Chicago Bulls: 3 underrated players who deserve a second chance

With the first round of the NBA playoffs fully underway, Chicago Bulls fans are either left finding other teams to root for, or reflecting on what could’ve been this season for their squad. At least it does look like the Bulls are getting closer to finally ending this postseason drought in 2022.

First-year head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls finished up the 2020-21 regular season with a record of 31-41, which left them just on the outside looking in for the play-in tournament. The Bulls fell short of competing teams like the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, etc. for a spot in the play-in tournament, and wound up missing the postseason for the fourth straight year.

As a result, the Bulls are in the lottery again and will be looking to finally get it right in a cycle of free agency to get this team over the hump in the coming season. But it will take some luck for the Bulls to get their lottery pick back in this draft class from the Orlando Magic.

What’s important for the Chicago Bulls in the 2021 offseason timeline?

The Bulls shipped off their 2021 first-round draft pick (top-four lottery protection) to the Magic in that trade deadline day deal that got them star center Nikola Vucevic. They would have to defy the odds and get back into the top four in the draft lottery to get this pick back.

Moreover, that really leaves the Bulls with free agency as the part of the offseason where they can actually make a significant mark. A significant number of looming free agent decisions are also important to watch for this offseason. Here’s a look into three underrated players for the Bulls who deserve a second chance ahead of next season.