The Chicago Bulls got their first win of the preseason with a 108-105 win over the Utah Jazz.

The Bulls were powered by the return of their star shooting guard, Ben Gordon. Gordon started off well, making his first two shots, one a three pointer off of a Derrick Rose assist, but he then struggled for a bit, getting a few of his shots blocked. Come 4th quarter time, Gordon proved that he was still the Gordon of old, and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter. Gordon finished with 23 points and 5 assists.

Andres Nocioni was also good in the fourth quarter, scoring 8 of his 20 points in the fourth.

Both Gordon and Nocioni are going to be effective next to Rose all season long, and should be expected to have big roles. These two and Demetris Nichols are the only players who can be consistent three point threats for the Bulls.

Derrick Rose had another solid game. Rose finished with 14 points and 5 assists in 23 minutes. While Rose has yet to break out for an overwhelmingly good game, he has been consistently good in all of our games. With the Bulls up and down play in past seasons, a guy who comes in and plays well every game like Rose has thus far, will help the team greatly. If the guy is this good already, how good is he going to be by the end of the season? Three years from now?

It should becoming abundantly clear that the Bulls do not have a guard logjam. The Bulls have two guards, Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon, who are overwhelmingly better than the rest of the guards. Rose and Gordon should get the 34+ minutes each at the guard positions, and Hinrich and Hughes should fight for the remaining minutes in the backcourt.

The front court continues to be the Bulls biggest problem. Tyrus Thomas finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds despite some erratic play. Drew Gooden completely disappeared after his 20 point and 8 rebound game, only scoring 4 points. The Bulls front court also put on display their weak interior defense again.

One trade the Bulls might look at if they are looking good, and the Pistons are struggling is one that would bring Rasheed Wallace to the team. He could help the Bulls out with their interior defense, but also give Rose another three point option to look for.

The Bulls could also see if the Blazers are still interested in that rumored Kirk Hinrich for Travis Outlaw and Joel Przybilla trade. This trade would give the Bulls another long ball option in Travis Outlaw, and an interior defender in Joel Pryzbilla.

It should be pretty clear by now that Thabo Sefolosha and Kirk Hinrich will never be that guy next to Derrick Rose. Paxson should begin looking to trade Hinrich and/or Sefolosha for some help with the Bulls’ interior defense.

Luol Deng had an alright game, scoring 14 points on 5-7 shooting. Deng has yet to step up into that first option role that was talked about so much for him.

Deron Williams had 14 points and 9 assists in his return to Assembly Hall and Carlos Boozer chipped in 21 points.

The Bulls and Jazz will meet again, tomorrow night in the United Center. The game is at 7:30 PM, and will be on WGN.