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Chicago Bulls: 2017-18 NBA season preview

By James D. Tillman III

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 4: Dwyane Wade #3 and the Chicago Bulls talk in the huddle prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 4, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 4: Dwyane Wade #3 and the Chicago Bulls talk in the huddle prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 4, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

As the Chicago Bulls enter the first year of a long-awaited rebuild, here’s a a look at what to expect from their 2017-18 season.

As a surprise to exactly no one, the Chicago Bulls are not going to be a very good team in 2017-18. Despite notching playoff appearances in eight of the last 10 seasons, the front office decided to go into rebuild mode, compared to the alternative — which would involve remaining in basketball purgatory.

The Bulls began the “youth movement” back in February by sending Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne, with Payne being the only remaining player on the roster from that trade.

Oh and by the way, it should be noted the lone remaining piece of that trade is on the shelf for 3-4 months after recently undergoing foot surgery.

The next decision involved trading Jimmy Butler (one of the best two-way players in the NBA) and the No. 16 pick (Justin Patton) to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen — the No. 7 overall pick in this year’s draft — all of which come with their fair share of questions marks.

Again, the Bulls are not going to be a good team next season. What the front office is hoping for, though, is to see the younger players elevate their games and continue to add talent to the roster through the draft.

On the heels of what has been an interesting offseason, it will be interesting to see if the Bulls will be worth watching this year. Love it or hate it Bulls fans, here’s a look at what to expect from the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.

2016-17 Vitals

41-41, 4th in Central Division, 8th in Eastern Conference
102.9 PPG (23rd)/102.4 PPG (6th)
107.4 Offensive Rating (20th)/107.0 Defensive Rating (6th)

Team Leaders

Scoring:  Jimmy Butler, 23.9 PPG
Rebounding:  Taj Gibson, 6.9 RPG
Assists:  Rajon Rondo, 6.7 APG
Steals:  Jimmy Butler, 1.9 SPG
Blocks:  Robin Lopez, 1.4 BPG

Honors
All-Star:  Jimmy Butler

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