The Chicago Bulls have won six straight games and are playing with a lot of confidence. Is the organization still trying to rebuild?
On June 22nd, 2017 the Chicago Bulls traded their franchise player Jimmy Butler and their 16th overall pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and the seventh overall pick. The Bulls used that seventh pick to get Lauri Markkanen from Arizona. After years of being a mediocre team, the Chicago Bulls decided to take the rebuilding route.
On the night that the organization traded Jimmy Butler, executive vice president John Paxson made it clear to reporters and the fans the direction the team was taking.
“We’ve set a direction. We’re going to rebuild this roster through young players that we believe can play a system that Fred is comfortable with,” John Paxson said. “We’re going to be disciplined and patient along the way.”
The Chicago Bulls wanted the fan base to embrace the suck. The organization warned the fans the night that they traded Jimmy Butler that they are going to be bad for a while. There were fans who didn’t like the trade, and there were fans that were happy that the team finally picked a direction.
Let’s jump to October 17th, 2017 when the altercation happened between Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis. Niko and Portis were both going at it in practice, and it resulted in Niko going to the hospital. Niko suffered a concussion and maxillary fractures. Portis was suspended for eight games, while Niko missed the first 23 games of the season.
Is Nikola Mirotic ruining the rebuild?
While Niko was out the Bulls went 3-20. The team was competing, but was losing games. The plan of being really bad was working. Nikola Mirotic made his return on game 24. Since his return the team has won six straight games. The team has looked like a playoff team. Niko looks like a player that’s on a mission. He is making everyone around him play better.
After the team beat the 76ers, Bulls fans were screaming playoffs. Fans tweeting that they should let this team try to make the playoffs. The mood of Bulls fans has officially changed. Through 23 games, Bulls fans couldn’t wait to get a top three pick in the 2018 NBA draft. Six games later, Bulls fans want this team to make the playoffs. Fans all over the world can’t wait for Zach LaVine to come back so the team can try to get into playoff position.
Wait a second. Playoffs?
Is the front office happy that the team has won six straight games?
The Bulls front office has to be nervous about the Bulls winning streak. They also have to be extra nervous when Zach LaVine comes back, because they don’t want the tank to get messed up. Trust me I understand that players and coaches don’t tank, but the front office does. They have one goal for this season, and that is to have the worst record in the NBA.
The Bulls have to trade a couple of their players before the season ends. A couple of weeks ago I wrote why Robin Lopez needs to be traded. I think Lopez is an outstanding player, but he isn’t part of your future. Nikola Mirotic has been playing really well, and I hope his trade value has gone up. If I’m the front office I would look to trade Robin Lopez, and Nikola Mirotic. It might not be a popular move in Chicago, but it’s something that the organization has to do.
The Bulls picked a direction and they have to remember that they picked to suck. You can’t half rebuild. If you are going to rebuild, then you are going to do it the right way. The team is rolling right now, but you have to look at the big picture. This team isn’t winning a championship this season.
You have to do whatever it takes to get the top three pick in the 2018 NBA draft. If you have to trade a couple of players to slow down the wins and add more losses, then I’m sorry but you got to do it.
The organization picked a lane and you have to stay on that lane. You can’t just change your mind.