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Chicago Bulls: A ‘State of The Team’ address one third into the season

By Abe Rotbart

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 13: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls fight for the rebound against the Charlotte Hornets on December 13, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 13: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Chicago Bulls fight for the rebound against the Charlotte Hornets on December 13, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Trade Thad Young

The Chicago Bulls advertised that their thought process in acquiring Thad Young was to bring in a strong rebounder and defender who can play a leadership role and provide toughness. It made sense that Thad would lead the second unit and push Markkanen to become a better player.

There was also a thought that the Bulls could play Thad together with Lauri. That has not proven to be the case, at no fault of Thad. Markkanen simply is not dependable as a center.

Thad’s desire for more playing time is no longer a secret. He is well under the average minutes per game he saw during his time as a starter with Indiana. In spite of whatever we thought we knew when Thad was signed, today we know:

Lauri cannot play center.

Thad cannot play small forward. If he could, then why isn’t he?

The Bulls essentially have two starting power forwards.

We have Thad under a three-year contract that young teams in contention may welcome.

Lauri is limited as strictly a power forward and needs to be developed as such.

Lauri’s contract is under control through the 2021-22 season and it makes sense to still develop his potential.

Next. 2020 NBA Mock Draft version 2.0. dark

Markkanen and the first unit as a whole has been out of sync all season. The glaring hole at starting small forward has not helped. Management should definitely be putting at the top of their holiday list for next season a true starting point guard, a small forward and defensive rebounding. Every move from this point forward should be with those three goals in mind.

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