NBA Thanksgiving: What every team should be thankful for in 2021
By DJ Cadden
Chicago Bulls: Going all-in for a championship this offseason
A year ago, the Chicago Bulls went 22-43 and finished 11th in the Eastern Conference, just missing out on a play-in spot.
Flash forward to now and the Bulls are tied for second place in the East. The instant success can be attributed to the massive offseason additions of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Derrick Jones Jr.
DeRozan is in the midst of an MVP campaign, Caruso is leading the NBA in steals per game off the bench, Ball is having his most efficient professional season and Jones is playing arguably his biggest role on an NBA roster. It will be interesting to see if the success holds up throughout the season, but the Bulls have all the makings of a championship team.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley falling in their laps at No. 3 overall
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green were virtually guaranteed to be the first two picks of the 2021 NBA Draft for the majority of the draft cycle. However, USC center Evan Mobley was as good, if not better than both guys picked ahead of him.
Despite his talent and success in college, Mobley fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the No. 3 overall pick. Mobley has not wasted any time acclimating to the NBA game, averaging 14.6 points, eight rebounds, and nearly two blocks.
The instant chance to become the focal point of the entire Cavaliers team has allowed Mobley to insert himself as one of the favorites for this season’s Rookie of the Year award.