RealGM

Probably ahead of NY, Cleveland, Washington, and Charlotte at this point so that's square in the mid 30s. Upper 30s would be a "lot breaks right" type of year and mid 20s is the "everything went wrong" type year. So basically last year's Magic squad is the best case but I think you're more last year T'Wolves if you want a comp.

73

Jimako10 wrote:30-35 wins. The only teams that I'm confident are worse are CHA, NYK, CLE, WAS in the East. I see them around the DET/ORL/ATL/MIA tier.

Miami just got Butler ... so long as health ain't a dramatic issue TOR/MIL/PHI/IND/BOS/BKL/MIA seem 7 sure playoff teams with a BIG gap after that (TOR still in backend of that group even if Kawhi leaves)

ORL/DET solidly fighting for 8th seed ... but ATL could be right there ... and I think Bulls are right there too.

I'd actually feel comfortable projecting Bulls over ATL because of the veteran presence of Young, Porter, Lavine and whatever PG they bring in. ATL has more talent in Young and Collins, but overall team is still REALLY fresh (not seeing any valuable minutes from vets).

DET ahead of us with Griffin/Drummond combo ... but they're not well-rounded after that so injuries mean the most (and more likely with those two) to them.

ORL were the darlings last year ... think they still have good things coming ... but Fultz and DJ as they're only real backcourt minutes leaves a lot to be desired.

I'd put money down we win more than 35. I think we hit 40 wins, maybe more

If we do not see a quantum leap in organic growth, I'm looking at 32-37 wins.

Pax is going through the Scott Skiles era of rebuilding again. Draft and sign high character guys that will be fringe all stars. The Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng days are back again.

Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

Ugly Duckling wrote:Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

Do we really want the Bulls to make the playoffs as an 8 seed and see them get swept? The Pelicans and Grizzlies each won 33 games last year and got a top 2 draft pick. If the Bulls win 33 games next year that’s an 11 game win improvement and would give them a shot at a top 4 draft pick. Best case scenario is to see this as a developmental year for the core and then luck into a franchise player in the draft.

Am2626 wrote:

Ugly Duckling wrote:Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

Do we really want the Bulls to make the playoffs as an 8 seed and see them get swept? The Pelicans and Grizzlies each won 33 games last year and got a top 2 draft pick. If the Bulls win 33 games next year that’s an 11 game win improvement and would give them a shot at a top 4 draft pick. Best case scenario is to see this as a developmental year for the core and then luck into a franchise player in the draft.

Definitely. It would be a great learning and bonding experience. It would also inspire the guys to improve their games both individually and collectively in the offseason

Ugly Duckling wrote:Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

I agree. Will be interesting to watch Celts with no Horford but with Kemba.
Pacers without Dipo most of the season.
Nets without KD.
Heat will suck IMO. They are one Jimmy injury away from having nothing. Jimmy always gets hurt too.
Sixers will win a lot but embiid’s health.
If Kawhi leaves TOR wont make the playoffs.

30 to 47.

I can make a case for this team being legitimately good at this point. If that February stretch where the offense was awesome is repeatable, there are a lot of good things going on here. The bench was awful last year and it may become a strength this year. The locker room will be much improved. They are bringing in people willing to hustle and play defense. I am looking forward to who gets that room exception.

Of course, it could all fall apart again too.

In general, the NBA may have zero super teams. Its going to turn into a war of attrition where everyone other than a handful of bad teams has a chance every night. If Kawhi goes to the West, virtually all of the top teams in the East will be worse this year so it will be wide open.

coldfish wrote:30 to 47.

I can make a case for this team being legitimately good at this point. If that February stretch where the offense was awesome is repeatable, there are a lot of good things going on here. The bench was awful last year and it may become a strength this year. The locker room will be much improved. They are bringing in people willing to hustle and play defense. I am looking forward to who gets that room exception.

Of course, it could all fall apart again too.

