OKC Thunder: National and TI editor power rankings week 8 – hot takes in top tier

Each of the bottom five teams feature some youthful prospects destined to form a portion of their future core. But, the Bulls frontcourt combo of Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. are arguably the most exciting combo.

The former finally returned to the court after an elbow injury kept him out the first 23 games of the Bulls season. Factor in Zach LaVine and an eventually returning Kris Dunn along with a few more than decent contributors (Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis ) and one would think this squad would boast a better placement especially in the East.

Chicago’s brain trust must be of the same mindset given they gave Fred Hoiberg his walking papers for failure to produce. Curiously this iteration of the Bulls is the closest makeup to deliver the style he was his initially hired to coach. Jim Boylen assumes the mantle and we’ll see if the goal is growth and development or an unrealistic playoff push. Since the Bulls own their 2019 draft pick they might be better served to stay right where they are.

Chicago Bulls:

Offensive Rating: 30th
Defensive Rating: 23rd
Net Differential: 29th

Points per game: 102.3 (29th)
Offensive field goal efficiency: 44.0 percent (27th)
Opponent field goal efficiency: 48.4 percent (29th)
Opponent points per game: 113.8 (25th)

Home: 4-10
Road: 2-11
Back to back sets: 5

Versus the West: 2-9
Versus the East:4-12
Week eight: 1-2:  Lost @Pacers, to Celtics, won vs. Thunder
On tap for week 9: Kings @Magic, @Spurs