Why the Bulls Will Make the 2020 Playoffs
The Bulls are already being counted out. Many list and analyst have the Bulls finishing 9th or 10th in the East missing the playoffs and only managing about 34 wins.
However, with key additions of rookies Coby White and Daniel Gafford, as well as veteran swingman Thaddeus Young, and unselfish point guard Tomas Satoransky, it would be foolish to count the Bulls out of the playoffs before the season even begins.
Yes, making the playoffs is a huge jump from a team that only won 22 games last season.
But let’s not forget the circumstances of last season. Key injuries to Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and Wendell Carter Jr. put a damper on things, a midseason coaching change caused inconsistencies of game plan and style of play. The lackadaisical play of empty stat man Jabari Parker, as well as multiple line ups full of G League players, caused a train wreck of a season.
The Bulls went on a run after trading Parker and Bobby Portis to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter Jr.
Pic via @clutchpoints
Porter has provided the team a clear upgrade and legitimate small forward, as well as veteran leadership. The Bulls get more leadership and a player who will go out and do all the little things that help a team win, with the addition of Thad Young. The Bulls have the option to play Porter and Young at the same time with Markkanen moved to the center, for a lethal line up that can defend and score.
Kris Dunn who never proved he can play alongside LaVine, should see his role limited this season, and may not even be apart of the team by season end. Rookie Coby White should be able to push the back on the 2nd unit and should be brought along slowly to be able to take the reigns as a starter.
In the meantime, the lead guard position should be solidified with Satoransky running the show.
Pic via @clutchpoints
Sato who is coming off an impressive run in the Fiba World Cup for the Czech Republic National team. Sato averaged 14.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 8.3 apg and shot 44.4% from deep. Sato is an underrated pick up for the Bulls and could be the steal of free agency, he should pair perfectly with backcourt mate Zach LaVine.
LaVine will also be looking to take the next step in his upward trend towards becoming an All-Star caliber player.
Pic via @TheStepBack
Zach has been hard at work at improving his game as well as his defense in preparation for the upcoming season, his goal is to still be playing after the regular season comes to a close.
As always health will play a key part on how the Bulls season turns out. But if they can stay healthy, there is no reason that the Bulls can not win 40+ games and make a return to the postseason.
Thad Young’s wife Shekinah Young believes the Bulls will be in the playoffs, and I would have to agree.
Pic via @Mrs___Young21
The season is almost here, Bulls Nation should prepare for a long one!
Photo: @clutchpoints , @thestepbackand @Mrs___Young21
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