Well, that went better than expected.
The first half of the Chicago Bulls season, that is. The team went 16-18, its best record at the break in four years. The Bulls have an All-Star, their roster suddenly looks exciting and ascending and they play a highly competitive and fun style under new coach Billy Donovan. Yet they have a nearly identical roster to last season.
This has been the most encouraging half-season of Bulls basketball in recent memory, and the second half promises more games at a fast and furious pace.
Here are five questions for the Bulls heading into the second half.
1. Can Zach LaVine keep it up?
The first half of the season served as the backdrop for LaVine’s breakout.
He became a first–time All-Star for good reason, averaging 28.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 52.5% from the field, 43.5% from 3-point range and a 65.3% true shooting percentage — all career highs. Players and coaches around the league continue to rave about him.
He has raised his game on both ends of the floor and lifted the Bulls into playoff contention — despite injuries to the frontcourt, inconsistent play from still-developing prospects and a roster with a talent gap. LaVine’s first half was the kind of performance that could solidify his future in Chicago — or at least force the Bulls to reimagine what they perceived his ceiling to be.
The biggest reason to watch the Bulls these days is LaVine. It will be worth watching in the second half to see if he can keep it up — or what else he’s capable of.
More Top Picks Best Kids Bikes
2. How will the Bulls handle the trade deadline?
Executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas predicted an “interesting” trade deadline with so many teams bunched together in the Eastern Conference, where 21/2 games separate fourth place from 10th. What he did not reveal, however, is whether he sees the Bulls, who entered the break in ninth, as buyers or sellers.
The next couple of weeks until the March 25 deadline will play a big role in his decision, but the Bulls already have been the subject of a few rumors. They have “registered interest” in center Andre Drummond, according to The Athletic, which reported the Cleveland Cavaliers have fielded exploratory calls about the big man.
Drummond, 27, puts up gaudy stats — 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game — but with poor efficiency, converting less than half (47.4%) of his 15.2 field-goal attempts per game, virtually all of which are at or near the rim. His 50% true shooting percentage ranks 88th among centers. His best skill is defensive rebounding, in which the Bulls already rank 10th in the NBA (Drummond’s Cavs are 27th).
The Bulls can take on Drummond’s large salary easily, considering his and Otto Porter Jr.’s are nearly identical. Porter has been valuable when on the floor, but he has played in only 45 games in the equivalent of two seasons since the Bulls acquired him at the 2019 deadline. With an expiring contract at the end of the season, it makes sense to look to move on from Porter if possible. But the Cavs likely would also be seeking a draft pick in return for Drummond.
If the seller’s market is bare, perhaps the Bulls could make some of their veterans available for a strong return. Karnisovas reportedly has told teams Thad Young is not available in a trade, according to the Ringer, but if Young continues to be highly sought after, the Bulls might be able to pounce for an inflated return.
3. How will Lauri Markkanen play in his return?
Perhaps no player had more to prove coming into this season than Markkanen, who was entering the final year of his contract and coming off the worst season of his career. At the midway point, there’s an argument that the forward still has the most to prove.
When on the court, he has lived up to expectations. In 14 games this season, Markkanen has averaging career-high 19.1 points per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 39.6% from 3. But he has not played since spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder Feb. 5 and has missed 20 games.
The Bulls have learned to live without him. But when Markkanen gets back on the court in the second half, he still needs to prove he can stay healthy, produce at a high level and do so consistently.
4. What else can the Bulls get out of Coby White?
White’s first season in the starting lineup, learning to run an NBA offense as a starting point guard, has produced mixed results.
His evolution as a passer and shot creator needs work, but White has thrived lately playing off the ball more frequently, which has generated more catch-and-shoot opportunities. He’s averaging 16.2 points and five assists — along with 5.1 rebounds, which is strong for his position.
He turned 21 at the end of February, and there are many reasons to be encouraged that he will be a productive NBA player. But there’s also little to suggest he’s ready to be the polished playmaker and lead guard the Bulls need. LaVine’s strides in that area and Donovan’s system have taken some of the pressure off White, but whether he will continue taking steps forward is worth monitoring.
5. Will the Bulls return to the playoffs?
Playoff basketball has become a rarity in Chicago in recent years. The Bulls have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons and four of the last five. They haven’t made it out of the first round since 2015.
The Bulls team are young with a lot of room to grow, and the Eastern Conference is wide open for playoff positioning after the top three teams. An unexpected team could wind up securing one of the top six seeds, avoiding the play-in tournament. The biggest gift of the first half is that it allowed Bulls fans broken by years of stagnation to dream once again.
Let’s see if the Bulls can bring playoff basketball back to the United Center for the first time since 2017.
Have a question for our writer? Join our Bulls Fans group to chat with him.
More Top Picks Best Braille Displays
on your phone, desktop and inbox to stay current with the latest news