The Chicago Bulls appear to have made it clear, with their words and performances, that they have no interest in enhancing their draft lottery hopes by losing games between now and the end of the season.
The Bulls are in a good position to finish in one of the play-in spots but it is hard to imagine that they could have a deep post-season run, even if they made it.
The Bulls’ next game is against the Brooklyn Nets, who are 12th in the East. That is an interesting matchup.
Unfortunately, the Bulls look set to be without two of their best players against the Nets, as both Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball have been listed as doubtful. K.C. Johnston posted on X:
Giddey has been the Bulls’ best player since the Zach LaVine trade. He has found his groove in Chicago and is putting up double-doubles and triple-doubles for fun lately, which also scoring more than 20 points a night.
In 9 games since the All-Star break, Giddey has averaged 23.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game while shooting 52.2% from the field and an even better 52.5% from three-point range.
Those are extra-ordinary numbers and the Bulls should do everything possible to make sure he signs an extension in Chicago.
On the other hand, Lonzo has made a successful return to the court this season after missing more than two years due to injuries.
Many thought that he would not be able to play basketball again but he has proven that he remains an important part of this Bulls team and signed an extension with the organization recently.
Lonzo is valuable to the Bulls, not just because of the numbers he brings to the table but also because of his basketball IQ, experience and abilities as a leader.
