Frequently Asked Questions
Why weren't the Bulls ready when LeBron James left the Eastern Conference?
The Bulls started their rebuild too late, beginning in year two when they should have been in year four of rebuilding. They failed to anticipate LeBron's eventual departure from Cleveland and didn't start their rebuild when they hired Fred Hoiberg, missing the opportunity to be ready to compete immediately after LeBron left.
Which teams did get their rebuilds right for the post-LeBron era?
Boston and Philadelphia began their rebuilds on the correct timeline and are now the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference. Both teams developed their own talent and acquired elite players, positioning themselves as the teams the Bulls now have to chase.
What is the Bulls' young core that they're building around?
The Bulls are building around the trio of Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine, who recently received a significant contract. This young core has promise but represents a rebuild that should already be further along.
How does the Bulls' situation compare to other Eastern Conference teams?
For 15 years, Eastern Conference teams including the Bulls were simply treading water and making playoffs despite being sub-par compared to Western Conference competition. The article compares the Bulls' current position to the Indiana Pacers from 1994-2004, who constantly reached the Eastern Conference Finals but could only get over the hump once.
What mistakes did the Bulls make with their roster moves?
The Bulls were too late in making key decisions, similar to how they signed Dwyane Wade five years too late. They should have cleaned house when hiring Fred Hoiberg and either rebuilt immediately or kept Jimmy Butler while building a young core to compete when LeBron left.