Bulls Who Belong in the Playoffs, Youth Movement, Early Entry Candidates, and Other Bulls Bullets

Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls

The more I watch the NBA playoffs, the more I think about how many players on the Chicago Bulls’ roster probably deserve to be there.

  • To be sure, the team as a whole doesn’t belong in the postseason. We can all agree upon that, right? The Bulls have a poorly constructed roster built around a core of players who simply do not mesh. But that also doesn’t mean there aren’t valuable individuals on this team, particularly the kind who could make a significant difference in the playoffs. Of course, the first player that comes to mind is Alex Caruso. Arguably the best point-of-attack defender in the league, he could slide right into any of these playoff rosters. If we’re being honest, Caruso could have been the difference between a gentleman’s sweep and a competitive series for the Los Angeles Lakers. They found themselves leading time and again but ultimately let Jamal Murray crush them in the final quarter twice. Would the Carushow let that happen?
  • DeMar DeRozan also surely belongs under the postseason spotlight. I know that his playoff resume isn’t the most inspiring, but he does have the kind of game that should translate into this slower-paced environment. Over and over DeRozan has been forced to act as the No. 1 option in the playoffs, but what if he got to play second fiddle? Could he have helped Philly tie this series with New York? Would he give either Cleveland or Orlando the edge? If I’m DeRozan, I’m seeking out a scenario where I don’t have to be the guy this offseason. The hope was that he’d find himself in that situation next to Zach LaVine, but we all know that just hasn’t panned out.
  • DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls

  • Andre Drummond is another player who certainly belongs on a contending team. While he’d work better in some matchups than others, the big man showed how valuable he can be in the right spots this season. He averaged 9.0 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes of action! Especially in a league that has started to turn back in the direction of big men and oversized wings, Drummond’s rebounding ability and stout presence in the paint can be a real difference-maker. I fully expect him to head out the door this summer with a new multi-year deal. Unless the Bulls were to shockingly find a trade partner for Nikola Vucevic, there is no world where keeping Drummond around makes sense.
  • This might be the third consecutive day where I mention it, but young talent is really starting to take the league by storm. The second round of the playoffs will not include LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Stephen Curry for the first time since 2005, per Statmuse. Instead, we’re seeing Anthony Edwards (22), Luka Doncic (25), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25), Jayson Tatum (26), Jalen Brunson (27), and Nikola Jokic (29) all dominant. The Bulls need to take that into consideration as they set a new path this offseason.
  • My GOAT would never!
  • Sounds like a stat DeMar DeRozan should have …
  • So this is proof continuity worked, right!?
  • The 2024 NBA Draft is less than two months away. The NBA announced today that 195 players have already thrown their names into the mix. In other words, the Bulls better be diving head first into their draft prep process. I understand there is A LOT that needs to be figured out over the next handful of months, but this will only be the second time that this regime owns a lottery pick. Not to mention, this draft isn’t looking like the best, so the Bulls have to put in the extra time in hopes of locating the diamond in the rough. You can’t let another first-rounder go to waste.
  • Sounds about right.
  • Duh, indeed!
  • written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

    more bulls news

    The Chicago Bulls’ Assistant Coaching Changes Better Be Just the Beginning …

    The Chicago Bulls know that asking Adrian Wojnarowski to tweet out a couple of assistant coaching hires isn't enough, right? Perhaps I've already reached that point in the offseason where I’m overthinking things, but this organization also doesn't deserve the...

    Final NBA Awards, Thibs’ Winning Culture, Newest Coaching Hire, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Think about the Chicago Bulls' missing the playoffs this way – at least we didn't have to see them lose a Game 7 in crushing fashion at home! The final round of NBA end-of-season honors is coming our way this...

    NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals Schedule, Odds, Stats, X-Factors, More

    We're down to the final four in the NBA Playoffs and a pair of conference finals series that should be a lot of fun. In the East, the Pacers knocked off the Knicks in Game 7 to advance to the...

    KAT & Anthony Edwards Had One of the Funniest Press Conference Moments I’ve Seen

    I don't feel bad loving everything about this Minnesota Timberwolves. A Western Conference squad with one of the worst playoff resumes of this century, they have never felt like a team that stands in the way of the Chicago Bulls....

    NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Finals Schedule, Odds, Stats, X-Factors, More

    After Sunday's pair of Game 7s, we're down to the final four in the NBA Playoffs! The Pacers went into Madison Square Garden and beat the Knicks for the first road win of that series. Their reward for their Game...

    Derrick Jones Jr. Bet on Himself, Julian Phillips’ Upside, Sky Get a Win, and Other Bulls Bullets

    The Chicago Bulls could have really used Derrick Jones Jr. this season. When we consider the number of injuries this team suffered at the wing position, the springy forward would've filled a big hole. His defensive versatility could've helped take...

    The Wes Unseld Jr. Hire, Jarrett Allen’s Availability, Ayo Dosunmu Gets It, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Why talk about two huge Game 7s with significant NBA Finals implications when you can talk about the Chicago Bulls' assistant coaches!? We only discuss the important things here at BN Bulls! The Bulls are reportedly set to hire Wes...

    Billy Donovan Reportedly Hires Former NBA Head Coach as Lead Assistant

    Head coach Billy Donovan has reportedly found his new lead assistant. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Wes Unseld Jr. has agreed to become Donovan's new right-hand man. The announcement comes after the Chicago Bulls moved on from several assistant coaches...

    You Have to Hear What Anthony Edwards Told a Nuggets Staffer After Game 5 Loss

    Anthony Edwards doesn't drip sweat; he drips confidence. After the Denver Nuggets took the series lead in Game 5, Edwards didn't seem phased. The emerging Minnesota Timberwolves superstar knew his team could take care of business on their home floor,...

    Trying to Stay Relevant, Finding the Right LaVine Trade, Vucevic’s Vertical, and Other Bulls Bullets

    How irrelevant are the Chicago Bulls right now? Take it away, 670 The Score! https://twitter.com/670TheScore/status/1791200934397100092 WOOF. It sure says a lot about your franchise when the radio station that broadcasts your games treats you as an afterthought. Coby White or...

    Latest News

    Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    A game after putting up 38 points in an 88-85 win over the Dream, Kahleah Copper leads the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) on the road against the Las Vegas Aces (2-0) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The matchup tips at 10:00...

    Los Angeles Sparks vs. Washington Mystics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Washington Mystics (0-3) hope to stop a three-game losing streak when they visit the Los Angeles Sparks (0-2) at 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Walter Pyramid. The contest airs on SportsNet LA and Monumental.Watch the...

    Sparks vs Mystics Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 21

    The Washington Mystics (0-3) will try to stop a three-game losing streak when they visit the Los Angeles Sparks (0-2) at 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Walter Pyramid. The matchup airs on SportsNet LA and Monumental.Sparks...

    Aces vs Mercury Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 21

    A game after putting up 38 points in an 88-85 win over the Dream, Kahleah Copper leads the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) on the road against the Las Vegas Aces (2-0) on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The matchup begins at 10:00...

    Dream vs Wings Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 21

    The Dallas Wings (1-1) visit the Atlanta Dream (1-1) after Arike Ogunbowale went off for 35 points in the Wings' 83-74 loss to the Sky. The matchup airs on BSSWX and Peachtree TV at 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday, May...

    Celtics vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 – Tuesday, May 21, 2024

    The Boston Celtics are 9.5-point favorites for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on Tuesday, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup has an over/under set at 221 points.Our...

    Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas Wings: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Arike Ogunbowale leads the Dallas Wings (1-1) into a matchup against the Atlanta Dream (1-1) after putting up 35 points in an 83-74 loss to the Sky. The matchup is on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, tipping at 7:30 PM ET...

    Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (33-17), with Gavin Stone on the hill, host the Arizona Diamondbacks (22-26) who will start Brandon Pfaadt, at 10:10 PM ET on Tuesday.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Los Angeles-Arizona matchup in the...

    Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Series May 21-23: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The Atlanta Braves are on the road, beginning a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:40 PM ET.Cubs vs. Braves Series Info Braves @ Cubs Time: Tuesday, May 21 at 7:40 PM ET Cubs Starting...

    Oakland Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies Series May 21-23: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The Colorado Rockies will be on the road, opening a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, May 21 at 9:40 PM ET.Athletics vs. Rockies Series Info Rockies @ Athletics Time: Tuesday, May 21 at 9:40 PM ET Athletics...

    more bulls news