NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bulls have accomplished the bare minimum.
Despite the Atlanta Hawks right on their tails, the Bulls have managed to avoid one last final catastrophe. A victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night officially locked the team into the No. 9 seed. In other words, they will now play host to next week’s Play-In Tournament game at the United Center.
To be clear, the Bulls were already locked into the 9v10 game since the beginning of the month. The way the standings were at the time made it so that Billy Donovan’s team couldn’t stumble past the No. 10 seed. The past week or so has been about ensuring Atlanta doesn’t steal home-court advantage, which became all the more possible after Atlanta beat Chicago on April 1. That is no longer a concern.
It’s hard to say how much playing on their home floor will matter to the Bulls, who are just 20-21 on the United Center court this season. Still, I guess it’s always preferred to play in front of your own screaming fans during the postseason. And we all know the kind of energy fans can bring to the arena.
I should probably also mention that Atlanta has already ruled out two pretty important rotation players for next week’s game. With that in mind, playing on the road can only add to some of the frustration.
I don’t know, folks. If we’re going to have to watch this organization unceremoniously compete in the Play-In Tournament, a part of me would obviously prefer to see them do it in Chicago. Another part of me isn’t so kind. I can already hear Arturas Karnisovas trying to spin the Bulls’ ability to clinch the No. 9 seed as a positive. I can also envision ownership – who at least got their hands on some Play-In bucks – as perfectly content with that spin job. And, boy, can you imagine the vibes if they go on to secure two playoff games!?
The moment the Bulls clinched their second-straight appearance in the Play-In Tournament was the moment this season got even worse. I hate saying that because it’s the opposite of how this should feel, but the truth is that we know who this team is and what needs to be done. The Bulls are stuck in mediocrity, and this only highlights that.
More thoughts on where the organization stands here …
