4 ways the Chicago Bulls could surprise in 2018-2019

1. The Bulls could sneak into the playoffs

I know, it sounds a bit crazy. But, let’s look at this thing from an optimistic viewpoint to start with, shall we? Take the immediate and obvious reason why the Bulls could compete for one of the final spots in the 2019 NBA Playoffs: No more LeBron James in the Eastern Conference.

Yes, at last, the Bulls do not have to deal with LeBron any longer. He joined forced with the Los Angeles Lakers and made that Western Conference even more of a competitive nightmare. Now, the Bulls are likely looking at the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors as the upper echelon of the East.

Throw in the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers for good measure, but I’d like to think the final couple of spots in the East might be up for grabs. Maybe it’s wishful thinking or the fraction of optimist left in me, but I think it’s possible.

If everything goes right (and that’s a big “if”) this team could get in. That means LaVine plays to his potential and breaks out with the best year of his career. That also means that Parker stays healthy. Those two guys are key.

If Lauri Markkanen takes the next step and Carter is even half the force he was in Summer League, this team very well could find themselves amidst a thick playoff race to the end of the regular season.