3 X Factors that could make the Bulls surprisingly good next season

When the Chicago Bulls traded Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan it appeared as if the writing was on the wall and they were finally rebuilding. 

But there are questions about whether this is a rebuild or another half-hearted attempt to chase the play-in, which would have catastrophic ramifications when it comes to the Bulls’ top-10 protected 2025 draft pick, which they should want to keep. 

Chicago is also still clearly trying to move Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, and if that happens, there will no longer be any question about where the Bulls are headed. 

If they keep both of those guys, the Bulls might just be good enough to compete, and who knows, if some things break their way, Chicago may even be better than last season. The x-factors are long shots, but there is a world in which the Bulls can play young guys and improve. 

X factor #1: Lonzo Ball is healthy 

The Bulls were actually good with Lonzo Ball, unfortunately that was short lived and we haven’t seen him in over two years. 

Ball claims he’ll be ready for the season and looks to be in good shape in a recent workout video. 

If Ball is healthy, he gives the Bulls a weapon off the bench and suddenly their depth chart doesn’t look so shallow. 

Ball isn’t likely to play huge minutes, but he could thrive in a bench role on or off the ball, making it easier for Billy Donovan to run lineups that aren’t catastrophic defensively. 

Ball’s defense would make it easier to play both LaVine and White at the same time, and allow the Bulls to balance their offensive firepower with a bit of defense. 

Of course, counting on Lonzo Ball to be healthy is not a smart bet given his history, but if he does, he will contribute and add a few wins to the Bulls’ total. 

X factor #2: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams are for real 

This is a big year for Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams, who should all have more featured roles. 

White has always been a second or third option in the Bulls’ offense, but he should get more shots now that DeMar DeRozan is gone. If he makes another leap into All-Star consideration, he’ll somewhat offset the loss of DeRozan and give the Bulls a more dynamic offense. 

Patrick WIlliams got the big contract and now it is time to earn it, as the Bulls need him to not only stay healthy, but prove he can do more than score 10 points a game, which is pretty much what he’s done every year he’s been in the league. 

Is Ayo Dosunmu ready to assume the role of the Bulls’ best perimeter defender? Can he be their next Caruso but with a more dynamic offensive game? 

If these three players make leaps, the Bulls could surprise some people. 

X factor #3: An unexpected contribution 

Matas Buzelis showed in Summer League that he has the confidence to contribute right away. This is a kid who believes he’s the best rookie and is ready to prove it. He may be better than expected, a least as a weapon off the bench. 

But he’s not the only young player who could contribute next season. Julian Phillips is healthy and looked like he will be at least a solid rotation player who offers energy and defense off the bench. 

Two-way signing DJ Steward is a guy who will get the crowd going and could provide an unexpected boost if he makes the rotation. 

The Bulls didn’t replace the talent they lost this offseason directly, but they could replace it in the aggregate if everyone stays healthy (fat chance), they get leaps from their young players and can find a more dynamic offense and defense with players off the bench.