Paul Sullivan: Play-in fever missing for Jerry Reinsdorf's Bulls, while his White Sox rely on a milkshake and a prayer
Published in Basketball
Only a money-making NBA playoff gimmick would allow the Bulls to continue, and that’s exactly what the play-in tournament games are.
The crazy part of this Bulls’ season is that despite another sub-.500 team, it’s a likable group that plays very entertaining games, led by DeRozan, who has become the most beloved Bulls player since Derrick Rose.
DeRozan will be a free agent but has said he wants to return. No matter what happens in the play-ins, the Bulls must do whatever it takes this summer to keep him, and then figure out how to build around DeRozan and Coby White, a candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Most teams would’ve blown up the roster after a season like the Bulls had in 2022- 23, but executive vice-president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas doubled down, then did nothing at the ’24 trade deadline to improve their chances of making the playoffs.
“This particular team showed they can compete with the best,” Karnišovas said that day. “And that’s what I’m excited about.”
Of course you are.
Bulls fans have managed to curb their enthusiasm, but they’ll no doubt be watching anyway.
Like any episode of “Dateline,” you can’t leave until the big reveal.
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