Ahh, success. Fans of the Chicago Bulls were spoiled by it in the nineties, when Michael Jordan's teams dominated the NBA. And their fans were spoiled by that young dynamo Derrick Rose and his perfectly-paired coach, Tom Thibodeau. Oh, what highs they enjoyed, those George Wendt soundalikes, whooping it up from the seats of The United Center.
Since those heydays, it's been one swing-and-miss after another.
Since Thibs last handled their clipboard, Chicago has reached the postseason only twice, losing both times in the first round. Leadership has brought in multiple missing pieces, including Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević, but to mostly meh results. Lonzo Ball, the second player drafted in 2017, has played just 35 games for the Chicago Bulls since being acquired in a 2021 trade. Now, DeRozan is gone, using up the last of his legs in Sacramento; defensive disruptor Alex Caruso went to tornado alley in a swap for Josh Giddey; Ball might never play on an NBA court again; and LaVine is Sooo ready to get outta here, bro, but no NBA team will touch his exorbitant contract.
Sure, Chicago has drafted some promising players in recent years, but none have risen above mid. This summer, the Bulls picked a promising big man with the 11th selection who might be ready to plug-and-play. But unless Coby White arrives at training camp reborn as the second coming of Derrick Rose (fat chance, deep-dish fans), Chicago's upcoming season smells a lot like a tank year.
Bulls' 2023-34 Record: 39-43, 9th in the Eastern Conference. Chicago won their first Play-In game on April 17, 2024, defeating the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks 131-116, thanks to a 42-point performance from White. However, in the second Play-In game, the Bulls were eliminated by the 8th-seeded Miami Heat, 112-91. This was the second consecutive year that the Bulls fell to the Miami Heat in a Play-In game.
Knicks' record against Bulls last season: 3-1
On January 3, the Knicks hammered the Bulls in the second half and finished with a 16-point win. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 35 points, including 23 post-intermission, while Jalen Brunson added 31 points and 13 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 20 rebounds. For the Bulls, DeRozan scored 28 points, and White added 26 points and eight assists. The Knicks owned the boards, out-rebounding Chicago 52-39.
On April 5, 2024, Chicago beat New York due to a stinky 17-point first quarter by our heroes. Brunson led the Knicks with 35 points and 11 assists, but the Bulls flipped the script this time around, out-rebounding New York 57-38. Miles McBride added 19 points for the Knicks, while Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 10 points and seven rebounds. Chicago maintained control throughout much of the game, despite losing the third frame by 11.
Four days later, on April 9, 2024, the New York Knicks got their revenge, winning 128-117. Brunson delivered another stunning performance, scoring 45 points and dishing eight dimes, while shooting 54.2% from the field and hitting 12 out of 12 free throws. The Knicks shot a 55.4% from the field and 47.2% from three-point range. OG Anunoby also contributed with 24 points, and Josh Hart posted a 17-point, 13-board double-double. For the Bulls, DeRozan scored 34 points Vooch added 26.
Facing off for the third time that month, the New York Knicks edged out the Bulls 120-119 in overtime on April 14. As usual, Jalen led the way with 40 points, helping the Knicks secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 25 points, sealing the win. The contest was a close one thanks to a strong effort from DeRozan (30 points) and Vučević (29 points, 11 rebounds).
Incoming: Josh Giddey (G-F), Matas Buzelis (F), Jalen Smith (F-C), and Chris Duarte (F)
A playmaker with height, Giddey is still young and should add to the Bulls' offense, but he still needs work on both ends and was a complete dud in the playoffs for OKC. Smith is a switchable, skillful big man who will strengthen their bench. Duarte ain't getting any younger and has steadily declined since being drafted by the Pacers three seasons ago. Buzelis is a tall, highly skilled forward with versatility and the most promising of this quartet.
Outgoing: DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond, and Javonte Green
Point Guard: Josh Giddey. Starting over in Chicago, the Aussie is expected to be installed as the Bulls' point guard of the future.
Shooting Guard: Coby White. Coming off a strong 2023-24 season where he finished second in Most Improved Player voting, he remains a key young piece.
Small Forward: Zach LaVine. Despite trade rumors, LaVine is still rostered in Chi-Town.
Power Forward: Patrick Williams. Williams averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 43 games before having his season cut-short by foot surgery. Two of his four NBA seasons have ended early due to surgery.
Center: Jalen Smith or Nikola Vučević. Smith was acquired in the offseason and could start if Vučević is traded. If Vučević remains on the roster, he may keep his starting spot.
New York is about to field one of the most talented teams in club history. The Bulls surely can't say the same. This season, Chicago will need the injury-prone LaVine to stay healthy, and they'll look to White to continue his progress after a breakout 2024. Ball, who has missed multiple seasons due to a knee injury, won't be back this year, giving Giddey the opportunity to quarterback the club. Overall, their roster changes won't move their needle. Chicago is expected to miss the playoffs again and be a cellar-dweller. The Knicks should easily defeat them in their three matchups.