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Chicago Bulls: What is the expectation going forward?

By Aymin Bakr

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 03: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Tyler Zeller #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game at the Fiserv Forum on October 3, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 03: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Tyler Zeller #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game at the Fiserv Forum on October 3, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls have improved significantly compared to last year’s roster. Regardless, they’ve still got a lot of work to do and health doesn’t seem to be in their favor.

The Chicago Bulls had a very eventful offseason to say the very least. They managed to retain key guard Zach Lavine for another 4 years while also filling the gaps at the small forward and center positions with Jabari Parker and Wendell Carter Jr.

Additionally, Lauri Markkanen put on an impressive 14 pounds of pure muscle while Kris Dunn is coming off of a much improved sophomore season.

While defense is certainly a concern, many people predict that the Bulls will be able to compete for a playoff spot with added depth and scoring options in a weakened Eastern conference.

With the recent injury to Markkanen, however, it seems as though those expectations may be limited. In just the second year of a rebuild, should the Chicago Bulls look to compete for a playoff spot? Will they even be able to this season if that’s the goal?

The tools for a playoff run?

One of the biggest reasons the Bulls were among the worst record-wise last season was a severe lack of depth and scoring options due to injuries. While the depth offensively has certainly taken a big leap, there’s no guarantee everyone can stay healthy.

Even if everyone can stay healthy, the young core definitely needs time to adjust and will have to learn to play with each other. Markkanen, Lavine, and Parker are all highly talented scorers that will need the ball in their hands to continue to develop.

While Dunn has proven to be a solid playmaker, it’ll prove a tall task for him to mesh the similar playstyles of the three.

Bobby Portis proved to be a top-tier contributor off the bench in 2017-18 and looks to make his case for the 6th Man of the Year award this season but shares the defensive concerns of the rest of the roster.

Antonio Blakeney showcased his high-level scoring ability in the G-League last season and showed some glimpses over the past two preseason games as well but doesn’t excel in many other areas.

The rookies look to make an impact in multiple different aspects as well, but the point still remains; it’s going to take some time before Chicago is a consistent playoff contender.

Although they project to be a high-level offensive team, there’s likely going to be a learning curve before they can get to that point and chemistry must be built this season.

Dunn, Lavine, and Markkanen played a mere 12 games together last season and won just 5 of those games. Adding an elite scorer in Parker to the mix contributes to the challenge chemistry wise.

Even if chemistry develops sooner than expected, both Lavine and Parker aren’t great defenders and their injuries may hurt that side of the ball even more.

Expectations for this season

The absence of Markkanen for the first 6-8 weeks is definitely going to hinder any chances at a playoff run. There have only been two preseason games so far, but the Bulls haven’t looked great defensively like expected.

While Lavine and Portis shined on the offensive end in game 1 and Parker did a little bit of everything, only Portis retained the same energy and effectiveness in the next game.

Due to the lack of chemistry so far and the imminent learning curve, we can probably expect some inconsistency on the offensive end of the floor for a good portion of the season as well. Although the Vegas projection of 27.5 wins is a little too low in my opinion, i’d say we can expect around the 35 win range this season give or take a few games.

While the chemistry will need to be built over time, the sheer scoring capabilities and added depth if everyone can stay healthy will prove to be effective once it’s in place.

Next. Bobby Portis deserves a contract extension. dark

And while defense may still be a prominent concern, Dunn and Carter Jr look to make an impact on that side of the floor while the length of Chandler Hutchinson and Justin Holiday could prove to be beneficial off the bench as well.

The Bulls are far from a bad team, but let’s not get our hopes up too high this season. The future is certainly bright but it’s going to be a process to attain those future aspirations.

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