11. Chicago Bulls
Of all the teams in the Eastern Conference, I could make the case that I have the least read on the Chicago Bulls. I don’t know how good the Bulls will be this season and, to be quite honest, I’m not even sure what would be a fair ceiling for the team. They have some talent on their roster but this is not a well-fitting unit and their supporting cast leaves much to be desired. The injury to Lonzo Ball a couple of seasons ago completely nuked their chance to win with this core and that continues to hang like a dark cloud over this franchise.
On one hand, I don’t think it’s outlandish to say that the Bulls could make the playoffs in the East. If Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan can remain healthy, that’s not completely off the table for them this year. Then I try to think more realistically and I can’t say they’re even better than the upstart Indiana Pacers at the moment.
Short of something unexpected happening to start the season, the Bulls are likely going to be fighting tooth and nail to make the Play-In Tournament.