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The Chicago Bulls had one of the best offseasons in the NBA, building a squad that stands a chance of lifting the franchise out of their four-year playoff hiatus. Fans are hopeful for what could be in the 2021-22 season, and they might not be disappointed.
While the whole team has to buy into the program, a few players are expected to shine through and through for the Chicago Bulls if they hope to have a successful season. Nikola Vucevic is one such player whose input will go a long way in helping the team stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
It has been a rough 21st century for the Chicago Bulls, a team that outrightly dominated the NBA in the 90s. Their attempt at a rebuild after the 1997-98 season did not have as much success in the early years as intended. But there was a glimmer of hope after the franchise selected Derrick Rose with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed Rose's journey, with fans wondering what could have been if he had stayed healthy while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Nonetheless, he won the 2011 MVP award and led them to the conference finals the same year but lost to the LeBron James-led Miami Heat.
To get back to winning ways, the Chicago Bulls have put together an exciting team in pursuit of their seventh NBA title. While that is a tall task in the 2021-22 NBA season, they could disrupt the balance of things in the East.
That said, here are three Chicago Bulls players who are expected to deliver big in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#3 Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball could have a breakout season as pundits have included him in the 2022 Most Improved Player award conversation. The 23-year-old joined the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2021 offseason.
Ball has shown glimpses of what he brings to the Chicago Bulls in pre-season fixtures and it has been a sight for sore eyes. He has returned to playing like a traditional point guard as opposed to being used as a three-and-D player during his last run with the Pelicans.
The preseason has given an insight into what to expect from what will be a fast-paced, up-tempo Chicago Bulls team. Ball is expected to average career-high averages in points and assists, with the potential of each pass leading to an assist given the scoring options on the team. He is expected to run the offense, a role that is crucial to their success in the 2021-22 season.
#2 DeMar DeRozan
Another high-profile acquisition for the Chicago Bulls in the offseason is DeMar DeRozan. He was also acquired through a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
DeRozan has alternated as a shooting guard and a small forward throughout his career but played as a power forward last season for the Spurs. With the way the Chicago Bulls team is set up, he is favored to start as a small forward.
On offense, DeRozan has been one of the most lethal players in the league. He is one of three players to score at least 1,000 points since 2010. Members of that group include LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
The Chicago Bulls will need DeRozan to be at his best for them to have a successful season. The four-time All-Star has averaged 20+ points for the last eight seasons and also pulls his weight in the assist department.
DeRozan's addition will undoubtedly provide more scoring options for the Chicago Bulls and shore up their defense. The team's chemistry, based on what we've seen so far in the preseason, is a solid 8. Other teams could have problems keeping up with this pacey Bulls roster.
#1 Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine has improved tremendously over the years and has been the primary scorer for the Chicago Bulls. The 26-year-old combo guard took his game to an unreal level last season, recording career-best averages in points (27.4), rebounds (5.0), and assists (4.9).
The Chicago Bulls acquired LaVine via trade in 2017 and has since then strived to build the team around him. The two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion is one of the most explosive players in the NBA, and he has shown that time and time again playing for the famous Eastern Conference franchise.
So far, the partnership with DeRozan and Ball is working. The idea was to relieve LaVine from some of the pressure offensively and both acquisitions have done a great job of that.
As the Chicago Bulls' most prominent scorer, opposition defenses have in the past collapsed on LaVine, making things difficult for him on occasion. But with the introduction of secondary scorers, who also convert at an efficient rate, LaVine has more freedom to operate.
LaVine will have to play at the same level he played in the 2020-21 season or even better for the Chicago Bulls to reach the playoffs or at least the play-in tournament. Anything less than a postseason feature will not be considered a successful season for this athletic Bulls team.
Guess the Lakers players!
