The Bulls face a significant disadvantage heading into the play-in tournament.
The Bulls’ front office conveyed a message to fans following the trade deadline, stating, “This team is highly competitive in every game, and we aspire to contend for the playoffs,” as reported by The Athletic. Their statement holds truth.
According to advanced metrics, the Chicago Bulls rank among the top five teams in clutch games played, minutes spent in clutch situations, wins, and net rating. They possess seasoned players who excel in high-pressure situations, with DeMar DeRozan emerging as a leading candidate for the Clutch Player of the Year award, closely followed by Steph Curry, whose team is also in contention for the play-in tournament. The Bulls demonstrate success in navigating tight matches, particularly in the fourth quarter.
While their performance bodes well for a team aiming for a playoff berth and a deep postseason run despite injuries, the frequency of facing such challenges throughout the season raises concerns. With 71 games played so far and a record of 34-37, the Bulls have engaged in 10 overtime games, leading the league in this regard, with the Blazers trailing with eight and the Kings with six. Additionally, they have concluded 39 contests within clutch situations, boasting a commendable 24-15 record in such games.
However, the Bulls’ repeated exposure to close encounters indicates a potentially precarious situation. As the likelihood of participating in the play-in tournament looms, whether as the 9th or 10th seed, they face an arduous journey ahead. Presently, they would square off against the Hawks for a shot at challenging the loser between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers for the 8th seed. While they possess favorable odds against the Hawks, confronting the formidable Miami Heat, led by Jimmy Butler, poses a formidable challenge.
Should circumstances align favorably, a matchup against Tyrese Maxey’s Philadelphia 76ers without Joel Embiid could offer a narrow pathway for the Bulls. However, progressing beyond these initial play-in games would entail confronting the top-seeded Boston Celtics in a demanding seven-game series. With a dominant 57-14 record this season, the Celtics present a formidable obstacle.
Subsequently, if the Bulls advance past the Celtics, they face an equally formidable path ahead. Absent key players such as Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams for the play-in, and navigating through two additional series before potentially encountering the Western Conference champion, the road to the playoffs appears fraught with challenges.
The Bulls may be inclined to wait until the next season to make significant roster adjustments, with the potential return of Lonzo Ball on the horizon. Decisions regarding the futures of DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Patrick Williams loom large. With Zach LaVine signed for the long term, the Bulls may seek to capitalize on his scoring prowess by potentially reshaping the roster around defensive-minded players such as Coby White. Re-signing Andre Drummond could bolster their frontcourt, given his proficiency in securing both offensive and defensive rebounds.
Given their limited draft assets, the Bulls must strategically reconstruct their roster around their core players. While the creation of the play-in tournament may foster a sense of competitiveness, it serves as a mere consolation prize, contrasting sharply with the aspirations of championship-caliber teams. Adhering to a passive approach could lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for the Bulls, emphasizing the need for proactive decision-making.
