The Bulls are preparing for Lauri Markkanen to make a major splash in his third season with the franchise, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports writes.
Markkanen missed part of last season due to a right elbow injury, but the 22-year-old still showed promise by averaging 18.7 points, nine rebounds and 32.3 minutes in 52 contests.
“I think (management) did a really good job drafting and getting high character free agents,” Markkanen said about his team’s success in free agency. “Everybody is coming along really well in our workouts. I’ve played against Thad. He’s a really good player. He’s very physical. And what he really does is lead vocally. I’ve really enjoyed talking to him and working out with him.”
The Bulls added to an already-strong young core of Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Wendell Carter Jr. in free agency, acquiring the likes of Tomas Satoransky and Thaddeus Young on multi-year deals.
The goal for Chicago now, Markkanen explains, is using its new roster additions to make a long-awaited push for the playoffs next spring.
“That’s our goal,” Markkanen said. “Personally for me, just missing the playoffs and having such long offseasons, that’s a bummer. I would love to be in the playoffs. We’re just focused on improving every day.”
There’s more from the Central Division tonight:
- Free agent guard Jordan Crawford has been working out with the Pistons ahead of training camp, according to Ben Stinar of Amico Hoops (Twitter link). Crawford has made past NBA stops with Golden State, Boston, Washington and Atlanta.
- Bulls coach Jim Boylen has a chance to exercise his well-documented hard-nosed culture with the team at training camp, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Boylen took over head coaching duties when Fred Hoiberg was dismissed last December, with the second-year head coach having his first opportunity at running the franchise’s camp before the season.
- In a different story for The Chicago Sun-Times, Cowley examines five potential Bulls storylines this upcoming season. The Bulls did a number of things to improve their team this offseason, including signing veterans, improving the bench, and successfully dealing with injuries.
We have a good chance at the 7th or 8 spot I think
Sure the Bulls have a slim chance of making the playoffs. The Bucks, Sixers, Celtics, and Pacers are all virtual locks. Then there’s about 8 teams fighting for the other spots.
Over half the league makes the post season, their chances are better than slim.
It takes more than 22 wins to make the playoffs, even in the east.
I thibk they will surprise a lot of people
The bulls can get into the playoff games…..they just need to buy tickets
2 years ago they lead the league in ticket sales
We are loyal
The Bulls are the 10th best team in the East. They’re going to need a couple teams to slip to have a chance.
That seems about right. So it’s the Bucks, Sixers, Celtics, Pacers, Raptors, Pistons, Heat, Hawks, and Nets and then the Bulls. Although I’d probably put the Magic above them too, so Chicago is either 10th or 11th.