The Chicago Bulls have been the epitome of mediocrity over the last few seasons. It always feels like they find a way to win 39 games, make the play-in, and lose to the Heat in some fashion.
The Bulls have undergone a mini-rebuild over the last year, trading away DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine to make way for their young core of Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis. They have also added a nice mix of role players in Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, and Ayo Dosumnu.
Chicago is now a surprising 4-0 to begin the season, with three of those wins coming against three projected playoff teams in the East: the Pistons, Hawks, and Magic. It is still very early, and the Bulls are by no means a contender, but they have been better than initially though.
The Bulls could make some noise in the East
Chicago has been one of the league’s best offenses through four games. They are second in the league in assists per game, (30.5), seventh in field-goal percentage (49.6), seventh in field-goals made per game (43.8), and tenth in three-point percentage (38.6). They are also averaging 120 points per game, are fifth in net rating (8.7), and are playing at the league’s seventh highest pace.
The Bulls have done all of this without White, who has been nursing a calf injury. In his absence, Giddey, and Jones have done most of the ball-handling. Both players are pass-first, and it has really helped the overall flow, and process of Chicago’s offense.
Buzelis also seems to be ready to make his second-year leap. He was stellar against the Kings on Wednesday night, scoring 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting, and four-of-six from three. He looks a lot more comfortable, and has all the makings of a key core piece of the Bulls’ future.
Chicago is going to be a tough out for anyone every night
The pace this team plays at, coupled with the fact that they don’t suffer a drop-off from a ball-handling perspective, and their depth means the Bulls going to be a problem for anyone. Gone are the days of penciling in Chicago as a win.
It is still early in the season, but the state of the Eastern Conference right now is the worst it has been in a few years. Outside of the top spots, which are likely to be occupied by Cleveland, and New York, everything is up for grabs in the East.
Chicago looks more comfortable in their fast-paced system this year. We saw how much fast-paced teams could wear down an opponent last season (see Indiana), and while the Bulls may not have as much talent, they will be one of the more fun teams in the league this season.