Rebuild Done Right
“The NBA is an arms race. Teams compete for elite talent, with the goal of competing for a championship. The Bulls did it the right way. Chicago’s recent draft history and current free agency splash has given them a multi-year window to hoist the Larry O’B.”
Talent is the end all-be all for organizations, no matter the field. Finding an individual who exceeds in their craft is hard enough…getting them to buy into your vision is a near impossible feat. Stories around the Association far too often detail Superstar players becoming disgruntled with their franchise, ultimately leaving in a hazardous mess.
The Bulls traded for Zach Lavine, Khris Dunn and the No.7 overall pick (Lauri Markannen) back in 2017. In an effort to get off of Jimmy’s impending max deal, Chicago was able to gain back an athletic wing who showed huge promise in his outside shooting and defending. This was the best case scenario for the Bulls.
Photo From: NBA.com
Zach’s age at the time of the trade (21), allowed them to take an approach that mirrors the current Oklahoma City Thunder’s situation with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Lose early, in order to win big down the road.
The Bulls’ rebuild got off to a shaky start, as they envisioned pairing Lavine with a dominant Big Man (Lauri Markannen - Wendell Carter Jr.).
In the following Drafts, their approach seemed to change. Chicago decided to select an elite college guard in Coby White, who presented the ability to relieve some pressure from Zach on the scoring and playmaking front.
Coby was thrown into the fire, immediately playing impact minutes that would help him down the road. His role was unclear, as he experienced highs and lows in his rookie season. The following draft, the Bulls struck gold in Patrick Williams. A 6’9” forward who excelled at defense, along with a fairly polished mid range game.
Pat Will’s rookie season was eerily similar to Coby’s. In his first month in the NBA, Pat served as the primary defender against Luka, Tatum, LeBron and Kawhi. He was getting early praise around the league.
Having an elite two way wing is every NBA franchise's dream. There are not many players like Kawhi, Luka and LeBron…and even less that have a chance of slowing them down.
The Bulls laid the groundwork for their team through the draft… midway through the 2020-21 season, they made their big splash. Chicago learned from their prior mistakes. Finding a consistent big man through the draft, is much harder than lucking out on proficient guard play. To combat this problem, they went out and got their guy.
The Bulls traded Wendell Carter Jr, Otto Porter and 2 first round picks to the Orlando Magic, getting back Nikola Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu. The Bulls realized that in order to win, they couldn’t hold on to draft picks forever. Each franchise owes it to both their fanbase and players to try and compete for a championship.
Photo From: NBA.com
This trade served as the catalyst for the Bulls’ free agency frenzy in the off-season. Nikola Vucevic had been a consistent 20 Pt - 10+ Reb player for the Magic, with the ability to stretch the floor at a reasonably high clip. The Bulls plan was forming into shape. High screen and roll actions, paired with 5 out schemes, was the future in Chi-Town.
2021 Offseason
It was now or never for the Bulls. With Vucevic on the team, Chicago had two bonafide All-Star caliber players, it was up to the front office to fill in the cracks.
Did they ever…
Demar DeRozan (3 year - $81.9 Mil) acquired via sign and trade
Lonzo Ball (4 year - $80 Mil) acquired via sign and trade
Alex Caruso (4 year - 36.98 Mil) signed using mid level exception
Javonte Green (2 year, minimum salary exception)
Now it was time to fit the pieces together.
Winning a championship largely relies upon the relationship between a front office and its best player(s). Zach went to Chicago and bought in, when informed about the Bulls’ plans to build around him. After 2 losing seasons, the Bulls kept their promise, and spent in Free Agency. In turn, they produced a team talented enough to compete in the East. Now it was Zach’s time to validate Chicago’s gamble.
All-Star Break
The Bulls performance in the 1st half of the season has been nothing short of incredible. Many critics voiced their frustration and bewilderment with the franchise, following the Bulls’ acquisition of DeMar DeRozan, citing that Lavine and DeMar would not be able to play together.
Instead, Chicago currently sits as the No.2 seed in the East, ranking 4th in Offensive Rating.
Both DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine were named to the NBA All-Star team, with DeMar being a starter and Zach a reserve. At times, Deebo and Zach take turns toying with defenders, while also having the basketball unselfishness to make the open pass off a double team. To make their situation better, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are one of, if not, the best defensive backcourt tandem in the NBA. Their ability to bait the opponent into passing lanes, allows for the Showtime Fastbreak highlights that end up on OverTime, BR, etc.
Chicago is not only winning games, they also do it in every way possible. Showtime plays from Zo to Zach are what gets fans through the turn-styles and into the United Center. Alex Caruso’s defensive prowess and ability to make winning plays, makes him an integral part of the team.
The Bulls have held on to a Top 3 seed for most of the season, despite the volume of injuries they’ve sustained. Role players like Ayo Dosunmu (2nd Rd Pick - Illinois), Coby White, Troy Brown and Tony Bradley have all helped keep the Bulls afloat. As All-Star Break approaches, one thing is apparent.
The Playoffs are looming. Teams 1-6 in the Eastern Conference are all separated by 2 games or less, the sprint to the finish line will determine how deep a run they make.
The East is tight, with Milwaukee standing as the clear favorites to make back to back appearances in the NBA Finals. However, the blockbuster Harden for Simmons trade could end up shaking up the conference even more.
The playoffs come down to shot makers and execution. Although the Bulls rank 4th in Offensive Rating, they are 21st in Defensive Rating without Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. The Bulls rival anyone in terms of talent, but can their relatively inexperienced team make a deep playoff push? Health will be the biggest concern post All-Star Break, with the unprecedented parity in the East…home court might end up being a team’s saving grace.