It is evident that the Chicago Bulls are struggling to find a system to work with. It is quite unfortunate that they haven’t been the same since the ’90s when Michael Jordan and his squad dominated the league. They have had a few playoff runs especially during the early parts of the 2010s. But success has never been on their side.
This past season, the Bulls were struggling miserably to get past the play-in tournament. They finished the season with 40 wins and 42 losses at 10th place in the Eastern Conference. Chicago was paired against the Miami Heat during their final shot at clinching a playoff berth.
Sadly, Jimmy Butler and the Heat were far too powerful for a Bulls team that lacked chemistry. Despite having three of the best players in the league, Chicago just hasn’t understood how to work on a system.
In addition to this, Lonzo Ball also missed out on the entire season as he required surgery in his knee. Ball injured himself at the start of 2022 and hasn’t returned to the court as yet. It is important to note that Ball has also played a vital role in games the Chicago Bulls have won in the past. Lonzo is a key defensive piece as well but unfortunately, he may miss another season or at least half of it.
DeMar DeRozan could potentially leave next season if the Chicago Bulls do not recalibrate
Most of us are aware of “The Last Dance” documentary that came out a few years ago. It was based on the Chicago Bulls’ three-peat during the latter half of the ’90s. But now, based on how things have been lately, the Bulls are currently on their “last chance” so to say. One of their main players is Nikola Vucevic and he’s been an important force for the organization.
Nikola Vucevic admits this could be the Bulls’ last dance with this core
“We know we can do better, and we have to do better. And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.”
(Via @JakeLFischer ) pic.twitter.com/qLiRWNwUZC
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 31, 2023
Last season, he appeared in all 82 games that were played during the regular season. He averaged 17.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game along with a couple of blocks and steals. Vucevic has always tried to anchor both ends of the court and has experience playing for playoff teams. He recently commented on the Chicago Bulls saying, “We know we can do better, and we have to do better. And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.”
What is concerning is that DeMar DeRozan is currently entering the final year of his contract. So far, he hasn’t spoken about his plans to return or test free agency next season. In addition to this, Zach LaVine has been linked to several trade rumors this off-season. There were rumors about him potentially leaving the Bulls last season. If the Bulls do not work things out, DeRozan and/or LaVine may walk away.