Chicago Bulls: Do The Playoffs Even Matter Anymore?

The Chicago Bulls are still trying to make a playoff push, but at this point, does it really even matter anymore?

As the Chicago Bulls languish in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a .500 record of 37-37, the biggest question on the minds of both the media and fan base is will the team actually make the postseason this year?

On the one hand, the Bulls did just grab a 98-96 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, giving them a hold over the division tiebreaker. Health concerns (if any) are minor, with guys like Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson all pushing through any leftover injuries. And the organization finally woke up and had a team meeting on Sunday.

But after going on a three-game winning streak upon Butler’s return, Chicago recorded back-to-back losses against the New York Knicks, followed by a blowout defeat to the Orlando Magic and heartbreaking almost-but-not-quite fail versus the Atlanta Hawks. On top of this, their remaining schedule includes matchups with the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.

Speculation on whether or not the Bulls can clinch a playoff spot will likely continue up until the very end, but at this point, does it really even matter anymore?

If Chicago is able to pull this off, what does that really prove?

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Does it wipe away any trace of the abysmal season they had? Or give them something to be proud of?

Not exactly. In fact, not even close. That eighth seed may give fans something to celebrate temporarily, but when one stops to considers how much effort it took to get there, the picture painted is quite different. And the worst part is, Chicago itself cannot even pinpoint a reason behind it.

Supporters were understanding when it took the guys a while to adjust to a new coach and coaching system. And everyone knows injuries can certainly hinder progress. But unfortunately, that is not the whole story here. Something else got in the team’s way this year. Perhaps it was an overall lack of motivation. Or an ego-clash across the board.

There could simply not have been enough talent, or the right mix of it, to propel the Bulls towards winning.

Regardless, the truth is that making the postseason does not do away with any of that.

And how about moving forward? Will making the postseason give them a better chance of succeeding in it?

That would also be a no.