When the Bulls completed the Jimmy Butler blockbuster last June and embarked on a full-scale rebuild, team management expected to end up with a top-five pick in the 2018 draft. However, the rebuild appears to be advancing faster than anticipated, reducing Chicago’s chances of securing a premium pick — the team is currently tied for seventh in our Reverse Standings. K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune examines how the Bulls’ relative success this season could affect the team’s long-term plans.
Here’s more from around the Central:
- The Pacers provided an injury update this week on swingman Glenn Robinson III after he practiced with the club for the first time since September. Robinson, who underwent ankle surgery in the fall, is “still a ways away,” according to head coach Nate McMillan, but there’s a small chance he’ll play before the All-Star break, tweets Scott Agness of Vigilant Sports.
- Indiana center Myles Turner is getting close to returning from an injury of his own, but Pacers fans shouldn’t expect him to slide into the starting lineup alongside Domantas Sabonis, writes Mark Montieth of Pacers.com. Turner will likely come off the bench at first, then reclaim his starting spot from Sabonis once he gets his legs back under him, since McMillan has no interest in having both players in the starting lineup.
- The Cavaliers have been linked to several trade targets in recent weeks, but which one will they acquire? Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post can’t pick just one, so he outlines four hypothetical trades that the Cavs should make to save their season. Bontemps’ proposed deals with the Kings, Pistons, Hawks, and Nets would result in four of five new starters in Cleveland’s lineup, leaving only LeBron James.
- Earlier today, we identified several trade candidates from Central teams.
Best mediocre irrelevant organization in sports, 30 years and counting.
Don’t expect Kevin Pritchard to tip his hand in trades. Cavs owner thought he had a completed 3 way trade with Pacers and Denver and was calling Paul George’s agent to discuss an extension. He had no idea the Pacers were talking to OKC.
As of now Pritchard is up for Executive of Year, McMillan Coach of Year, and Oladipo for Most Improved Player of Year.
so the hawks are supposed to just give away a player to the cavs?
Umm. The hawks get IT who was last seasons nba scoring champ on the east’s 1st seed team. Plus a draft pick to go along with Rose. I suppose your comment was sarcasm?
Those are 4 good trades. the Cavs have to get younger and it would be smart to get something in return for Love. Problem is getting GM James to sign off on them.
A bigger problem is Gilbert, who likes IT. For the sake of the trade series, it is fortunate that the GM who gathered the roster is no longer with them. New GM Altman won’t care if the lineup turns over. But I doubt he could pull off anything so complicated.
Just getting Dedmon would make a big difference!
I like the four team trade.