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Chicago Bulls: 5 Takeaways From Disappointing 2015-16 Season

By James D. Tillman III

Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) goes up for a shot during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls won 121-116. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tim Frazier (2) goes up for a shot during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls won 121-116. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (left) and forward Nikola Mirotic (center) on the bench in street clothes during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (left) and forward Nikola Mirotic (center) on the bench in street clothes during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Injuries Played A Role In Up-And-Down Season

In years past, injuries prevented the Bulls from being a serious threat in the postseason. Unfortunately, that trend didn’t improve this season. Mike Dunleavy missed the team’s first 49 games. Joakim Noah appeared in just 29 games, and missed the second half of the season with a shoulder injury.

The trio of Rose (16 games), Gasol (10 games) and Butler (15 games) were in and out of lineup due to an assortment of injuries. Along with that, Nikola Mirotic was sidelined for 16 games from late January to early March, forcing the Bulls to use 25 different lineups in the process.

But in the spirit of being objective, while injuries make it difficult for a team to field its best players, the Bulls didn’t always play up to their potential even when they were relatively healthy. This sentiment is supported by the fact that they dropped home games to the Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns, teams who with a combined .296 winning percentage.

"“We did have a lot of significant injuries that hurt us,” Paxson told NBA.com. “But we as well as anyone understand that’s not an excuse. In fact, I told our guys, given the injuries we were good enough to make the playoffs. And we should’ve made the playoffs.”"

Again, injuries did play a role in Chicago’s turbulent season. However, the team’s inability to collectively play with a sense of urgency was one if its biggest downfalls.

Next: Offense Did Not Live Up To Hype

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