Chicago Bulls: Content With Mediocrity?

The Chicago Bulls traded Alex Caruso during the offseason. They also let DeMar DeRozan leave in free agency. This change shows they are heading in a new direction. They are focusing on a younger team with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Colby White. They also want to move away from their veteran players. Due to the deadline, the organization decided to trade Zach LaVine. This gave the new core a chance to showcase its talent, giving fans many incredible moments. Beating a noteworthy team like the Los Angeles Lakers twice and the Pacers. Having many of the young players hoop out of their minds, they could make the playoffs as they are the tenth seed. But the concern is, where does Chicago go from there?

Coby White is the Player of the Month for March. He averages 27.4 points, 5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Since joining the league in 2019, he has improved each season. Coby is a great spot-up shooter. This skill is important for Chicago, as they are one of the best fast-break teams in the league. White is shooting 37 percent behind the arc, making him a threat. White controls his speed well. He finishes strong at the rim, making it tough for defenders to guard him. He is great at attacking the basket. Coby has finesse, which makes him a great scorer along with being incredible at using the pick and roll. White is great at creating his three-point shot behind the arc, making him relevant. One of the best tools that the guard has is his ability to hit the mid-range jumper. Once Zach LaVine was gone, it was clear that Coby had been able to shine as a player. He has been amazing on offense with the ball. But he’s not alone; Josh Giddey has also been a standout.

One highlight of Josh Giddey's recent games was his amazing buzzer-beater. He made a half-court shot against the Lakers, whom LeBron James and Luka Dončić led. Josh is a talented playmaker and passer who can help set up players in their spots. Giddey is an incredible rebounder who can lead the fast break. Josh's defense and scoring ability are often criticized. Yet, he is a walking triple-double, always lifting his teammates. As free agency approaches, it will be interesting to see if Chicago lets him go or extends his contract. Josh has stepped up his game at the right moment. The 22-year-old will have an exciting off-season. He keeps playing amazingly well, which boosts his value. Being one of the funniest parts of the late Bulls season, along with Matas Buzelis.

The 2024 draft class had no hype, but there have been some players who have been incredible for their teams. Matas Buzelis has benefited from the Zach LaVine trade as he has gotten more minutes. He had an exciting game against the Dallas Mavericks. He scored 28 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and made 6 assists. He shot 10 for 17 from the field and hit 5 out of 7 three-pointers. At 6'10", he plays like a guard. He handles the ball well and controls his pace. Plus, he finishes strong around the rim. And Matas is a competent three-point shooter, and he is incredible at passing. Buzelis is good with the handoff passes and reading the cuts. With the former stars gone, there are many like Matas Buzelis who have been good for the Bulls.

There are many solid role players on the Bulls this season. Lonzo Ball has come a long way. He went from being a top prospect at UCLA to then dealing with a career-ending injury to now being a backup point guard. Ball even earned a contract extension. Nikola Vucevic is having a solid year and could find himself traded in the offseason. Kevin Huerter has been excellent at shooting threes since joining Chicago. He's discovered a strong sense of rhythm. Zach Collins has been able to stay healthy and be a good backup big man. Talen Horton-Tucker had two great games. He scored 27 points against the Raptors and helped secure a win. Billy Donovan has many tools at his disposal. He gets the best from his players. Yet, the concern is that, despite their talent, the team may end up stuck in the middle.

The Chicago Bulls are mediocre, which is crazy, as we thought they were going to tear the team down. Trading Zach LaVine, a skilled scorer, should have sped up the rebuild. It was time to embrace tank mode completely. The team is pushing hard to win games as the season ends. They might even make the playoffs, but the Cavs or Celtics will eliminate them. It seems like the front office is content with staying afloat rather than tearing it all down, which is why the Josh Giddey extension makes it interesting. The Chicago Bulls' future hinges on their choice. They can pay the 22-year-old or opt to rebuild.

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