NBA: 5 Biggest Surprises Of 2016-17's First 3 Weeks

NBA: A Look At The 5 Biggest Surprises So Far In 2016-17

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) loses control of the ball as Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Chicago won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Chicago Bulls

On the heels of a season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years, the Bulls front office decided that a change was needed. They traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks in return for Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon, who was later sent to the Lakers.

In addition to that, they allowed both Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol to walk, while acquiring veterans Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. In other words, the team opted to retool rather than rebuild.

And for all the talk about the lack of shooting in the starting lineup, along with questions about whether or not three ball-dominant players could effectively co-exist on the court, the Bulls are off to a good start.

Following a three-game losing streak that put them back at the .500 mark, the Bulls have won five of their last six outings, pushing their record to 8-4, placing them a half game ahead of the Toronto Raptors for the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Yes, it still early. But if this group continues to play for each other and buy into the system that Fred Hoiberg is trying to implement, the playoffs are definitely in the cards for this team.