Chicago Bulls: 3 possible outcomes for the upcoming season

Scenario One:

The Chicago Bulls would exceed expectations if they win 49+ more games.

Using FiveThirtyEight’s own projections, the 6th seed in the east would need to win 49 games. I believe that if the Chicago Bulls can make the playoffs while avoiding the play-in tournament, that would make for an extremely successful season.

Additionally, being the 6th seed or higher in the Eastern Conference would involve surpassing one of the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, or the Milwaukee Bucks.

While this may seem feasible, they’ll also be contending with the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers, who both have arguably better rosters than the Bulls on paper.

For the Chicago Bulls to finish in the top 6 of the Eastern Conference, that would require almost every optimistic projection to come true.

These include Zach LaVine ascending to another level, DeMar DeRozan maintaining his form from last season, Patrick Williams ascending, Vucevic returning to All-Star form, Ayo holding down the PG spot, and lastly Lonzo Ball returning mid-season and playing well.

This scenario means that the Chicago Bulls have two All-NBA players, three all-stars, a most improved player candidate, and most of all: health.

Another key factor for this type of Bulls season is the development of one of the best bench units in the league.

With Alex Caruso, Coby White, Goran Dragic, Andre Drummond, Javonte Green, and Dalen Terry, the Bulls have a potentially lethal combination of guards, wings, and rebounding in their second unit – which could pay dividends against the more top-heavy teams in the Eastern Conference.

For all this to happen would be the culmination of every single best-case scenario coming to fruition.

Hence why the Chicago Bulls actually making the top 6 seeds (barring any unforeseen injuries to other squads) is a very unlikely outcome for this season and should have Bulls fans elated if it does happen.