Chicago Bulls offseason and how the Detroit Pistons will match up
Before the storm set in, the Chicago Bulls released struggling guard Rajon Rondo. That was only the beginning of the Bulls rebuilding process. How will the Detroit Pistons match up?
In a blockbuster draft-day trade, the Chicago Bulls dealt Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick, which turned into Justin Patton, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Bulls received Kris Dunn, Zach Lavine, and the 7th pick, which turned into Lauri Markkanen. The Detroit Pistons will have new players to face this season.
The Bulls got a good crop of young, aspiring talent, but was it enough? Trading away your best player is never easy, and it is almost impossible to get the adequate return.
The Bulls also signed guard Justin Holiday during the free agency period to add more depth at the guard position.
How will Detroit match up with the new-look Bulls?
Point Guard: Reggie Jackson VS. Kris Dunn
Reggie Jackson has been under a lot of scrutiny lately, but he looks as if he will be returning to 100 percent this coming season. Kris Dunn, after a successful rookie outing, will look to build off of his time in Minnesota and assume the starting role at point for Chicago.
If healthy, Jackson should have the edge in this match up, but Dunn is one player Detroit should watch out for.
Shooting Guard: Avery Bradley VS. Zach Lavine
Both Bradley and Lavine are joining new teams for this season, making it a difficult transition for both. Bradley is the clear better player than Lavine, but this will still be a marquee match up to watch.
Lavine will not be able to create as many flashy plays with Bradley guarding him, but expect him to still wow the crowd every so often.
Small Forward: Stanley Johnson/Tobias Harris VS. Dwayne Wade
There have been rumors floating around the league that Dwayne Wade will be bought out. If he does stay with Chicago, it would only make sense to slot him in at small forward with a healthy Lavine on the roster.
Wade is a Hall of Fame player with lots of skill left in the tank. The Bulls get the edge in this positional match up, but Harris will look to grow off his efficient season a year ago.
Power Forward: Tobias Harris/Jon Leuer VS. Bobby Portis/Lauri Markkanen/ Nikola Mirotic
If Mirotic is brought back, he will be the clear day one starter for Chicago. But with the uncertainty surrounding him, Portis and Markkanen will battle it out for the starting role.
One can only hope that Jon Leuer won’t be in the starting lineup, but Detroit is slim at the position. Harris would be the best option, only if Stanley Johnson is ready to assume the starting forward spot.
Center: Andre Drummond VS. Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez is still a crafty, skilled center in the league. Drummond is one of the best rebounders in the league. This will be a decent match up, but expect Drummond to win this on a daily basis.
Offensively, it won’t be pretty watching these two battle for position under the hoop. They both like to use their strength when fighting it out down low.
Result:
The Chicago Bulls, in rebuild mode, should not be competitive this season. While this is still a rivalry, Detroit should be able to handle the dismantled Bulls this season.
Expect the Detroit Pistons to sweep this series four games to none or give up one on the road during the season. Either way, Chicago should not be too much of a problem for Detroit and their playoff hopes.