Chicago Bulls: What fans can actually look forward to in 2017-18

Things may be rough for the Chicago Bulls during the 2017-18 season, but there are still things for fans to look forward to.

The 2017-18 NBA season will mark the start of a new era for the Chicago Bulls, and unfortunately for the United Center faithful, it will not be pretty.

After finishing 2015-16 with a 42-40 record and missing the postseason, 2016-17 was not a whole lot better; the team may have clinched the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but they quickly made a 4-2 first round exit. However, none of this will compare to what lies ahead.

With training camp starting up in about a month, Chicago’s roster currently stands at 15. The highlight names include the likes of Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Robin Lopez and Dwyane Wade.

Of course, Dunn had a disappointing rookie year, averaging just 3.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game in 17.1 minutes of play. LaVine is still recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in February. And Wade is likely to be bought out very soon.

Needless to say, there is a reason ESPN projected the Bulls to finish dead last in the league, with an estimated mere 26 wins. And yet, there are still a few silver linings.

Take Lauri Markkanen, for example. The No. 7 overall 2017 draft pick is slated to have one heck of a first season.

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Originally from Finland, the 20-year-old spent one year at the University of Arizona, where he averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per contest. The forward was thereafter selected third team All-American by the Associated Press, as well as was first team All Pac-12 and All Pac-12 Freshman.

But before college, Markkanen also dabbled in some basketball overseas. During the 2015 International Basketball Federation Europe Under-18 Championship, he averaged 18.2 points a matchup, which increased to 24.9 points per game the following summer. He led the tournament in scoring on both occasions.

Chicago may not be winning a ton of games next season, but acquiring a big man who can shoot is a victory in itself. Watching the seven-footer ball will still be a sight to see, especially given his NBA Summer League performances.

Who knows? Markkanen could even end up with a Rookie of the Year nod.

There is also Antonio Blakeney, who recently signed a two-way contract.

Some may be scratching their heads right about now, but Blakeney definitely proved his worth this summer. Having averaged 16.8 points a contest on 43.8 percent shooting from the field, the New York-native is just the type of shooting guard the Bulls need.

A former Louisiana State University Tiger, Blakeney averaged 12.6 points per matchup as a rookie, leading the team in 3-pointers with 52 on the year. He then averaged 17.2 points a game (and 4.8 rebounds) during his second and final season of college ball, earning himself an All-SEC Second Team selection. While he may not have been drafted, a two-way contract is certainly a step in the right direction.

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Blakeney is athletic, able to space the floor and consistent with his shot. Plus at just 20 years old, he has so much room to grow ahead of him. And while Chicago may not be known for its player development, he clearly already has a stable foundation to build off of.

Once Zach LaVine is healed, he will put on quite a show too.

As unnerving as it may be that LaVine is coming aboard off an injury, he is quite an asset to have. Having averaged 18.9 points per contest last year, the 22-year-old showed major growth from just a season prior. The good news is he has yet to reach his ceiling.

Sure, it will take a while for the 6’5″ shooting guard to shake off the rust and adjust to an entirely new system, coaching staff and team. But fans should absolutely be excited over the two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, and not just for his high-flying dunks either.

LaVine has demonstrated a desire to keep learning, while already coming to the table with a high basketball IQ, sense of leadership and offensive aptitude. So although losing Jimmy Butler is a tough pill to swallow, the front office did (partially) receive a good return.

Next: Chicago Bulls: 5 bold predictions for the 2017-18 NBA season

The 2017-18 campaign will be a rocky year for the Chicago Bulls, but there are still positives for fans to look forward to.