Chicago Bulls: How far can a healthy Bulls team go in the East?

Can a healthy Chicago Bulls make some noise in the Eastern Conference this season? 

The Chicago Bulls made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 this past season. Front office personnel Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley made a 180-degree turn for the organization.

Last season, the Bulls had a first-round exit in the playoffs, losing in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls have made a strong pivot towards trying to compete in the Eastern Conference, but will this finally be the year they make a deep run in the playoffs?

The Chicago Bulls’ core

Before the 2021-22 season, the Bulls signed all-star forward DeMar DeRozan in free agency. The now five-time all-star and three-time all-NBA was the team’s prized move of last summer. DeRozan was in an MVP race last season, averaging 28 points per game, and quickly became the leader of the Bulls and a great role model for younger players.

Another key acquisition for the Bulls was shooting guard Alex Caruso, who has one of the highest IQs and is well respected around the league. Caruso’s defensive ability is extremely impressive, and his offense is very underrated. Caruso provides playoff experience for the Bulls and the defensive mind that the Bulls needed.

The Last significant addition was Lonzo Ball. The Bulls traded Garrett Temple (also via sign-and-trade), Tomas Satoransky, a 2024 second-round draft pick, and cash considerations to New Orleans. Lonzo Ball is an incredible floor general with the passing skills any team would dream of having as their PG. But can Ball get healthy?