The Chicago Bulls haven’t made the NBA playoffs since 2017. Here are the steps they must take next year to return to the postseason.
The year was 2017. Migos’ Bad and Boujee was still atop the charts and the last episode of the popular crime drama, Bones, had aired in March. The Windy City was abuzz because their beloved Chicago Bulls were on the verge of pulling off a monumental upset. Having entered the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, they had shocked the basketball world and won the first two games on the road against the top-seeded Boston Celtics. It looked like the offseason acquisitions of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade may have been just what the doctor ordered.
Though the phrase “Playoff Rondo” hadn’t been coined yet, the alter ego certainly made an appearance in the first two games of the series. With him at the point guard against his former team, the Bulls looked like a well-oiled machine. Robin Lopez, often viewed as a strictly a defensive stopper and rebounder, contributed timely buckets after being given pinpoint passes that set him up to finish around the rim.
Jimmy Butler began his transition from All-Star to superstar with solid performances in both road playoff games. Dwyane Wade showed there was still something left in the tank after 14 years in the league and multiple injuries. And then the wheels fell off.
It all started with a thumb injury to Rajon Rondo. The city of Chicago held its breath, hoping that the injury was minimal and their point guard would only miss one game. However, the worst fears were confirmed. The injury was a broken thumb and Rondo would be forced to miss the rest of the series. The Celtics would go on to win the next four games. Chicago’s front office broke up the team soon after. Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade, and Rajon Rondo never played a single game for the Bulls ever again.
That was the last time the Bulls made the playoffs. The team has since been totally revamped and there is some promising young talent on the roster. After making a head coaching change this offseason, the front office is hopeful that all the pieces are finally in place to make another run at the postseason. Having amassed the necessary talent, here are the steps the Bulls must take to make their dream of returning to the playoffs a reality.