What does a win or loss mean for Chicago?
As usual, the Bulls have put fans in an interesting position. They’ve won their last three after trade and firing rumors were swirling. Besides Jimmy Butler’s place among the league’s best players, nothing is for sure.
Not to discredit Chicago over the last few games, but they’ve needed tremendous Butler games to defeat the Raptors and Hornets, and the Cavaliers were without their second and third-best players. Butler is dependable, but only to an extent will it translate to wins, which of course begs the question: What are the Bulls?
The front office will take the last few games and turn them into a reason to not change, when in reality, they should do the opposite. Clearly, Jimmy’s supporting cast is lackluster, and not one that lends itself to contention for a championship. Butler is already 27 years old, which is the age at which most NBA players peak.
Trading Jimmy would elicit excellent return depending on the suitor, but that deal seems to be the last option for management. Gibson and Lopez are both incredible serviceable and useful, especially on a good team. But by the time either picks or young players come into their own, Jimmy’s time as a top-ten player may have expired.
Once again, the Bulls are at an impasse. While the wins don’t help to make a conclusion about this team, Butler is still a joy to watch.