3 Eastern Conference teams the Bulls could crush in the playoffs
Who Chicago Bulls could crush in the playoffs: Hornets
Among the younger and more talented cores in the Eastern Conference that is a team to watch in the months and years to come lies with the Charlotte Hornets in the Southeast Division. This Hornets’ young core is led by the former NBL star point guard and the lengthy 6-foot-7 second-year standout LaMelo Ball.
In his return from a season-ending injury last year, LaMelo is on fire for the Hornets early this season. The reigning Rookie of the Year and potential first-time All-Star selection LaMelo is already averaging around 19 points per game, eight rebounds, and eight assists out of the gates this season.
The problem that a team like the Hornets faces is the fact that this is a streaky squad that doesn’t have all that much playoff experience. Beyond the one-time All-Star selection and former Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz veteran small forward Gordon Hayward, it’s hard to find a veteran that the Hornets would be comfortable relying on in clutch time.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have some big-name veterans that have a plethora of postseason experience, namely star center Nikola Vucevic and DeRozan. Donovan could have a very winnable postseason series, especially if he could find a way to limit LaMelo’s production on the perimeter.
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This is a young Hornets team that could be one of the better groups in the Eastern Conference a few seasons down the line. But it feels like this group is still a couple of years away, without making some upgrades in free agency or on the trade block, from making some real noise in the postseason. It would likely be advantageous if the Bulls were to get a postseason matchup with the Hornets.