Why the Bulls' wins predictions are too high, too low or just right
By Alex Johnson
Why is 29 wins too high for the Chicago Bulls
It is not clear where the Bulls will make up the production of specifically DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. If a healthy Zach LaVine returns, it will help. The Bulls are counting on the young core to all grow and fill the void. It might be possible, but also might be wishful thinking.
On top of the production isssues, is the frontline depth question that did not get full addressed in the offseason. With the loss of Drummond and aging Vooch, Jalen Smith will play a critical role as it is not clear who else will be able to fill minutes in the role.
As previsouly noted, the Bulls defense will be a major question mark with the loss of defensive stalwart, Alex Caruso. Currently, it is not clear if the Bulls will have a player that will be a stopper and go against the NBA elite. It is hard to envision a Giddey, White, LaVine and Vooch starting lineup would be anything, but among the league's worse defensive lineups.
If the Bulls are to remain in contention for a playoff spot, then Zach LaVine will need to have a huge bounce back year. If Zach LaVine wants out of Chicago, then he needs to have a huge bounce back year. There has been much reported on the fractured relationship which could complicate matters on multiple fronts as LaVine will collect over $136 million the next three years whether he performs well or not.
The possibility remains at some point in the next six months the Bulls jump into a full rebuild and focus on the 2025 draft. This could result in moves for NBA capable players like LaVine and Vooch finding new locations, but with little production in return as it most likely would be cost saving measures.
To couple the fact that the five teams that had the lowest preseason totals last year (Spurs, Pistons, Hornets, Blazers, Wizards) all finished well below their projected win totals. This represents potentially where the league is right now with a very competitive 8-10 teams in each conference. There are not going to be too many easy wins for the Bulls this season.