Predictions for the Chicago Bulls 2022/2023 Season
Predictions for the Chicago Bulls 2022/2023 Season
Given the way their season just finished, you’re forgiven for thinking the Chicago Bulls are headed for some pretty dark days ahead. Their record of 33-49 is the third worst in the NBA and only slightly better than their mark of 20-40 back in November.
They also failed to end the season on a high note, losing to the Hornets by double figures and failing to register a win in their final four games. If things seem bleak now, they will almost certainly get worse before they get better.
The upcoming campaign shapes up to be both an uphill climb and a potential rock bottom for this unfortunate franchise. But as pessimistic as we may feel right now, there’s still reason to believe that brighter days might be coming sooner rather than later.
Here is where things stand with this Chicago Bulls season review and what we can expect from them going forward:
The Bulls’ Path to Recovery
Ultimately, the Bulls’ path to recovery will be defined by how they approach their offseason. The team has two options: they can either retool their roster or they can tear it down and start over again. The difference between the two paths is significant.
Rebuilding would mean retaining the team’s current core, adding just a couple of reinforcements, and hoping for a quick turnaround. Tearing it down, however, would mean acquiring as many assets as possible and creating cap space through either trades or the buyout market.
Rebuilding would be a more appropriate course of action for a few reasons. First of all, it would allow the Bulls to keep their current core intact. This core is led by Zach LaVine, the team’s most talented and important player.
LaVine is coming off an ACL tear and won’t be fully recovered until the end of next season. The Bulls would be foolish to tear it down right now, especially when their current roster is already underperforming.
Rebuilding the Roster
If the Bulls decide to rebuild, the first thing they’ll need to do is trade Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen has been nothing short of a disappointment since being drafted, failing to live up to the high expectations that come with being a lottery pick.
He’s not only failed to become the franchise cornerstone this team desperately needs, but he’s also been a net negative for the Bulls. Markkanen’s impact on the team has been so minimal that he wasn’t even included in the starting lineup for their final two games or when they faced the Nets in their season finale.
He’s often played his way off the court by taking ill-advised shots and failing to provide any defensive effort. The Bulls would be better off moving on from Markkanen now while they can still get some value in return. They could also trade Bobby Portis.
Portis, who was suspended eight games at the start of the season, hasn’t exactly proven himself to be a model teammate either. In fact, he has a documented history of bad on-court behavior, including throwing a punch during a team practice. The Bulls would be wise to move Portis now before his value starts to plummet.
A New Head Coach
If the Bulls decide to move on from coach Jim Boylen, there are a few names that could potentially fill his shoes. Brad Stevens of the Celtics, Stephen Silas of the Hornets, Quin Snyder of the Jazz, and Nate McMillan of the Trail Blazers would all be solid replacements.
The Bulls would be wise to hire a coach who can help the team gel and, perhaps more importantly, help Zach LaVine get back on track. LaVine’s future is murky at best, and it would be ideal if he could get back on track in a new situation and with a new coach.
Chicago Bulls 2022/2023 Season Predictions
As far as predictions go, we think the Bulls will finish with a record of 32-50. This puts them just outside of the playoff picture, and it would give them the seventh-worst record in the league.
It’s not particularly optimistic, but it’s the best-case scenario considering the current state of the team. The Bulls will likely finish the season without a key member of their roster. Zach LaVine is expected to sit out the entire season as he continues to recover from his ACL injury last year.
We also expect Justin Holiday and Bobby Portis to be out for most of the season, as both are recovering from knee surgeries. The Bulls will have a Top 6 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but there will be plenty of other teams trying to move up through the rankings.
The Bulls have a few young players worth keeping an eye on, including Coby White, who could be a potential All-Star down the line. Overall, though, it looks like things will get worse before they get better.
The Bulls are likely to waste the entire season without Zach LaVine, and they’ll finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Going into the 2022/2023 season, though, the Bulls will have the No. 1 pick and a chance to rebuild.
Bottom Line
It’s hard to predict what will happen to the Bulls in the future. What we do know is that they were one of the worst teams in the league last season.
This is a team that desperately needs a new start. Fortunately, they have the chance to build a brand new roster over the course of the next year.
If the Bulls can get their act together this season, there’s no telling how good they can be. If not, though, there’s a good chance that they’ll end up with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. This is their chance to rebuild and start fresh, and we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.
Predictions for the Chicago Bulls 2022/2023 Season
