Mid-Season Report Card: Bulls

We're back in the 90's with the Knicks being good. What about the Bulls?The east has lots of teams aiming for that play-in tournament, and Chicago is coming for it, if not eclipsing the 7 seed.

Wide open

If they win a few, they can be 6th in the Eastern Conference, and if they lose two or three in a row they can plummet to 12th. What should Chicago's goal be this season, realistically?

They can make the postseason. Zach LaVine is an all-star who can carry them for stretches, and Coby White is a great sidekick. Their depth is an issue, but so are most Eastern Conference team's benches.

Look for the Bulls to be at least a play-in team, if not a 6, 7 or 8 seed. Wouldn't it be amazing if the Bulls and Knicks renewed their rivalry in 2021? I think so.

Matchups

Chicago will struggle if they face the Sixers, Nets, Heat, or Bucks. Those teams have far more experience and talent than the Bulls, and their depth would be more effective than Chicago's core.

However, playing a team like the Celtics who are a tier higher than the Bulls but also lack depth could be a close series. It sound crazy to say considering Boston's constant entries to the ECF, but 2021 hasn't been kind to them.

Deadline

Otto Porter Jr. might be looked at by front offices around the league, and the Bulls should try to acquire some young pieces in exchange.

The Lauri Markkanen experience has been troubling for Chicago fans not because of his talent, but his inability to stay on the floor. He's constantly riddled with injuries and is probably on the block as well.

The Bulls shouldn't trade Wendell Carter, and would be better served looking for a backup center who can complement LaVine and White.

Grade:

B-