Starting on Monday, the Bulls enter a 10-game gauntlet, facing a slew of top teams: Celtics, Knicks, Celtics, 76ers, Knicks, 76ers, Spurs, Hawks, Timberwolves, Cavaliers.
Yes, you read that right
Understandably, some Bulls fans are concerned about how the rebuilding squad will fare over this stretch. Would it be great if they pull off some upsets? Absolutely. Could they lose all 10 of these games? Also yes. But remember: It’s part of the process. And although I certainly didn’t enjoy watching the Toronto Raptors make our Bulls look like a high school team on opening night (in front of Drake, nonetheless), I keep reminding myself that this is the rebuild we wanted. And as tough as the upcoming schedule might be, it may be the best thing for Chicago's young group.
Want to see the Bulls learn what it takes to win in the NBA? Put them up against a bunch of teams who already know. Want Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis to develop? Make them guard Jayson Tatum and Paul George, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Let them try to score on O.G. Anunoby, Josh Hart, Dyson Daniels, and Lu Dort. As a matter of fact, Gobert and Wemby are going to be helping at the rim. Let’s see Caleb and Matas put those guys on posters.
Look, I hate losing as much as the next guy. Part of me is still mourning Lonzo Ball’s injury, wondering what could have been the season the Bulls slipped from atop the Eastern Conference to the 6th seed and a first round playoff exit. Shoot, I’m still not really over Derrick Rose. And I definitely couldn’t stand watching the Miami Heat beat us in the Play-In Tournament over and over and over again.
But it’s time to let go
No, it wasn’t fun seeing the players who have kept the Bulls afloat over the last half-decade get shipped off to Sacramento, Charlotte, Boston, and Minnesota. And it won't be fun if the Bulls lose 10 straight games over the next few weeks. But those trades were important for the organization’s long-term future, and the upcoming opportunity to compete against the NBA’s best will be crucial too.
So take heart, Bulls nation. In a decade, today’s young Bulls might be on podcasts talking about their “Welcome to the NBA” moments. And maybe they’ll remember this challenging stretch. Hopefully they’ll be able to say that it taught them to fight fire with fire. That their growing pains did, in fact, yield growth. That it was all worth it.
Until then, let’s be grateful that they will get a chance to develop, even if it means making mistakes; not every young player is so fortunate. And while it may be bumpy at first, let’s do our best to sit back and enjoy the ride.
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