A New Leaf Turned: Winning Begins Now
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 19: Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Chicago Bulls and Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls walk onto the court against the Brooklyn Nets on December 19, 2018 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
After amassing an abysmal 22-60 record for the 2018-2019 season, the Chicago Bulls had a chance to redeem themselves via the draft and free agency. The 2019 NBA draft was the beginning of a fresh start as they picked, Coby White, a point guard from the North Carolina Tar in Heels, in the first round, with the seventh overall pick. Their second and last pick of the draft was center, Daniel Gafford, from Arkansas University, with the 38th overall pick in the second round.
In free agency, the Bulls made important moves such as signing veteran forward Thaddeus Young, combo guard Tomas Satoransky, re-signing point guard Ryan Arcidiacono, signing power forward/center Luke Kornet, and signing Shaquille Harrison after waiving him in early July.
Denzel Valentine, a combo guard, also returns after missing the entire 2018-2019 season due to a foot injury. The Bulls exercised his team option for the 2019-2020 season. In addition to off-season moves and signings, Kris Dunn as well as Otto Porter, a late season addition last year, Chandler Hutchinson, a second year forward, who had a injury riddled season…only playing 44 games. However, the cornerstones of this team, of course, are Zach Lavine, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendell Carter.
Lavine lead the way for the Bulls as he averaged 23.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 APG along with shooting strips of 46.7% from FG and 37.4% from 3PT-FG. Markkanen was the second leading scorer despite only playing 52 games with 18.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, shooting 43.1% from FG and 36.1% from 3PT-FG. Wendell’s rookie season was a injury riddled season as he only played 44 games. Before succumbing to injuries, he showed some glimpses of great potential, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He will be a very pivotal player for the Bulls this upcoming season.
As the Bulls prepare for their season opener against the Charlotte Hornets, in Charlotte, on Wednesday, a new season will present a constant challenge…to win.
In the past two seasons, the Bulls have not reached 30 wins; 27-55 in 2017-2018 and 22-60 in 2018-2019. The last time the Bulls made the playoffs was the 2016-2017 season…losing to the Boston Celtics in the first round, in six games. This constant challenge to win is defined by making the playoffs, with a new roster, with championship aspirations in the near future. With a retooled roster, with great depth at every position, and not just only great depth, but effective depth, especially the reserves off the bench, to play essential minutes with… allowing the starters to rest during stretches of the season.
With Coby White, Kris Dunn, Chandler Hutchinson, Luke Kornet, Ryan Arcidiano, and Denzel Valentine as reserves, the Bulls wil have tremendous ability to score the ball. On the defensive side,Wendell Carter serves as the anchor of the defense, with the help of other defensive minds such as Daniel Wafford, Kris Dunn, Chandler Hutchinson, and pesky defender in Ryan Archidiano, they should help upgrade this defense because of added experience and existing chemistry.
With roster additions, existing chemistry, and new season, the Bulls will turn over a new leaf….win more games and make it to the playoffs.
