I don't think it will be next year unless the Bulls don't get Melo (very likely) and Rose gets hurt again (also somewhat likely). If that happens it will fall back into "same [expletive] different year" and all the regular season success in the world won't help them forget being pantsed in the playoffs this year. But otherwise, there will be just enough change and just enough optimism for Thibs to get maximum motivation out of the players yet again. I do worry though. Noah is the emotional leader of the team, and when he makes the "I'd hate you if we weren't winning Thibs" jokes, I believe he says it with a hint of truth. If you lose Noah, you lose the team.