The 2023 NBA Cup was deemed a monumental success. Fan engagement was through the roof, players enjoyed increased levels of competition, and social media was set ablaze by marquee superstar performances and the NBA's unique marketing to promote the inaugural event.
Although the tournament was an overall success, several teams failed to capitalize on the NBA's newfound form of entertainment. Last season, the Chicago Bulls were one of five winless teams in the inaugural NBA Cup. Among those teams were the Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, and Washington Wizards—not exactly the best company.
Taking it a step further, the Bulls averaged a league-low 102.3 points per game in last season's NBA Cup and held a point differential of minus-12.0 (fourth worst). The Bulls lost to the Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics. Two of which won fewer than Chicago's win total.
Chicago's NBA Cup grouping is far from easy
This time around, the Bulls' grouping is even more difficult. Chicago shares a group with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Wizards, and Celtics. Those teams have a combined 62.2 win percentage. Although Cleveland and Boston elevate the percentage, it's worth noting Atlanta just defeated Boston without Trae Young. Washington doesn't have as much to write home about, but they're a scrappy young team who've beaten the Hawks twice this season.
Yet to play a game in the 2024 NBA Cup, the Bulls' net-zero point differential may be the best it'll be all tournament. Chicago plays the 12-0 Cavaliers on Friday before rattling off two games against the Hawks and Wizards on November 22 and 26, respectively. The Bulls' final contest comes versus the reigning NBA champion Celtics on November 29.
While advancing in the NBA Cup isn't indicative of future success, it's a heavily incentivized tournament that signifies a team's ability to compete in a high-intensity environment. For instance, the Indiana Pacers, who weren't considered anywhere near contenders, advanced to the NBA Cup championship a season ago before ultimately playing in the Eastern Conference Finals. Conversely, last year's winner, the Los Angeles Lakers, fizzled out in the latter half of the season.
The Bulls' second matchup with the Cavs comes at an important time
Faltering for a second consecutive season won't be an end-all for Chicago, but a winless tournament will further push the rebuild agenda. If the Bulls cannot muster a few wins in group play, there's no reason to continue harboring veterans Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic on the roster. Going the Wizards route of prioritizing youth would be the Bulls' best interest.
Before we look to the future, there's still time to discuss how pivotal Chicago's game against Cleveland is on November 15. At the time of the matchup, Chicago will be either 5-7 or 4-8, after a bout against the New York Knicks, while Cleveland will likely be 13-0 after playing a Philadelphia 76ers squad without Tyrese Maxey.
The Bulls had their chance to dethrone the Cavaliers from perfection on November 11 but failed to do so after squandering a second-half lead. Chicago will receive a second chance to knock off the Cavs in addition to another opportunity to win its first game in the NBA Cup.
Chicago's bottom-tier defense will be tasked with slowing down the best offense in the NBA. It's no easy feat, but the Bulls should be riled up following their near victory on the 11th. A mid-November clash between two teams going in opposite directions may not seem like a pivotal contest. However, there's a lot at stake for a Chicago team with a rebuild on the peripheral.