NBA record predictions: Sixers, Nets, and the Eastern Conference

Joel Embiid, Sixers NBA (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Sixers NBA (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Predicting the NBA Eastern Conference standings: Chicago Bulls

CEILING: Top-4 seed, second round exit

FLOOR: Play-in tournament, first round exit

The Bulls made some big moves this offseason, signing Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan to significant long-term contracts. While both moves were met with criticism and doubt, it’s clear the Bulls have playoff aspirations — and the firepower to achieve them.

A quartet of Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, DeRozan, and Ball can compete with just about any offensive unit in basketball. The Bulls should have no trouble scoring the ball, especially with a full training camp to fit the pieces together. Billy Dovovan has a track record of NBA success, and Chicago’s complementary group — headed by Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso, and the potential return of Lauri Markkanen — make them well-built for some level of contention.

Unfortunately for Chicago, defense is a major issue. DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic are severely limited, while Ball is a much better team defender than individual defender. The Bulls lack point of attack defense, and will therefore struggle to contain high-level guards who can get downhill or create out of the pick-and-roll.

With no real path to good defense, the Bulls’ ceiling is naturally capped. Offense beats out defense frequently these days, but you generally need at least a passable defense to have any chance of winning a title. The Bulls could round out the roster and make moves to improve down the line, but until then, it’s hard to project them as anything more than a four or five-seed.