The Chicago Bulls are a young, fascinating team to pay attention to as the new NBA season approaches. Lots of young talent, a potential All-Star in Zach LaVine, and a head coaching change may be just what the doctor ordered to help the Bulls get back into the playoffs. Let’s assess.
Key Additions: Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky, Coby White
For the Bulls to have any hope of making the playoffs, they desperately needed to fix their point guard position. Die-hard Bulls may still hold out hope for Kris Dunn, but anyone that has seen him play has pretty much given up on him. With the drafting of North Carolina point guard Coby White and signing Tomas Satoransky, it seems the Bulls have given up on Dunn too. White was a breakout star at North Carolina and has the potential to become a quality guard to fit alongside LaVine.
Young is a vet that can help bring some experience to a young team. He’s a player that could give good minutes off the bench and mentor the Bulls young big men.
Key Losses: Robin Lopez
To be honest, it isn’t THAT big of a loss. Sure, the Bulls will miss the size of Lopez. However, the Bulls should be happy that young center Wendell Carter Jr. will finally get a chance to prove what he is capable of. Carter isn’t as experienced as Lopez, but Carter could prove to be the better player sooner rather than later.
Potential Starting Lineup: White, LaVine, Porter Jr, Markkanen, Carter Jr.
This lineup may not blow everyone’s mind, but I like it because of its potential. I could be wrong about White starting, but I am a believer that experience is the best teacher. If White is up the challenge of being a point guard in the NBA, then he’ll step up.
Projected Wins: 40
I’m making a bold statement here. The Chicago Bulls will win 40 games. In a crappy Eastern Conference, that could be enough to sneak into the playoffs. It is not rare that a sub.500 team makes it into the playoffs. It will be tough and will take breakout performances from multiple players. The Bulls are a dark horse for the playoffs this year, put it down.
