The Chicago Bulls are one team that many people are expecting to take a major step forward this upcoming NBA season. They were very aggressive in upgrading their roster in recent months, adding a ton of talent to the team.
Back at the trade deadline, the Bulls shocked the basketball world when they acquired All-Star center Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. No one expected the Magic to actually move on from him, but Chicago was able to pry him away.
With two All-Stars now in the fold, as the team already had Zach LaVine, the front office got to work continuing to mold and upgrade the roster. The point guard position was identified as a position of need and they accomplished their goal.
Lonzo Ball was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a sign-and-trade and will take over the starting point guard spot. Alex Caruso was poached from the Los Angeles Lakers to bolster the backcourt with the second unit.
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Another sign-and-trade was done, this time with the San Antonio Spurs. DeMar DeRozan was acquired to add veteran talent to the wing and frontcourt.
With the additions that were made, there are some people bullish on what Chicago can accomplish this season. One NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network’s own Evan Massey believes they will be among the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
“Honestly, when I look at the East behind Brooklyn and Milwaukee, the Bulls are right there. I think they could very well end up as high as third in the conference. They have the scoring, defense, and unselfish players to become a serious contender.”
That is a bold prediction indeed. The Philadelphia 76ers would certainly have something to say about that, as well as the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics. Chicago certainly upgraded their roster, but there are legitimate concerns about how the pieces will fit together.
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Billy Donovan will have his hands full trying to make some of the pieces of the puzzle go together and the team could use some depth. Chicago has a good top seven or eight players but will need more than that to get through an 82-game season.
The Chicago Bulls will certainly improve this season, but it is hard to envision them finishing in the top three of the conference. Fighting for a playoff spot outside of the NBA Play-In Tournament seems more of where they will finish in the standings.
