Chicago Bulls Roster 2019 Bulls Roster

The Chicago Bulls started off last season as a complete disaster. Then, the Bulls turned it around later in the season, giving hope that this rebuild may be completed quicker than expected. The Bulls now have a balanced team with youth on their side. Under coach Fred Hoiberg, this team has an entirely different identity than their squad of two years ago. The Bulls have drafted very well and have been opportunistic with their other offseason moves. It would hardly be a shock to see the Bulls back in the Eastern Conference playoffs this season. Even if the Bulls are not yet ready for the playoffs, they will certainly be an entertaining team to watch. The Bulls suddenly are an athletic and versatile team. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the Bulls will be among the Eastern Conference elite in two years. The question is whether the Bulls will arrive earlier than that.

Chicago Bulls Roster Top 3 Questions

The Bulls have fallen a long way, but are in a rebuilding spot with some quality young talent. Kris Dunn is one of the older inexperienced point guards due to the injury and role in Minnesota. Zach LaVine bounced back from injury, but isn’t exactly a long term plan for the Bulls. They have Cameron Payne, Jerian grant, and Justin Holiday as backup guards, which are not the worst bunch. The forward spots lack a bit, especially at SF. Denzel Valentine and David Nwaba both have flashed some upside, but have also been relatively inconsistent. Lauri Markannen and Wendell Carter Jr both are the front court options for the future. Markannen was drafted last year, and Carter Jr was this season. They still have Bobby Portis who punched his way into the depth chart, while they traded for Noah Vonleh, who was in Portland. Chicago is a player or two away from being competitive in the back half of the East.

Will the Signing of Jabari Parker Pay Off?

The Bulls took a low-risk gamble in the offseason, signing Parker to a two-year "prove it" deal. Parker is coming off of his second serious knee injury, and the Bucks deemed him expendable. When healthy, Parker would figure to be one of the better three's in the league. The big question is whether he can return to full health. If he can play his way back, then the Bulls pulled off a master coup. Parker will start the season coming off of the bench behind Bobby Portis. Parker is a better player than Portis, so he figures to usurp the starting role once he gets back into playing shape. However, with Lauri Markannen opening the season hurt, Parker will be needed immediately to step up and play minutes.

What Role will Kris Dunn Play?

Dunn is more than an intriguing player. Known for his defense, any offensive contributions that he makes are a bonus. Dunn is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and creates havoc with two steals per game. However, Dunn is also an offensive liability with an offensive rating barely over 100. Keeping Dunn on the floor comes at a cost for the Bulls. However, options behind Dunn are limited so Dunn will have to improve enough as a shooter to justify his minutes.

When can the Bulls Get Healthy?

At full health, the Bulls are an intriguing team with the talent to make some noise. Unfortunately, the Bulls do not enter the season healthy. Markannen will miss some significant time at the start of the season. He is a spot-up shooter who is the Bulls' primary perimeter threat and he will be missed. Valentine also starts the season on the shelf with an ankle injury, and his versatility will be missed. Finally, it will take some time for Parker to play his way back into shape and pay off for Chicago. How well Hoiberg can keep this team together in the interim will dictate the success of the Bulls' season.