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NBA recap: Wizards make their move, Pacers streaking and more

By Michael Dugger

(Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls: Only the future should matter

The Chicago Bulls continue to be one of the three worst run franchises in the NBA. After firing Fred Hoiberg, head coach Jim Boylen already went too far with the team by trying to have a run-heavy practice the day after a back-to-back before settling for meeting with the team.

Jabari Parker’s homecoming is already over with him being removed from the rotation and they have the worst record in the NBA at 7-24, tied with the Phoenix Suns, including a franchise-worst 56-point loss at home to Boston Celtics on Dec. 8.

It’s a mess in Chi-Town. It has been a mess since Derrick Rose played at his peak powers for the Bulls and was a mess before Rose arrived to lift the franchise. They are one of the worst watches in the NBA and look the part of the lone team in the league truly tanking already.

The rest of the season should be about starting their long-term plan. Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman have failed to produce a plan for years, but one is there if they admit defeat and look to offload talent.

Bobby Portis and Robin Lopez could help some playoff teams off the bench before the trade deadline. Parker’s contract is tough to find a suitor for, but there are always desperate teams in the NBA. Even if they can’t move on from some of these players on their NBA-worst roster, nothing matters except giving Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. significant playing time.

They are the future, and they are Chicago’s only hope currently on the roster. If the Bulls lose with them, fine. Draft a true guard unless the team envisions Kris Dunn or Ryan Arcidiacono as its future guard. Zach LaVine is a fine scorer and Chandler Hutchinson has shooting prowess that fits next to this “core”. That’s all that matters for the Bulls in 2018-19, and if Boylen is withholding that development, a third coach needs to be implemented.