3 things the Chicago Bulls can learn from other lottery-bound teams

While the Chicago Bulls are poised for continued growth, this summer will still prove to be a critical one for this rebuild.

For a lottery-bound team like the Chicago Bulls, this is an interesting time of year. There are several college players who will be able to play multiple positions in the NBA and have been exciting to watch in the NCAA Tournament thus far.

It’s important for the Bulls to not let more errors like the Jabari Parker fiasco slow down what is still a promising rebuild. The acquisition of Otto Porter Jr. is proving to be a stellar one so far, as he’s averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game in a black and red uniform so far.

Taking a close look at past tank jobs such as the famed Philadelphia 76ers’ “Process,” or even the current New York Knicks turmoil that included an awkward departure of the Unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis, it’s clear there is much to learn from the recent past moving forward in this Chicago Bulls rebuild.

Firstly, true “max guys” are harder to find than it seems. That fact is often forgotten, but undeniable.

While the 76ers look great with near seven-footers anchoring both sides of their lineup in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, it took a lot of busts to get there.

Even if Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor appear to be at least serviceable in other uniforms, look at the dumpster fire that Markelle Fultz has turned out to be so far. Consider that the Sixers traded the rights to Jayson Tatum for that situation, and it becomes clear that draft position is just that and nothing more; the stuff of true NBA superstars can be intangible to even the most sophisticated of scouts.

The second piece to be aware of is that from the players’ perspective, tanking is often associated with poor player treatment. And clearly, players only want to play where they feel they are treated properly.

Right now, the Bulls brass led by Gar Forman and John Paxson is still a reputable brand, but as we have seen from the New York Knicks to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it doesn’t matter how big or small of a market it is. Players want to be treated well.

While it won’t ever be clearly known, it was likely player treatment that ended the relationship between Kristaps Porzingis and the Knicks. That’s a generational talent, that’s a major market, and that’s the door. Gone with the wind. The Bulls need to make sure that however young or established a player is, they feel that winning is a priority in the very near future, if not right now.

Finally, the Bulls must indeed embrace some concept of a “max player” despite rightful caution.

While the Bulls are poised to have about $40 million to offer in the free agent market this summer, a new max guy introduced into the mix could either prove to be a bust or could disrupt the offensive strides made by Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr.

In the end, and similar to what has been seen with the Boston Celtics, despite inevitable struggles, there is a validity in building through both free agency and the draft.

The Bulls have a loaded young roster, and if Kris Dunn can’t find a way to get healthy and produce towards the tail end of this season, he might find himself competing for a starting slot with the likes of Duke’s R.J. Barrett or Murray State’s Ja Morant this summer.

Not a bad problem to have!