2009 has a lot to prove, especially with Rose's unfortunate injuries derailing the rise of the best Bulls team since the Jordan Era.

Additionally, Joakim Noah's 2015 season was a step back following the 2014 campaign, in which he was an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year. As such, he's looking to prove that he's not past his prime before the age of 30! Pau Gasol, now in his second year with the Bulls and fresh off another All-Star appearance, is on a mission to prove that he's still a top frontcourt player as he enters his mid 30s, and capable of contributing more than just veteran leadership on another championship team.

From an individual and team perspective alike, this Dynasty story is all about second chances.

NLSC Articles

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[Andrew]

Results & History

2015-2016

Chicago Bulls 2015-2016 Season Roster





2015-2015 Transactions

• Chicago Bulls release E'Twaun Moore
• Chicago Bulls sign Ben Gordon

[Andrew]

Highlights & Videos

Reserved

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Offseason News



Bulls Open 2016 Season With Win Over Cavaliers


Ben Gordon suited up for the Bulls for the first time since 2009.

CHICAGO, IL -- The Chicago Bulls have entered the 2016 season with a lot to prove. To that end, they made a strong statement with a 108-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, last year's Eastern Conference Champions and the team that eliminated them from the 2015 Playoffs.

Ben Gordon, who returned to the team that drafted him back in 2004, scored 12 points and had four assists in his first game in a Bulls uniform since the first round of the 2009 Playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Derrick Rose led the team with 19 points, and also dished out a game-high 11 assists. Pau Gasol added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Joakim Noah had 10 points and nine boards. LeBron James led all scorers with 29 points, to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. Kyrie Irving had a tough night to open the season, scoring just eight points on 3-for-18 shooting, while Tristan Thompson contributed 11 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.

"It's great to be back," Gordon told reporters after the game. In regards to his departure via free agency in 2009, he commented "I'm not thinking about the past. I'm all about the future, and helping us compete for a championship. It feels like I've got a second chance to do something special here in Chicago."

The Bulls raced out to an early lead, and despite some spirited runs by the Cavaliers, stayed in control of the game from start to finish. Joakim Noah admitted "It's only one game, but this win meant a lot to us. They knocked us out (of the Playoffs) last year, so we were definitely out for revenge. There's still a long way to go, but this was big. I've got a good feeling about this season."

Recent Results


Pau Gasol battles with Kevin Garnett in the paint.

October 27th, 2015: Bulls (108) vs Cavaliers (93)
October 28th, 2015: Bulls (108) @ Nets (99)
October 30th, 2015: Bulls (110) @ Pistons (106)
November 1st, 2015: Bulls (125) vs Magic (114)
November 3rd, 2015: Bulls (110) @ Hornets (91)
November 5th, 2015: Bulls (122) vs Thunder (127)
November 7th, 2015: Bulls (106) vs Timberwolves (103)

Current Record: 6-1, #1 in East

[Andrew]

Warriors Crush Bulls 132-117


The defending champions blew out the top team in the East.

OAKLAND, CA -- The Chicago Bulls may be off to their best start in years, but the defending champion Golden State Warriors clearly weren't intimidated heading into tonight's game. Reigning MVP Stephen Curry scored 38 points including six three-pointers, and also added six assists, five rebounds, and two steals, as the best in the West defeated the top team in the East 132-117.

Chicago kept pace with Golden State through the first six minutes thanks to Ben Gordon, who finished with a team-high 25 points. However, Curry soon caught fire, and with Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and Andrew Bogut playing lockdown defense inside and out, the Bulls struggled to get the job done at both ends. A late push cut the lead to single digits, but with former MVP Derrick Rose shooting poorly on route to a 17-point, 11-assist performance, Chicago ran out of steam while the Warriors' sharpshooters put the game out of reach for good.

"They took advantage of everything we did wrong," Gordon commented after the game. "When we were going bucket for bucket with them, we figured we could do that all night long. Then we fell in that hole, and just couldn't get out." Gordon, back with the Bulls for the first time since 2009, had added incentive to beat the champs on their home floor. He latched on with the Warriors during the offseason, but was cut as training camp drew to a close. The Bulls got him the ball early - as if to make a point - but his hot start wasn't enough to avoid a big deficit by the end of the first quarter.

Six Warriors scored in double digits led by Curry's 38, with Green adding 19, and Bogut contributing a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Joakim Noah had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls, while Pau Gasol added 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Warriors had a slight 44-40 edge on the boards, though the Bulls surprisingly doubled their success from downtown, as Chicago shot 16-for-30 on three-pointers while Golden State were 8-for-23. Gordon also bested Curry with seven threes in the losing effort.

Recent Results


Derrick Rose dunks against the Trail Blazers.

November 9th, 2015: Bulls (109) vs 76ers (99)
November 13th, 2015: Bulls (109) vs Hornets (106)
November 16th, 2015: Bulls (98) vs Pacers (87)
November 18th, 2015: Bulls (101) vs Suns (96)
November 20th, 2015: Bulls (117) vs Warriors (132)
November 24th, 2015: Bulls (93) vs Trail Blazers (118)
November 27th, 2015: Bulls (87) vs Pacers (122)
November 30th, 2015: Bulls (118) vs Spurs (113)

Current Record: 11-4, #1 in East