The Detroit Blueprint: What Can the Bulls Take from One of Their Biggest Rivals
In recent weeks, rumors have come about that the Chicago Bulls are “interested” in the Detroit Pistons roster, specifically Point Guard Ish Smith and a solid shooter in Wayne Ellington.
Other than the obvious point of the Bulls needing an upgrade at the point guard position and just general scouting of upcoming free agents, it is worth looking at the current construction of the Piston’s roster, as it could very well be laying the foundation for future Bulls teams–at least in the frontcourt.
The two “towers” the Pistons have made the focal point of their squad are Andre Drummond and former Lob-City Star Blake Griffin. Drummond, of course, is one of the best rebounders in the league, while Griffin may very well be the best power forward in the game right now. The Pistons have filled out the rest of the roster with high IQ players such as Ish Smith and three-point shooters such as the aforementioned Wayne Ellington–although outside of him, many hovers around 36%.
The Bulls can take this basic blueprint and improve upon it. Over the last two years, the Bulls have drafted a great Stretch-4 in Lauri Markkanen as well as an extremely high IQ defender and rim protector at the center in Wendell Carter Jr. Both of these players have All-Star potential–although Markkanen is more likely to make it in his career, at least for now–similar to the distinction between Blake Griffin and Drummond. The more flashy and better player of the two is Griffin. After acquiring Griffin, the Pistons, of course, got better although their win increase with a full-season of Griffin only increased by two, however that was just enough to make the playoffs as the 8th seed. That Pistons team was easily handled by the Greek Freak and co. although Blake Griffin sparingly played due to injury and Drummond was almost a non-factor.
Markkanen has a chance to be on that level that Griffin sits on right now. After a game against the Pistons this season, Blake offered up his praise of “The Finnisher” to reporters:
“He’s unbelievably skilled. You can see that right away. That combined with his size makes him special. Once he really gets the physicality and the angles of the game down, he’s going to be trouble for a long time.”
It’s hard to believe that Lauri doesn’t reach that level, if not go above and beyond during his career.
Zach LaVine also gives the Bulls a chance to become more than that Piston’s team–a sweep in the 1st round. He is certainly better than any current guard on the Piston’s roster. Even if his defense isn’t exactly up-to-par, LaVine has shown extreme dedication to improving weaknesses in his game. If he becomes even an average defender, there won’t be a way to stop him.
Otto Porter Jr. gives this team more defense and MUCH better shooting at the wing than the Pistons. Otto shot 48% on 3 point field goals in the games he appeared in this season with Chicago. It is unlikely that holds across a full year, but it certainly seems like he could remain as a 40%+ shooter, especially with the spacing the Bulls offense can provide. Porter provides a great deal of veteran leadership to this team as well. He’s been to the playoffs before. He can help the younger guys adapt to the environment and mentality that playoff basketball is defined by.
It could take another year for the Bulls to set up this same type of plan. They might not make the jump into the playoffs. Honestly, it hinges on health and development. If this team stays healthy, they could very well take Detroit’s spot in the dance next year. If Markkanen develops on the track he’s been on, he could maybe, just maybe, surpass Blake Griffin as the best PF in the East. Who really knows?
With that said, it wouldn’t hurt the Bulls to build around their Front Court. It seems that’s the direction they’re headed, and with this young talent, there might not be anything to stop them.
Build Around the Front Court. Get Shooters. Prosper.
Featured Image: Associated Press
Discover more from Chicago Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
