The Chicago Bulls seem content to stand patient while the rest of the NBA is getting better and better by the day. Teams in the Central division are making big acquisitions. The Milwuakee Bucks added a premiere big man in Greg Monroe. The Indiana Pacers traded away Roy Hibbert and were able to lock down Monta Ellis. The Pistons aquired Marcus Morris and Reggie Bullock from the Suns. The Cleveland Cavaliers while re-signing their star players are standing patient, but for a good reason; they have the talent.
The Bucks were always considered to be the Bulls’ younger brother. A team where you can beat them down as much as you want without even trying. However, the Bucks on paper look a lot more dangerous than the Bulls. Last year, the Bucks were ranked number two in defense in the NBA. Add Carter-Williams, Middelton, Parker, Antetokounmpo, and Monroe and you have a dangerous team in the East.
The rest of the NBA is trying to claw through the free agency barrel before they’re left with no remains. However, the Chicago Bulls have decided re-signing Butler and Dunleavy was going to be their big moves of the summer. Not to mention, a big coaching change with Fred Hoiberg.
Why aren’t there any free agents knocking on the doors of the Bulls front office this summer? Sure, there isn’t much money to go around. That’s how salary dumping works; ask the Indiana Pacers how to dump giant contracts like they just did for Roy HIbbert. Is it possible the nobody wants to play for one of the greatest cities in America? It’s probably more likely the Bulls front office aren’t making many phone calls to these big name players.
Is this the right move for the Bulls to stand patient? Well, if you look at it in Gar Forman’s perspective, the Bulls were one win away from being up 3-1 against the Cavaliers. Instead, the Bulls lost in a 4-2 series against a depleted Cavaliers team. Albeit, Pau Gasol was injured for majority of the series.
The Bulls feel confident about their roster, as they should. They have high hopes that Fred Hoiberg will bring the best out of his players offensively. However, just comparing the roster on paper, the Cavaliers are significantly more talented. Forget Dallas adding Jordan or San Antonio adding Aldridge, the Bulls should be laser focused on the Cavaliers first and foremost.
The Bulls have a good roster, good enough to make a strong push in the playoffs. Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose is a good duo for a foundation to build a title team. Tony Snell and Doug McDermott will be receiving more minutes next season. Pau Gasol who had a great Allstar season last year will be returning as well. The Bulls have a strong foundation, but they’re lacking a strong wing player to go along with Jimmy Butler. The Bulls only hope at this point is that Tony Snell can take the leap Butler did his junior season.
However, with the lack of moves the Bulls are making while the rest of the NBA is restless this free agency, their title run might be cut short after facing the Cavaliers one again.
Bulls fans can only hope Fred Hoiberg and Jim Boylen turn out to be the difference-makers Gar Forman is hoping.
