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Beyond the Toronto Raptors: Previewing an exciting Central Division

By Lee Tanner

SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks peaks with the media during a press conference after the 2019 NBA Awards Show at the Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA - JUNE 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks peaks with the media during a press conference after the 2019 NBA Awards Show at the Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Danny Green and Serge Ibaka (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls

Key Departures: Robin Lopez

Key Additions: Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky, Coby White

In 2017, the Chicago Bulls entered complete rebuild mode by getting rid of a number of their aging talent. Surprisingly, the Bulls have managed to build an already interesting team that consists of a number of players that could prove to be reliable starters long-term.

Offensive outlook

Offensively, if the bulls are able to stay healthy, they could make a leap. They finished second from the bottom last year during a time where Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen were floating in and out of rotation, due to various injuries, and the bench was a bunch of players that most people at home watching would have to google before realizing they were in the NBA.

With the Bulls depth strengthening, due to the addition of Young, White, Satoransky on the bench, the Bulls could find themselves jumping up around the 20th best offensive rating.

Defensive outlook

Defensively, things may get a bit dicey. Last year this is where fans saw a glimpse of hope after the Bulls ended the season as the 25th best defense. Nevertheless, they also ended the season with a net point differential of nearly -8.5 points.

Last year there were a number of transactions that the Bulls conducted mid-season. They have added some more experienced players and with players returning from injury the defense should become a bit more consistent and for the team to build a bit more chemistry on both ends.

Unfortunately, there is still a very good chance that Chicago ends its 2019-20 season in one of the bottom five spots defensively.

Predicted Record: 28-54

Chicago has the pieces for a bright future with Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, and Otto Porter Jr. and some strong secondary pieces in Thaddeus Young and Kris Dunn. This combined with some of their younger players, such as Wendell Carter Jr. and Coby White, could allow the Bulls to begin to move up the Eastern Conference ladder and land themselves just outside of the eight playoff spots available.

For the Bulls, their success will lie within their ability, as mentioned, to stay healthy. They have some solid young players that could prove to be some of the best players in their respective positions within the next few years. But these same players have had problems remaining on the court with injuries taking control of their careers.