The Chicago Bulls are back in action! The NBA season kicked off last week and the highlight so far has been the Bulls scorching hot start. The Bulls have begun the season with a 4-0 record, their best start since the 1996-97 season. They are the last unbeaten team in the East, a big change from where the Bulls finished last year as the 11th seed. The way the Bulls have looked, I think they will keep this up all year, and LaVine will continue his development as one of the best young scorers in the league. Here are my predictions and assessments of what is in store for the Bulls this season.
Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan have been great additions so far to the squad as expected by many. Lonzo has already been able to make his impact by his playmaking and his impressive three point shooting so far. Lonzo made all five of his three point attempts against Toronto on Monday, and even though it is still very early, it is still something to note that he is currently on pace to set new career highs in field goal and three point percentage. His defensive game is also steadily improving as he is also projected to set career highs in steals and blocks per game at this rate, something the previously weak defensive backcourt greatly needs. Even though he may not win the actual award since his presence will be more noticed on the actual court than the stat sheet, I think Lonzo will be one of the most improved players in the league this season. I predict a statline of 16/6/6, with his defense, scoring and three point shooting being the most improved aspects of his game. DeMar has also been a solid third option, his game has stayed consistent from what it was last year and his veteran leadership presence has seemed to transfer a winning mentality with the rest of the squad. I see him finishing with a statline of 22/6/4 by the end of the season.
Even though we’ve spent a lot of time revolving around the new additions, we can’t forget about the heart and soul of our team, Zach LaVine. LaVine has picked up from where he left off last year and looks like a lock to be an all star once again. I am gonna go with a semi bold prediction/goal for LaVine’s season. I think he will be an all star starter this season, with a predicted statline of 28/5/5. While it may be a nearly identical statline to last season, I think the Bulls winning record and one more year of LaVine learning how to lead a team will push hi over the hump and give him the starting nod.
My final prediction for the Bulls is that they will finish as a playoff team this season for the first time since 2017, and as the fifth seed in the East. I think the Bucks, Nets, Knicks and Heat will finish above them in the standings, and that they will make it to the second round after winning in the first round over the Heat, but sadly will not be good enough to beat Giannis and the Bucks in the second round just yet. It will mark an exciting season that us loyal Bulls fans deserve and will bring excitement back to the city of Chicago.
What are your predictions for the Bulls season? Let me know in the comments.