NBA Power Rankings week 16: OKC Thunder and teams post deadline

Chicago Bulls:

Offense: (105.2) 28th
Defense: (108.0) 12th
Net: (minus -2.9) 23rd

Results Week 16: (0-2) Lost vs. Pelicans: 119-125, 76ers: 111-118
Games Week 17: (1 game) Tues at Wizards

I’ve owned missing the mark on the Bulls being the dark horse in the Eastern Conference based on the likelihood they’ll be lottery bound again.

But- can we take a beat and recognize the Bulls entire starting frontcourt hasn’t been on the court for the majority of the season.

Chicago has vacillated in and just outside of the top 10 defensively for the better part of the season. Factor in just how much better they would be if Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter Jr. were on the court.

There would still be questions concerning where the offense would come from and whether Jim Boylen is the right coach for this squad. And yet, I can’t help thinking this crew is closer to excelling then they are being given credit for.