Chicago Bulls: 3 steps they must take to make the playoffs in 2022

Chicago Bulls steps to the NBA playoffs: 2. Utilize their bench

No matter how good a team’s starting five is, they have no chance of being good without a solid bench. While the Bulls’ projected starting lineup of Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Patrick Williams and Nikola Jokić is formidable, they have key rotation players in the second unit who will also play a valuable role in their success.

Coby White was the team’s starting point guard for much of the past two seasons. While he proved to be a solid pro, Lonzo Ball brings more to the table at the position. However, White’s contributions are still a necessity if the team is to have long-term success. He is a better 3-point shooter than Ball and is versatile enough to relieve LaVine or DeRozan of minutes and play alongside Ball for short stretches of the game.

Alex Caruso became a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers over the past four seasons due to his all-out hustle. He will be a reliable spark plug off the bench and a great veteran presence in the locker room. Ayo Dosunmu was named the best point guard in college basketball while playing for Illinois University; somehow he fell to the second round of the draft. The Bulls were fortunate enough to grab him and smart enough to sign him. At 6’5″ with elite athleticism he is potentially the steal of the draft and could offer valuable minutes right away. If Chicago’s second unit embraces their roles, the Bulls could enjoy some of the best bench production in the Eastern Conference next season.