Three Reasons Why Bulls Fans Should Be Glad Heading Into The New Year

These are tough and trying times for Bulls fans. I know, because I am a Bulls fan. It is painful to see your team go out there without any game plan whatsoever. It is painful to see your team go out there with no clear first, second and third scoring options. It is painful to read the news and realize that Sacramento Kings players are insulting the Bulls. It is sad to see the coach mocked (partly rightfully) and the players humiliated (completely wrongfully). But this team could be looking up very, very soon. Unless they start winning.......

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Injuries and coaching changes (more on that later) have held up team chemistry and bonding. LaVine has been playing at unthinkable levels every night. Rookie Wendell Carter Jr has impressed everyone (more on that too), while the returns of Markkanen and Dunn have given the Bulls some added injection of experience.

Even in the slow pains of growing and getting into lockstep on the court, the Bulls are slowly familiarizing themselves. LaVine has shown a willingness to kick the ball out to Markkanen on top of the key. Rookies Wendell Carter Jr and Chandler Hutchinson have developed a friendship that comes from similar situations.

Most importantly, Robin Lopez has embraced his mentor's role. The big man, by all reports, has been willing to pass on pointers and tips to Carter Jr, even though he's in a contract year. (Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent in 2019, once the season ends, at the age of 31)

A young team is all about the balance. The Lakers last season bonded over mutual roasting on social media. The Big 3 Spurs were all about off-the-court bonding. These Bulls are one of the youngest teams with an average age of 23.6 years. Once Lopez and Justin Holiday are traded (neither look to be a part of the rebuilding process result) and Parker is traded/cut, LaVine will be the most experienced Bull with 4 seasons under his belt and 22 years of age. (Somehow I didn't feel comfortable including Cristiano Felicio in this Bulls-leader context)

Being comfortable with one another is of paramount importance for this Bulls team, even more so when they finally mesh together to aim for a deep playoff run.

Cohesion

Chicago Bulls v Washington Wizards

One thing that has been a drag to watch is the chemistry. Sure, injuries have limited the time WCJ, LaVine, Dunn and Markkanen have played together. But equally fortunate is how the future starters of this team have time to play together and develop a bond without the (added?) expectation of winning games. Chicago is headed for the Zion sweepstakes. We all know that.

The starters are young, and spread out. Dunn runs the point, LaVine is a great slashing shooting guard, WCJ has the hallmarks of a modern NBA center and Markkanen has the power forward slot in Chicago locked up for the next decade. It sure is sad to see WCJ boxed out on defensive possessions, but that's how rookies learn. This is his first season in the NBA.

Markkanen spaces the floor beautifully on a court next to LaVine and Dunn. However, if either (or, optimally, both) develop a respectable three point shot, they'd space the floor even better. Imagine Markkanen (39.4% 3PT), Bobby Portis (33.9% 3PT), LaVine (33.5% 3PT) spacing the floor while Kris Dunn runs the point and drives. Dunn doesn't have an outside shot as of now, but given a healthy offseason, he should add that to his arsenal like every modern NBA player is doing.

Lottery

Barrett and Zion

After the coaching change, Boylen's "Push Up Bulls" have an offensive rating of 94 points - worse than the 9-23 Hawks. The defense has been subpar (below league average), the pick and roll has been pathetic. Wendell Carter Jr has stopped shooting threes and is taking lesser shots. That is bad. Do whatever else you want, Mr Boylen. Do not stunt the rook's growth. Teams have been targeting LaVine on the offense and the defense. Because he's the team's best offensive weapon and worst liability on defense, he has been carrying an unthinkable burden - 29 of 30 games he's played he has started, and he's playing a terrifying 34.8 minutes per game. He's one season removed from an ACL surgery, and if any team should be mindful of ACL tears, it's the Bulls.

Chicago isn't playing for the playoffs. Not even a respectable scoreline. The Bulls have an offensive rating of 101 and defensive rating of 110.

I say, let the tank go ahead with full steam. At 10-27 at the end of December, there are three teams with worse records - the 9-28 Knicks and Suns and 8-29 Cavaliers. Have faith, Bulls fans. Zion or R.J. are on the horizon.