Chicago Bulls: 5 keys to making the playoffs next year

By Luke Askew | Apr 29, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 15: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers congratulates Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls after the game on March 15, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Increasing bench production

Rotations get shortened up during the playoffs, but during the regular season, having a deep bench is crucial to sustainable success. Teams looking for one of the 16 playoff spots need to have guys that can play solid minutes when the starters are resting.

In the 2018-19 season, the Bulls’ bench was horrible. They finished 24th in points per game, last in 3-point makes and 29th in plus/minus. A lot of this makes sense. The Bulls’ bench was primarily made up of young guys trying to prove they belong on an NBA roster. It wasn’t a bench that was constructed to be dominant.

That needs to change next season, though, if the Bulls want to make the playoffs.

Chicago needs to go out and get guys that can contribute in meaningful ways off the bench. Maybe the best way to do that is through free agency. Maybe it’s through trades. Maybe they can even find a guy in the second round of the draft to help them out. You know, someone like Kyle Guy or Naz Reid.

It doesn’t matter how they do it, but they need to get it done. Bench depth needs to be a focal point for the Bulls this summer.

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