'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Chicago Bulls' 2020-21 NBA season ended on a disappointing note, as the team was unable to qualify for the postseason.
The Bulls front office made some ambitious moves to help the franchise get back into playoff contention, but it looks like Billy Donovan's side will have to start afresh in the 2021-22 season.
5 factors that led to the Chicago Bulls having a poor 2020-21 NBA season
The Chicago Bulls have one of the most talented guard-center duos in the league in the form of Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine.
Vucevic was acquired at the NBA trade deadline, and the Bulls were expected to be one of the most formidable teams in the NBA after that deal. However, they were unable to consistently win games even after the trade went through.
Here's what went wrong during the Chicago Bulls' 2020-21 NBA season -
#5 - Coby White's inability to be the team's lead point guard
Coby White took a step up in terms of scoring in the 2020-21 NBA campaign but wasn't able to play the role of the team's primary or secondary playmaker.
A point guard by trade, White averaged just 4.8 assists per game, turning the ball 2.3 times on average.
Zach LaVine is the Chicago Bulls' lead scorer and no. 1 option on offense, so it's natural for the franchise to expect Coby White to play the role of a primary point guard.
Veteran forward Thaddeus Young has helped out the Bulls by running the offense for the second unit, but it is unlikely that he will be able to sustain such a demanding role.
Hence, White will have to refine the passing aspect of his game and improve his numbers from the previous season.
#4 - Stagnant offense
Despite having one of the most potent offensive rosters in the league, the Chicago Bulls finished a poor 19th in the NBA in terms of offensive rating in the 2020-21 season. They registered an offensive rating of 111.1 and were unable to break down defensively strong teams throughout the campaign.
Part of the blame goes to Billy Donovan for not optimally using the talent he has at his disposal. The rest of the blame should go to the players for their substandard execution at times.
The Chicago Bulls will have to improve massively on offense going into next season, or they could end up missing the playoffs once again.
Also Read: 3 Teams that are a dark horse in the race to make a trade for Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons
#3 - Lauri Markkanen didn't take the next step with the Chicago Bulls
In theory, Lauri Markkanen is an extremely valuable option to have on an NBA roster. The power forward from Finland has the length and athleticism to thrive in the modern NBA and is a brilliant three-pointer shooter for his size.
However, Markkanen's theoretical ability has yet to translate to on-court performances, and this remains a major concern for the Chicago Bulls.
Markkanen's inability to shoulder responsibility on either end of the court was one of the major reasons behind the Chicago Bulls' poor season. It won't be a surprise if the franchise cuts ties with him this summer.
#2 - Nikola Vucevic couldn't be integrated properly
Since arriving from the Orlando Magic, Nikola Vucevic has not been able to perform at his usual level with the Chicago Bulls.
The Orlando Magic ran their offense almost entirely through Vucevic. Playing less isolation and more team basketball in Chicago proved to be a sudden change for the European big.
Vucevic certainly can't be blamed for not performing up to expectations and learning the role. The season was approaching its tail end when he joined the franchise, and it is understandably difficult for a player to completely change his game in such a short span of time.
#1 - Zach LaVine missed 11 games due to COVID-19
During mid-April, Chicago Bulls star shooting guard Zach LaVine tested positive for COVID-19, which led to him missing 11 straight NBA games. It was a crucial juncture for the Bulls, who were vying for a playoff berth. They ended up going 4-7 in LaVine's absence.
LaVine was one of the best players in the league in the 2020-21 NBA season, averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He made the All-Star team for the first time in his career and was set to lead the Chicago Bulls to postseason glory.
However, luck is a major factor in any team's NBA campaign, and it is safe to say that LaVine contracting the virus played the biggest role in derailing the Bulls' season.
Guess the Lakers players!
