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Chicago Bulls season preview: Can the Bulls find their core guys of the future?

By Matt Bessetti

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 04: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 04: Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 4, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Game 1 is upon us and finally, Chicago Bulls basketball is back. One of the main questions about this season is: can the Bulls find their core guys?

For most casual Chicago Bulls fans, they will not recognize the product as the full rebuild project that is finally upon us.

In order to keep sanity, the season focus should not be on wins and losses, but ultimately on what core pieces for the future can the Bulls identify going into the summer of 2018 when undoubtedly a top-3 NBA draft pick will be coming our way and potentially loads of cap space that could get close to $50 million in total.

The three main pieces that come to mind in terms of figuring out their viability as future core pieces are Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine. Injuries will not allow us to see Dunn or LaVine early in the season, but once they get back, giving those guys huge minutes in an effort to evaluate them is essential.

Markkanen’s increase in minutes early on is due to the odd situation with Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic and will be given a legitimate shot to shine in the regular season opener. If a year from now we’re looking at all three of these guys being foundation pieces and starters, then the rebuild is off to an outstanding start.

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It is not just about these guys, though. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg will need to figure out if there are also 2-3 other rotation-type players on this roster already that can be a part of a playoff team in say, the 2019-20 season.

Guys that are possibilities for roles like that include Jerian Grant, Justin Holiday, Cristiano Felicio, Paul Zipser, Denzel Valentine, Bobby Portis and even Kay Felder.

If two or three guys out of this group stick long-term, then the Bulls are set up to be in good shape.

Landing a Michael Porter, Jr., Marvin Bagley III or a Luka Doncic to the above group, along with a quality free agent next summer could propel this rebuild quickly.

Next: Roundtable talk: the season begins

If some of this does fall into place, then this “process” will not as painful as previous rebuilds. If the 2017-18 season ends with only 1-2 core pieces that are certain, then hold on, Bulls fans.

It could get ugly.

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