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5 Teams Who Could Make The NBA Playoffs Next Season

By Carter Johnson

Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls arguably had the most eventful offseason of any organization as they put an end to one era and ushered in another in a very interesting way.

After a tumultuous season that saw the team suffer from injuries, inner turmoil and questions about the front office’s level of commitment to their star players, Gar Forman, John Paxson and company opted for a complete changing of the guard, trading the perennial face of the franchise Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks and opting not to re-sign center Joakim Noah, who joined Rose in the Big Apple.

With many expecting the Bulls to fully hand things over to budding star Jimmy Butler and build a younger, faster unit around him, the front office threw fans for another loop by adding two former NBA champions and perennial All-Stars in point guard Rajon Rondo and hometown superstar Dwyane Wade.

While Wade returning home to the Windy City was arguably the feel-good story of the summer and Rondo is coming off of a resurgent season where he once again led the league in assists with 11.7 a game, both signings can be seen as holding the Bulls back from progress as both players are 30-plus years of age and arguably in the twilight of their respective careers.

Add in the fact that both are abysmal three-point shooters (as is Butler) and defensive liabilities at this point in their careers and it just looks as if the Bulls have taken a step in the wrong direction, seeking to add players with star-caliber personalities and reputations rather than substantive pieces.

However, focusing on these two signings isn’t fair to Chicago as they have quietly assembled a solid young core consisting of Denzel Valentine, Bobby Portis, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic, to name a few.

Newly added center Robin Lopez should maintain the team’s presence on the boards and in the paint defensively and while their starting backcourt won’t fill up the three-point column, their bench unit of Valentine, McDermott, Mirotic and Isaiah Canaan should help in that regard.

The additions of Rondo and Wade may be stifling to the Bulls’ future plans, but they should help them compete in a rather lax Eastern Conference in the short-term.

Next: Young Bucks