5 Positives From the 2016-17 Chicago Bulls

Apr 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard KJ McDaniels (14) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard KJ McDaniels (14) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and forward Nikola Mirotic (44) react after a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) and forward Nikola Mirotic (44) react after a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won 102-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Playoffs, Baby!

Even if you would have preferred a gamble in the lottery, watching the Bulls in the postseason is something to be happy about despite what it means for the franchise going forward.

It’s something Bulls fans missed out on last year. And going from the No. 14 pick to the No. 16 spot really isn’t a substantial difference.

It’s always a plus for a young player to get his first run in the playoffs. This will be the case for Jerian Grant, Cristiano Felicio, Paul Zipser, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine.

The Bulls don’t have what it takes to make a run this year unless some serious injuries change the outlook on the East playoffs. It’ll be fun to see which young guy steps up and who recoils in the spotlight of playoff basketball.

More from Bulls History

Watching a young player’s first opportunity in the post season can be an exciting or sobering experience. It’s a fascinating watch and may tell us something we didn’t know about a player or two.

While the Bulls aren’t exactly poised to make a big run, they got as friendly of a 1-8 match up as you can get. And if Jimmy Butler is as good as most think, he won’t let the Celtics take down Chicago easily.

Rondo returning to Boston is another component that drives up the entertainment value of the series. He may break the hearts of Boston fans everywhere or he will remind them why the front office traded him.

When the Chicago Blackhawks and the Bulls are playing every other night it’s one of the best times of the year for Chicago sports. The people should enjoy it rather than sulk over draft position.