An important assortment of Chicago Bulls news now that the Final Four is set, including a dream prospect declaring for the NBA draft and a possible end to the Billy Donovan era of mediocrity.
Although, to be fair to Billy, those two things aren't necessarily 100 percent related. Maybe he'll get the chance to prove that soon?
Bulls' play-in tournament nightmares are finally over ... for now
The Bulls are finally done competing. Because that's what it's come to now — it's a relief the organization has given up on winning. At least for this season.
On March 27, Chicago was offically eliminated from postseason contention. It will be the first time in three years that fans won't be subjected to a disappointing play-in tournament exit followed by a late-lottery draft pick.
In typical Bulls fashion, though, the tanking process started way too late, and that crappy draft pick may be on the way anyway.
But if nothing else, the franchise is headed in the right direction: backward.
UNC's Wilson, ideal Bulls prospect, declares for draft
Maybe things don't break right this summer and Chicago ends up with that previously mentioned disappointing pick. But there's always a chance, right?
Before the March 30 slate of games, the Bulls are tied for ninth in the lottery standings with the Milwaukee Bucks. With a tiebreaker involved, they have a 3.7 percent chance of lucking into the No. 1 overall selection.
But landing in the top four — which Chicago has a 16.9 percent chance of doing at the moment — would still be a franchise-altering scenario. Perhaps even more so after North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson declared for the draft.
Wilson would be just what the doctor ordered for this Bulls roster. He possesses elite physical traits, standing at 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan (or longer). The 19-year-old is one of the most explosive players in this draft class, regardless of position. He averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 57.8 percent from the field during his lone season at Chapel Hill.
His elite defensive potential and tenacity are a bit Kevin-Garnett-ish.
Writing's on the wall for Billy Donovan in Chicago
The Billy Donovan era may be coming to an end. Ironically, it may be the program Wilson is leaving that becomes the ultimate impetus.
North Carolina fired Hubert Davis last week, and Donovan's name almost immediately vaulted to the top of the list of potential replacements. The 60-year-old didn't shut down rumors of a potential move, either, which has only added fuel to the fire.
The Bulls won't be competitive anytime soon — a split between the organization and its Hall of Fame coach feels inevitable, as does a move back to the collegiate ranks for Donovan, who won back-to-back national championships at Florida before moving to the NBA.