Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: Biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2017-18 season thus far

By FanSided User

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 13: Victor Oladipo #4 of Indiana Pacers and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watch the action during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 13, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 and Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls congratulate each other after a play against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on December 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 117-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Nikola Mirotic #44 and Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls congratulate each other after a play against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on December 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 117-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls once sat at 3-20, well on their way towards a top 3 pick. Then Nikola Mirotic returned from facial injuries suffered when teammate Bobby Portis punched him in practice. Since Mirotic’s return, the Bulls have gone 10-4 and look like a completely different team, now sitting at 13-24.

Mirotic is averaging a career-best 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds and has shot 48% from downtown. He and Portis, who is also having a career year, have found a way to get past their issues and focus on playing winning basketball. In the 162 minutes that those two have been on the floor together, the Bulls have a 21.6 net rating.

The Bulls have also gotten contributions from the likes of Kris Dunn, David Nwaba, Denzel Valentine and rookie Lauri Markkanen.

Fred Hoiberg has done an impressive job with this young team that looked like it was headed for an all-time bad season early on. Now that the Bulls have some real pieces to build around, the future looks a little brighter in Chicago.

What to Watch For:

Zach LaVine is still recovering from surgery on a torn ACL that he suffered last season. The time of his return is still unknown but when he is added to the lineup it will add another piece to a suddenly promising nucleus.

LaVine averaged 18.9 points per game last season in Minnesota. With a player that is so heavily reliant on athleticism, it will be interesting to see how a serious knee injury affects his play. The Bulls will not only be looking to see LaVine score but also see if he can be a positive impact in other areas of the game.

The Bulls are eagerly awaiting his return and will be hoping that it gives them another building block as they continue to try and make plans for the future.

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