(I’ve been meaning to finish this post for quite some time now…at last…your inaugural “I’m a huge Chicago Bulls fan” story…)

Every year in Chicago…typically around the end of October…I read the same story.

And “Cubs in six” isn’t it.

I’m referring to the Chicago Bulls. Have they finally grown up? Must I suffer through another season of “baby” Bulls references?

It’s like I’m in a Bill Murray movie – for the past 10 years.

But this year will be different. I think.

Because Chicago has something they haven’t had since you know who. Shedding the rookie tag – and hoisting the ROY award – Derrick Rose has the opportunity to do something the Kirk Heinrich-Ben Gordon-Luol Deng triumvirate couldn’t.

Win. Consistently.

Gordon is gone. Heinrich and Deng are now complimentary players. And it’s Rose’s team now.

Chicago participated in one of the greatest playoff matchups in recent memory last season, taking the defending champs, the Boston Celtics, to seven games. Rose was tremendous, and his showdown with Rajon Rondo was magnificent.

Rose wasn’t alone. Late season additions, Brad Miller and John Salmons, added sorely-needed scoring and experience. But the biggest surprise came in the form of the Bulls big men – Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.

Thomas has shown flashes ever since he first stepped on the floor. There is no denying his freakish athleticism. There is also no denying his incapability of playing under control for an extended period of time. But there he was against the Celtics, flying around the rim and hitting jump shots. Giving Bulls fans a taste of what’s hopefully ahead.

Noah, the free-flowing haired, seersucker suit-wearing wild child, has faced consistent abuse from fans and local media since draft night. I believe this anger was more directed at Chicago’s front office for failing to trade or draft a low-post scorer – again, then for taking a chance on Noah. But there he was, stealing Paul Pierce’s pass and gliding down the court – ball in hand – before throwing down a thunderous dunk and fouling Pierce out in game six.

Fast forward to today.

Two weeks into the season, the Bulls are an underwhelming 5-4. Not unlike year’s past, the Bulls have been as inconsistent as ever. The season began with impressive victories against contenders like the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. But the Bulls also lost to those same Celtics by 28 points and to a Toronto Raptors team due to their heavy reliance on the jump shot.

Up next? The dreaded “Circus trip.”

But reasons for optimism remain – despite Tyrus Thomas’ freak weightlifting injury, resulting in a broken radius and a months-worth of street clothes.

A lot of that has to do with Mr. Noah.

Day one of the NBA season I made a bold statement. And I will make it again – in bold. Joakim Noah will play in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. Yes, you heard that correctly. It wasn’t his boyish charm or free spirit that led me to this conclusion. It was his all-out hustle, his never-say-die demeanor and his development around the basket.

In related news, Noah currently leads the league in rebounds (12.3 rpg) and is averaging a double-double (11.5 ppg).

Thomas’ absence has also been softened by the arrival of “The Taj.” Rookie Taj Gibson has totally bucked the NBA rookie tradition. He plays solid defense and rebounds. He understands his assignments and rotations. He never lets the game get too fast. And he likes to read the Wall Street Journal.

Combine the development of this youth movement with the Bulls’ previous generation, Heinrich and a now fully-healthy Deng, and the Bulls 78th attempt at life A.J. (after Jordan) may be a successful one.

Do I think they can make a run at the NBA Finals? Absolutely not. That is one thing Vinny Del Negro and I agree on. Don’t get me started on the Bulls second year coach – we’ll save that for another day.

But I do believe Chicago can make a push for the fourth seed – behind Boston, Cleveland and Orlando –and secure home court in the playoffs’ first round.

No matter how far they go this year, the entire Chicago Bulls organization better keep this in mind – people are watching. Like soon-to-be free agents, Dwyane Wade, and the power forward we’ve always wanted, Chris Bosh.

And some other guy wearing no. 23…