Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls: 5 keys to making the playoffs next year

By Luke Askew

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)
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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(Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

2. Drafting well

The 2019 NBA Draft is the most interesting draft for Bulls fans in quite some time. The lottery odds are flattened, meaning Chicago has a decent (12.5%) chance of winding up with the first overall pick. If they win, they’ll likely select Zion Williamson – a guy that will make an immediate impact on whichever team is lucky enough to snag him. If they don’t get the first pick, though, things get a little wilder.

If the Bulls decide they want a point guard, they’ll likely get one of the top-3 point guards in the draft: Ja Morant, Darius Garland or Coby White. All three of those guys have holes in their games, but they all have high ceilings.

If the Bulls don’t go with a point guard, though, it likely means they’ll go with someone like R.J. Barrett or Jarrett Culver – two wing players that should be able to make a positive impact right off the bat.

Barrett struggles with tunnel vision and an inconsistent jumper, but Duke’s lack of floor spacing made it difficult for R.J. to show off all that he’s capable of. Culver is more of a sure bet to be solid, but he doesn’t have as high of a ceiling. He has good length for a two-guard, and he can pass, defend and score.

How the Bulls handle the draft will make a big difference in the success they find next season. If they draft well (including being smart in the second round), they might be able to add enough tools to make a run at the playoffs. If they draft poorly, they’ll likely find themselves in the same position they were in this year.

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