Chicago Bulls: 3 goals following 2019 NBA All-Star break

3. Keep the core players healthy

The injury bug seemingly never stays too far away from the United Center, and this season has been no exception. One of the biggest factors in the disappointing season is that injuries have wreaked havoc on this roster.

In addition to the injuries sustained by Markkanen and Dunn, Zach LaVine has been hampered by ankle injuries and rookie big man Wendell Carter Jr. has been lost for the season due to thumb surgery after just 44 games.

With just 24 games to play, it’s imperative that this squad finishes the season healthy. The last thing this team needs is another injury that will affect the 2019-20 season. If that means using “load management” for LaVine, Markkanen, and Porter here and there, so be it.

It would be mutually beneficially if the Bulls could reach a buyout agreement with free-agent-to-be center Robin Lopez, allowing him to sign with a contender for the remainder of the season. Of course, a benefit of the Bulls new core players getting extra rest in the next two months is that it may better position themselves in the upcoming lottery.

Currently stamped into the fourth slot, finishing with one of the three worst records will grant them an equal 14 percent chance of landing the top overall pick, presumably Duke University forward Zion Williamson.

The last thing this franchise needs is winning just enough games to sabotage their chance at a franchise-changer like Williamson or even Murray State point guard Ja Morant.