Chicago Bulls: Should tanking continue to be the plan in 2019-20?

Should tanking continue to be the plan for the Chicago Bulls heading into 2019-20?

Being one of the most storied franchises in the league is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you’ve got an astounding history and stigma surrounding the city and your team, a loyal fan base, and an attractive market.

On the other side of the equation though is a consequence of being great, which is the expectations that come with it. This is what the Chicago Bulls have and will continue to face, but the fact is that they haven’t been living up to them.

The last time there was true excitement about basketball in Chicago was maybe when the team drafted Derric Rose and he proceeded to become one of the best young players in NBA history, oh which an MVP accompanied.

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Even without being title contenders they managed to generate buzz via Rose’s quick sprung legacy, which faded almost as fast as it grew.

With Rose’s injuries derailing his prime, the team then eventually saw a project pick named Jimmy Butler come into his own with an increased role. Nobody expected JB to be much more than a 3-and-D player at best, and for about five years that’s what he was too.

Someway somehow Jimmy worked himself into becoming an all-star, all-around player, and one of the better iso scorers in the league. I wouldn’t call Butler an efficient scorer such as the likes of LeBron James or Kevin Durant, but there are certain dudes in the game who you just know “that guy can get me a bucket.” Jimmy Butler became that, somehow.

Chicago failed to surround him with other players that fit. They attempted to pair him with Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo…which was um…an interesting choice. Ultimately his prime would not have aligned with bringing in new talent, he was too good for them to tank, and they signed no top tier free agents.

This all coalesced into a trade to a team that seemed like a good fit, and in conclusion, the Bulls fleeced them.

After that trade and the last couple of draft classes, I see them as now being in a better place than they have been probably since the 2013-14 season. You secured a 25 point per game box office scorer, who they for some reason want to trade as if they don’t have cap space, a unicorn, a guard with potential, a versatile big, and now another point guard.

To have a nice-looking young core in a market such as this is one of the more valuable forms of potential energy in NBA terms. Not only do stars want to come there occasionally, but you have the assets to give in order to obtain better ones if needed. While there may be plenty of speculation about Kriss Dunn and Wendell Carter Jr. that make them potentially tradable, the one untouchable has to be Lauri Markkanen.

Though he’s only two seasons in and slightly injury prone, we’ve already been surprised by what he was able to give in terms of high rebound games, extra blocks, etc. Not to mention the fact that the shooting is everything scouts dreamed it could be, so you essentially have another 7-foot sniper.

The main obstacle in Chicago has to be the owners and front office. Gar/Pax have been known for making questionable choices their entire tenure here and have only lately been competent in trades and drafting. Their coach choice is also questionable, but on the flip side, you have to take into account that players like him and this is a developmental team now.

The outlook for one year ahead is somewhat bleak, but the Bulls have been mentioned in a couple of trade rumors so you have to assume they’re somewhat active in the FA market. If the entire Squad stays healthy I definitely think they could fight for a 7 or 8 seed this season because of how bad the bottom of the east is. Nevertheless, I just hope they don’t mess this star potential up like they did the last two.