The Chicago Bulls have proved that there is a correct way to tank. A method to the purposeful losing, fan frustration, and constant firing of influencers – including coaches, GMs, etc can work. Through unrecognized savviness and team-awareness, they’ve prepped a ship awaiting a captain. This rise to possible success comes at a critical time, as the King himself, Lebron James, becomes more mortal by the day. The Bulls are far from being the top dog, but it’s not unreasonable to have hope as a Bulls fan.
End of an Era
In 2017, a Jimmy Butler led Chicago Bulls team would lose in the first round to the Boston Celtics after being up 2-0. The defeat showed a huge lack of depth and consistency due to youth. But even more so, it proved that Jimmy Butler isn’t the leader the Bulls had hoped for. So, on the night of the 2018 NBA Draft the Bulls organization made an extremely gutsy decision to trade their superstar. It came with mass amounts of criticism and knee-jerk cries for the firing of almost the entire front office. But the Bulls have vastly improved the five-year outlook through gaining both youth and potential.
Lauri Markkanen
The only recognized talent on the Bulls is Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish freak possesses a phenomenal level of finesse and is blessed with a frame large enough to be a respectable rebounder. A dream stretch four challenging Kristaps Porzingis’ rookie year statistically. He comfortably navigates the game better than some veterans. More importantly, he escaped the struggle of transitioning from college to the NBA, displaying a confidence that you love to see from someone with his youth/size. He could easily become a fantastic number two on a Bulls championship contender club.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine is a proven scorer (averaging 18.9 points in 2017), though I question how healthy he will stay. He’s struggled with leg injuries and following the Bulls has made me wary of trusting athletic guards with a knee problem (that hurt to write). With that said, he’s a play-maker who can explode for 30 in exciting fashion. He’d be a fantastic sixth man. That could protect him from injuries, and give him enough impact on the game to be content.
Other Valuable Pieces
Kris Dunn was labeled a bust after his first year out of Providence, but he’s bounced back after being included in the Jimmy Butler deal. He’s improved in almost every statistical category, including leading the league in steal rate (3.3). Dunn’s proved that he could be a decent starting (or fantastic bench) point guard in the NBA.
With a 6’6” frame, Justin Holiday has become one of the Bulls most consistent three-point shooters. David Nwaba is pure energy and athleticism with an improving jump shot. Bobby Portis has become a consistent shooter in a large PF frame, making him more dynamic then he’s given credit for. Denzel Valentine is a smart player with a winning attitude instilled in him by Tom Izzo.
My Guarantee
This combination of youth and talent is what excites a fan base for the future. Despite this, when your team is losing as religiously as the Bulls, it’s hard to maintain positivism. While it may look like I’m reaching, I truly believe that the team is primed to make moves in the next five years. Because of this confidence, I have a guarantee that the Bulls will make it to the Eastern Conference finals in that time period (granted there’s no reprimand for me being wrong in this situation). This article will probably also be lost and forgotten. If I’m right, though, I’m referencing this article for years to come.
If you feel the need to yell at me hit me on Twitter: @CJPerSources