Taking a closer look at the Chicago Bulls as the 2019-20 NBA season approaches, highlighting their best and worst-case scenario for this season
After the 2016-17 season, the Chicago Bulls front office faced the harsh reality that their current team, absolutely, had no chance of winning a championship. During that summer, Chicago initiated a trade that sent All-Star guard Jimmy Butler to Minnesota. In return, the Bulls acquired Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and Kris Dunn.
The following two seasons were disastrous; as they should be. The rebuilding process is always a brutal period in which teams decide to revamp their roster and compile together young talent. In two seasons, the Bulls managed to win a combined 49 games.
As they enter year three of the rebuild the ultimatum has changed. The goal of landing a top draft pick has faded and the Bulls desire to reach the playoffs has, once again, been reborn. The team just recently wrapped up their Media Day session and each player’s sole focus for this season was to drastically improve and to play late-April basketball.
In just three years, John Paxson and Gar Forman have, relatively, done a nice job constructing a roster that has the ability to threaten teams this upcoming season.
Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have blossomed into young stars with the potential to earn multiple All-Star selections throughout their careers. LaVine came off a career year averaging 23.7 points and 4.5 assists. Meanwhile, Markkanen improved in year two, averaging 18.7 points while gathering nine rebounds per game.
Chicago has a young, talented core featuring Coby White, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter Jr., looking to make some noise this year.
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With the season approaching, health is always a huge concern within the United Center. The Bulls came off of a season in which they were severely plagued with injuries. However, amongst all the recent suffering and turmoil, the Bulls have a positive feeling heading into the season.
Let’s take a look at some of the best and worse-case scenarios for the 2019-20 season.