5 defensive stoppers the Chicago Bulls wish they still had

A poor start to the 2019-20 regular season for the Chicago Bulls on the defensive end of the floor could be marked by a few players they let go in the past.

In a flash this season, the Chicago Bulls went from a potential playoff hopeful in the Eastern Conference to trying to tread water with a dismal 3-7 record through the first 10 games. Head coach Jim Boylen looks to be part of the problem, as it the lackluster production from the Bulls on both ends of the floor consistently.

What could be the overarching problem for the Bulls through 10 games this season?

Lackluster defense looks to be more of a consistent problem for the Bulls than offense. The Bulls do have good scorers that are at least playing well enough to have won two or three more games against subpar competition. While players like power forward Lauri Markkanen and shooting guard Zach LaVine are down right now, they did enough in the last 10 games to win more if the defense was improved.

However, Boylen showed that despite his tough old school mentality, his defense is less than stellar. Boylen was more similar in coaching style to that of former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau than he is Fred Hoiberg. Thibodeau was known for his hard nosed defensive style and not going easy on players, while Hoiberg was more known for spacing the floor and taking a softer approach with his players.

But could another part of the problem for the Bulls defense, and Boylen, this season be the players themselves? The Bulls might need more personnel help to improve the defense.

Here’s a look into five former Chicago Bulls players that standout on that end of the floor that the coaching staff could wish they had back given their defensive struggles thus far.