OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark
team. 24. . 16-18. Previous: 21st. Chicago Bulls. 20
Chicago Bulls:
Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Pelicans 128-124
Lost to: Nuggets 112-118
Week 12 opponents: 76ers, Heat, Raptors
Offense: (111.7) 15th
Defense: (112.4) 21st
Net: (Minus -0.6) 20th
Chicago is one of a handful of teams likely not thrilled about the stoppage in play to accommodate the break given they collected nine of their 16 wins since February 1st. Granted, of those nine victories, only one team possessed a plus .500 record (Knicks).
Still, Billy Donovan seems to be getting his young squad’s buy-in for his systems on both ends of the floor.
With Zach LaVine having a career year and Coby White developing and producing the area of intrigue is the Bulls’ frontcourt. Lauri Markkanen is the team’s second-leading scorer but continues to be hampered by injuries early in his career playing only 14 matches this season.
Moreover, his fit alongside Wendell Carter Jr. reminds me of the struggles the Pacers had when figuring out how to maximize Sabonis and Myles Turner. Adding complexity to this equation is rookie Patrick Williams who is far more defensive-minded than Markkanen and seems better suited to the future timeline.
The question is whether that could result in a trade with the view of filling a more pressing need for wings possessing two-way potential. To that end, the ongoing Otto Porter Jr. questions arise since he was added specifically to offer 3 and D assistance. The vet has appeared in just 55 of 138 possible matches since joining the Bulls.
OPJ missed the last 15 games tied to a back strain or lower back tightness depending on which report you read. He’s in the final season of his contract so the big question is whether he can return to the floor and stay healthy. If that answer is affirmative then will Chicago attempt to move him and get something for him before he becomes a free agent this offseason?