Chicago Bulls: The tide has turned, Destination Unknown

The tide has turned in Lake Michigan, and it looks like the Chicago Bulls have finally figured things out. The days of treading frantically in late loses, to finally sink, have drifted away. We now look to be coasting our way to a possible playoff berth. Please do not drown!

We have now won the last four out of five games.  Thanks to a life jacket of a weak Eastern Conference, at 14-16 the Bulls are currently holding down a possible playoff berth. Can we stay afloat and continue to sail up the standings?

No matter what happens, the Bulls are looking like a completely different team. They are heading in the right direction; Billy Donovan has these men believing. It is starting to show on the court now.

Coaches Impact on this young Chicago Bulls Team

First and foremost, I just want to say that what Donovan has been able to accomplish in his first half of a season with the Bulls is remarkable. Hats off to not only him but AK and Marc Eversley for hiring this guy. He is a true professional and outstanding leader.

He is exactly what this young core needed. To have these guys playing at this level with virtually the same roster as last year is just amazing to be able to witness. The buy in may be even more impressive. Given the rough start and lack of focus early one this season.

Donovan is putting every player on this Bulls roster in the best position to be at their best. Helping every player to find a role and to also continue to develop at the same time. In these roles his players are developing good habits and these habits are translating into trust.

Late game execution is a sign of the trust the Bulls are developing. Trusting every man to be in the right place at the right time or to just make the best basketball play. More importantly realizing Zach LaVine cannot do it on his own every single night.

Much better defense has shown up as of late as well. The communication on the court and most importantly the desire is there. Using defense to create quick offensive possessions has translated into much more hustle plays and 50/50 balls.

Coach has this team believing that they can only win as a team, together this is happening not individually. Trusting the man next to you and believing in your coach and his philosophy is a very positive step for this team. Winning becomes its own philosophy when positive results are the outcome.

Impact of key Bulls players

Thaddeus Young is the single handed most important piece of the Bulls puzzle for the remainder of the season. His leadership and leading by example cannot go understated. He is the MVP in the first half of the season. He has found young legs in this young core group.

Wendell Carter Jr.’s absence cannot be overlooked either. The Bulls were terrible defensively and teams were scoring in the paint at will during his absence. Since his return we are a much better defensive unit. He gives us another dimension offensively as well.

WCJ is only going to get better as the season goes on. Staying healthy for him will be his most important challenge to date. As the Bulls need his services to have any possibility of reaching said heights.

Then we have the PAW, Patrick Williams. This young man is going to be special! His rebounding is starting to be his staple in his young career. Add in his unique range offensively with his ability to put the ball on the floor and put his head down. He’s a future walking double-double!

Finally, LaVine.  What a start to a season for this young man! His offensive arsenal and efficiency are off the charts. Something Bulls fan have not been able to enjoy in a long time.

Transcendence is the word I will us to describe what LaVine has accomplishing so far this season. It has been beyond the normal, and honestly out of the blue. I always knew LaVine was good, but never did I see this type of leap coming.

He is hungry and determined, playing with a chip on his shoulder. Exceeding every expectation, overcoming every challenge and most importantly holding himself accountable. All traits instilled in him by his coach. Its an infusion of Donovan’s teaching and Levine’s willingness to be taught.

As a Bulls fan I am more than excited for the new look Bulls to stay afloat, eventually standing on solid ground permanently with the days of being lost at sea far behind us. Drawing out our new map with our journey already beginning destination unknown!