Are the Chicago Bulls Ready for a New Era?

On Thursday 4th June, Adam Silver announced the new format for the NBA’s return. 22 teams will be traveling to Orlando where they will play eight regular-season games before heading into the playoffs. The Chicago Bulls are amongst the eight teams who haven’t been included in these plans.

Owner Jerry Reinsdorf and new Executive Vice President – Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas released a statement regarding the NBA’s new plans. As of March 11, the Bulls record was 22-43. They were the seventh-worst team in the league when the NBA season was suspended. With this, they have missed the playoffs for the third season in a row.

What is wrong with the Chicago Bulls right now?

The biggest problem as of now is head coach Jim Boylen. Not only is he struggling with tactics, but he has also lost the locker room. His two best players, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen cannot stand him.

During a 122-124 loss against OKC, LaVine and Boylen got into an argument during the game when the Thunder were at the free-throw line. LaVine yelled “I have f***ing 40 points” at Boylen and then proceeded to score a three from the logo. Markkanen’s touches dropped to 40 from 80 all of a sudden despite being the second most talented player in the group. When he questioned Boylen, he was told to “concentrate on getting rebounds and then leading the fast break.”

Boylen’s timeouts have also drawn ire for being plain stupid. When Ryan Arcidiacono was about to score an open layup, Boylen whistled for a timeout. Even opposition player Luka Doncic was laughing at it. Boylen refused to call a timeout when Daniel Gafford was injured against the Mavs. His counterpart Rick Carlisle was forced to call the timeout then so Gafford could receive medical attention.

His rotations are also poor. Giving minutes to players like Cristiano Felicio and Ryan Arcidiacono but barely playing veteran Thaddeus Young and 7th pick Coby White is just surprising. Once when he asked why Denzel Valentine isn’t playing, Boylen said “Because I said so.” What is the point of signing those two in the offseason if they’re not getting the role they deserve?

How can the Chicago Bulls improve?

A coaching change would be the second-best thing since Arturas Karnisovas’ appointment. Kenny Atkinson is among the best names available right now. He took the 20 wins Nets team to a .500 record last season while also handling a very young team. His experience with D’Angelo Russell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris Levert can help him guide youngsters like LaVine, White, and Markkanen.

Finally, with the 2020 Draft pick, the Bulls should sign someone they’re willing to trust and invest time in. Otto Porter is potentially entering into his last year with the Bulls. His injury-ridden stint with the Bulls comes to an end if he declines his player option, however, that seems unlikely. So they should look for a solid SF like Deni Avdija or Isaac Okoro.

A player of Coby White’s potential should be starting. He may not have the playmaking ability like Satoransky but he is a gifted scorer. In February, he became the first rookie in NBA history to score 30+ points in three consecutive games, while coming off the bench.

Next season, if the Bulls can make a deep postseason run during the 2020-21 season, they have the potential of snagging an All-Star caliber free agent during the 2021 Free Agency period.

As it stands, Jim Boylen’s departure could be the first step the new Chicago Bulls management might take.