Chicago Bulls
The 2019-20 Chicago Bulls are an intriguing candidate to be a young surprise team.
The roster looks good. It’s the coach that’s causing some slight reservations.
When Jim Boylen was named head honcho last year after the Bulls canned Fred Hoiberg after 24 games, it went so well that the players wanted to mutiny. Which is to say that it actually didn’t go very well at all. This Boylen had NBA players running suicides like it was a tryout for JV. And Jimbo was talking a big game with nothing to back it up. Boylen is a Pop disciple, yes, but he spoke to the media like he had Pop’s resume. He, in fact, does not. Last year was his first stint as an actual head coach.
We just are not sure about Boylen’s old school as fuck philosophy being the best fit for this young team. Prove us wrong, Jim Boylen! We really do like the thought of this team. And the counter argument would be that not enough coaches are hard nosed and that maybe he’ll toughen up the youngin’s.
The exciting young roster glowing with potential in Chicago is headlined by Lauri Markkanen. A 7-footer from Finland with range and a soft touch, The Finnisher has the goods. So much so that we’ve got to sound the Finnish Unicorn Alert! He’s smoother than he looks and that’s because he looks like a super-sized Euro version of Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell. (And you thought there weren’t going to be Saved by the Bell references.)
It appears that Chi-Town was the place for Otto Porter Jr. to finally blossom into the stellar two-way “max” player that the Wizards paychecks thought that he was. OPJ could always shoot the three, but he got more aggressive once he put on the Bulls uniform. We hope that continues this season.
Zach LaVine is more than just a power dunker. You can always count on the effort, athleticism and bounce to be there. Sometimes Young Hollywood tries to do a little too much. Injuries have been a slight issue but are trending in the right direction. The same cannot be said for his porous defense. Perhaps Jimbo Boylen can get LaVine to lock in this year.
We absolutely love the free agent signing of Thad Young, bringing in 12 years of NBA experience to this locker room. Tomas Satoransky was another smart addition. Saty is known for being a great teammate and he can be a European buddy for Markkanen, replacing the lesser known Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.
Rookie Coby White and his hair will be bouncing up and down the court. We hope that Boylen, who usually prefers a slower game (ugh), actually unleashes White and lets him do his thang. Having another shooter and dash of pure speed should help this offense that ranked 29th in offensive efficiency a year ago.
Sophomore Wendell Carter Jr. will provide a handy and quick interior presence full of rebounds and blocked shots. The Bulls need WCJ to stay on the court. He only played in 44 games last year due to a thumb injury.
We do question the depth here after the top 7, however, there are some capable pieces. This could be Kris Dunn’s last stand, but he’ll be looking to prove his worth in a contract year. At the very least, Dunn’s lockdown perimeter D will be useful. Denzel Valentine and Luke Kornet can hit the 3, Valentine at 38.6 percent and Kornet at 36.3 percent last season, which should keep defenses honest and help stretch the floor.
League Pass Notes
If LaVine has the opportunity, you can bet your sweet ass he’s going to throw down a power dunk. Markkanen will sprinkle some in, too! There was this one on Vooch last year that was so disrespectful that The Finnisher got a technical.
Sometimes (if the volcano is really rolling) we’ll get United Center flashbacks. We were Jordan Babies after all.
The Final Question / The Final Take
Will Boylen let our baby Bulls run free?
We sure hope so, cause we are taking OVER 32.5 wins and we’re contemplating +325 on Chicago to make the playoffs. LFG Jimbo!