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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

In a shocking turn of events, the Chicago Bulls have a passable roster that might induce a moderate sense of enjoyment from those watching it in 2019-20. I’m not sure Chicago’s good — they’re still a work in progress — but the Bulls have a path forward and pieces to build around. It’s a good starting point.

Zach LaVine is good. He catches a lot of slack, some of it warranted. He needs to offer more as a defender and playmaker, yes, but he’s still an efficient scorer who can aptly carry the primary shot creation load for Chicago. That’s an important box to check.

Beyond LaVine, Otto Porter is an underrated No. 2 — a hallmark of efficiency in the modern NBA and a versatile wing defender. Add in Wendell Carter Jr.’s nuanced two-way production and Lauri Markkanen’s historic deep-shooting potential, and the Chicago core carries great appeal.

The point guard situation is one to watch. Kris Dunn seems like the prohibitive favorite, but Tomas Satoransky is a big, skilled guard who can contribute in various roles. He’s adept off-ball, and tends to limit mistakes. Coby White was the No. 7 pick in June and factors into Chicago’s future more than Satoransky and Dunn combined.

Perhaps the biggest addition this summer, at least in free agency, was Thaddeus Young. A former starter in Indiana, Young will add a much-needed change of pace in the second unit. He’s a staunch defender who can defend across positional lines, all while spacing the floor and adding face-up value on offense. He started over Domantas Sabonis on a good Pacers team for a reason.

The Bulls have the pieces to make a legitimate run at the postseason. In the end, Chicago feels closer to a year away than a strong eighth seed bet, but there’s still more to be positive about that one would have expected a year ago.

Final prediction: 37-45, Miss NBA Playoffs