Are Chicago Bulls Title Contenders After Offseason Moves?

Chicago Bulls, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

The Chicago Bulls have been one of the worst teams in the league over the last five years. In fact, from 2017-2020, Chicago has had the worst regular season winning percentage in the NBA at 33.9%. That alone is enough to make a front office blow things up.

This began at the trade deadline last season. Chicago acquired Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic. This gave the team an All-Star option down low. General manager Marc Eversley showed that they will buy rather than sell moving forward and that continued in the offseason.

Eversley stayed aggressive after acquiring Vucevic. It began when Alex Caruso signed a four-year year in free agency. Lonzo Ball was next as he was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal for $85 million over four years. The final star was getting DeMar DeRozan in another sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. This was all to put the right players around one of the best scorers in the league in Zach LaVine.

On paper, this team is full of stars but might not have gelled on the court. Those notions have been put to bed early. The Bulls are currently second in the Eastern Conference and the league has been put on notice.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls, Heat Both Hit With Tampering Penalties — Full Details

Heading into the season, LaVine was viewed as the centerpiece of the team. He is scoring 25.6 points per game, which is good for seventh in the league. While he is still the team’s franchise player, he does not lead the team in scoring. DeRozan is leading the way with 26.4 points per game. If this continues, the Chicago Bulls are in good shape with two finishers at the end of games.

With LaVine and DeRozan gaining much attention from opposing defenses, this leaves Ball able to navigate the floor with single coverage. Using his great size and passing ability, Ball has been able to run the offense well in the half court and set his teammates up in position to be successful. 

On the other end of the floor, Chicago is excelling as well and it begins with Caruso.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls, Heat Both Hit With Tampering Penalties — Full Details

The former Los Angeles Laker was one of those additions that make some scratch their heads — especially for the price. Chicago knew exactly what they were getting. Caruso is an incredible athlete and competes hard defensively. He is an elite perimeter defender that gives the Chicago Bulls a spark on that end of the floor. Caruso has started just six games this season but is averaging 2.2 steals per game.

Chicago might not have that defensive-minded big man in the middle but Vucevic has been more than serviceable this season. Along with his offensive prowess, Vucevic continues to be the perfect center in this scheme.

The NBA has been about putting superstars together in order to load up on wins and gain championships. The Bulls have a big four of their own and while they might not be considered top-five players, it works for the time being and everyone seems to know their role.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls, Heat Both Hit With Tampering Penalties — Full Details

The Chicago Bulls were aggressive building this team. That is what they needed to be if they wanted to take the next step. So far, it is looking like it is all paying off. Right now, it is hard to deny that the Bulls are a legitimate postseason team. Now, they will have to continue to prove that they can contend with some of the other top teams in the league and win a championship.

Heat Defeat Cavs 121-84 Using Dominant Bench Play

The Miami Heat delivered an exceptional performance during Sunday’s NBA action, cruising to a 121-84 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers and breaking their three-game home

76ers Achieve 121-107 Victory Over Harden’s Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers clinched a 121-107 victory against James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers during Sunday’s NBA action. Tobias Harris scored 24 points, and

Williamson’s 36 Points Lead Pelicans to 114-101 Victory vs. Pistons

In a display of sheer dominance, Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a convincing 114-101 victory over a short-handed Detroit Pistons team during