The Chicago Bulls media day came and went full of preseason optimism, including playoff aspirations. But other things said give credence to that goal.
Media days were taking place all across the NBA yesterday and it was no different for the Chicago Bulls. The big takeaway has been the goal, repeated by nearly everyone, to make the playoffs this season. However you may feel about that, there were other important quotes that show the Bulls have a plan to make their postseason hopes a reality.
"“We want to be known as a defensive team. Bringing that toughness, that grit, protecting home court – it starts on defense and in training camp we’re going to emphasis this.” – Otto Porter Jr"
This is huge because the Bulls were atrocious on defense last year, finishing 25th in defensive rating. They were also 20th in steals and 26th in blocks. Otto Porter Jr. won’t help much with rim protection, but he did have the highest marks for the Bulls in ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus and the second-highest Defensive Real Plus-Minus among the players returning from 2018.
A full season of Porter Jr. (and Wendell Carter Jr.) with the additions Thaddeus Young and even 7-foot-1 center Luke Kornet should do a lot for this team. It won’t make them into a defensive juggernaut or anything. But perhaps they won’t employ the matador style defense in 2019.
"“He had a great month: we’re all proud of him. He’s really committed himself to this group.”“Kris Dunn is a really good defender and could do a lot of things we need.” – John Paxson"
Quite a departure from last season when Kris Dunn was in management’s dog house most of the season. Paxson even called Dunn out in the media as he struggled to mesh with his teammates offensively and his defense slipped as well while he battled through injuries.
Now it might not be a foregone conclusion that the Bulls are actively shopping Dunn, who echoed John Paxson’s recent sentiments. That isn’t to say that a deal can’t or won’t happen during or even before the regular season. But it sounds like both sides see at least some value in maintaining the status quo.
"“Denzel Valentine and Wendell Carter Jr. are good to go. ” – John Paxson"
Similar comments were made by Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen regarding the latter’s health. At any rate, this should be music to Bulls fans’ ears. Chicago lost more than 270 games to injury last season. Denzel Valentine missed the season while Carter Jr. made 44 appearances. Dunn had 46, Markkanen 53, and LaVine 63.
The more they play together, the better. That will have to be true despite some poor differentials when the core did play together. The only way we will find out how good this group can be is by seeing them play together for extended periods and it looks like we’ll get that chance in 2019-20.
Media day is where hope springs eternal so the Bulls proclamation of a playoff push should come as no surprise. But when looking at their other statements in totality, it is not hard to see this team sneaking into the postseason as the eighth or seventh-seed in the East. Now, being the sixth seed may be a little ambitious, but even that cannot be completely ruled out.