Bulls Should Be NBA’s Most Improved Team This Season

The Bulls brought in Donovan to work with their young core, and despite a season marred by injuries, the former Oklahoma City and University of Florida head coach had the team on the precipice of the Play-In Tournament.

Heading into next season, Chicago knows it can count on Donovan’s leadership, but also the evolution of several All-Star talents.

Last season, LaVine made the leap to All-Star level.

He set new career-highs in points (27.4), rebounds (5.0), assists (4.9), field-goal percentage (50.7 percent), and three-point percentage (41.9 percent).

LaVine gained further experience this summer winning a gold medal with Team USA in the Olympics.

The Bulls paired LaVine with an All-Star big man at the trade deadline when they traded for Vučević.

The four-time All-Star averaged a double-double in Chicago (21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game), and he provides LaVine with an excellent pick-and-roll partner.

Beyond those two, Chicago added another four-time All-Star in DeMar DeRozan, and it would surprise few for a player like Lonzo Ball to take another step forward in his development.

Offseason Additions Could Push Bulls To The Playoffs

The additions of Ball and DeRozan to this roster stand as the biggest reasons for hope in Chicago.

In Ball, the Bulls get a pass-first point guard to help organize the offense.

A much improved three-point shooter, Ball can also play off the ball when LaVine initiates the offense.

Ball’s versatility as a defender also provides an upgrade for the backcourt.

His ability to see the floor and provide hit-ahead passes will only add to Chicago’s offensive flow.

As far as DeRozan is concerned, although the price tag to acquire him was steep, he provides a proven halfcourt scorer.

The Bulls offense often bogged down when not in transition, so adding someone like DeRozan gives Chicago a player who can score when things slow down.

DeRozan can start in the frontcourt, or provide scoring depth off the bench.

Chicago also bolstered their bench with the signing of Alex Caruso.

The hard-nosed guard pairs well with Coby White as a reserve.

If the Bulls bring back Lauri Markkanen, they’ll have plenty of floor spacers to deploy around Ball and LaVine.

The team also hopes to see further development from former top-5 lottery selection Patrick Williams.

These additions and internal improvements should see Chicago make the Play-In Tournament at the very least.

They could push for a top-6 seed if everything breaks their way.