In general, the NBA may have zero super teams. Its going to turn into a war of attrition where everyone other than a handful of bad teams has a chance every night. If Kawhi goes to the West, virtually all of the top teams in the East will be worse this year so it will be wide open.

Good post. I think this will be the funnest NBA season to watch since Steph and Dubs arrived on the scene.

coldfish wrote:30 to 47.

I can make a case for this team being legitimately good at this point. If that February stretch where the offense was awesome is repeatable, there are a lot of good things going on here. The bench was awful last year and it may become a strength this year. The locker room will be much improved. They are bringing in people willing to hustle and play defense. I am looking forward to who gets that room exception.

Of course, it could all fall apart again too.

In general, the NBA may have zero super teams. Its going to turn into a war of attrition where everyone other than a handful of bad teams has a chance every night. If Kawhi goes to the West, virtually all of the top teams in the East will be worse this year so it will be wide open.

30-47? That is a mighty large range don't you think? So somewhere between bad and good?

We are still not done yet, but I'm leaning towards the mid-high 30's now. Will wait to see who else we grab.

Still think this is a bad team, maybe 32-35 wins at it's peak. I'd bet 27 wins.

37 wins. Hopefully competitive on the loses. More watchable than last year. Arrow pointing up team instead of down.

panthermark wrote:

coldfish wrote:30 to 47.

I can make a case for this team being legitimately good at this point. If that February stretch where the offense was awesome is repeatable, there are a lot of good things going on here. The bench was awful last year and it may become a strength this year. The locker room will be much improved. They are bringing in people willing to hustle and play defense. I am looking forward to who gets that room exception.

Of course, it could all fall apart again too.

In general, the NBA may have zero super teams. Its going to turn into a war of attrition where everyone other than a handful of bad teams has a chance every night. If Kawhi goes to the West, virtually all of the top teams in the East will be worse this year so it will be wide open.

30-47? That is a mighty large range don't you think? So somewhere between bad and good?

We are still not done yet, but I'm leaning towards the mid-high 30's now. Will wait to see who else we grab.

The Bulls have a lot of fragile players and no competent back ups for Otto and Lavine. If they were to hit a run of a lot of severe injuries, it would surprise no one.

If I could qualify and say "if healthy" and "if White is good" and "if they sign a competent scoring wing with the room exception", I would go around 45 wins.

I actually am getting a 45 win and hard fought 1st round (win or lose) vibe from this team. We have a lot of good pieces, and a lot of projected growth from Lavine, Lauri, and WCJ. White is going to be a wild card too. If he can come in and produce at a high level, our bench is going to be solid with Young. Tomas has given us a floor general/shooter to pair with Lavine and OBJ.

Overall this should be a solid team, with the sum of the parts being much more than the individual. It should/will surprise the league.

40 and the 8th seed. Book it.

Am2626 wrote:

Ugly Duckling wrote:Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

Do we really want the Bulls to make the playoffs as an 8 seed and see them get swept? The Pelicans and Grizzlies each won 33 games last year and got a top 2 draft pick. If the Bulls win 33 games next year that’s an 11 game win improvement and would give them a shot at a top 4 draft pick. Best case scenario is to see this as a developmental year for the core and then luck into a franchise player in the draft.

Nexts years FA class is bad, so it is about going for 2021 to at least look appealing.

But yes getting to the playoffs and even get swept would be a win. Playoffs is likely a 42 win season. Look at what the nets did. Practically the same thing. First round nearly swept. Lot of young attractive players, and they signed 2 major free agents. Bulls plan should be

2019-20: 42 wins and 8 seed
2020-21: 48 wins and a 4-5 seed

Try to lure Giannis and go for the title in 21-22 for the next 3-4 years following.

You can build a winner without needing a top 2-3 pick every year. Build up assets to trade for a star or look good enough for the one star to get your team from a playoff team to a contender

43.

panthermark wrote:

coldfish wrote:30 to 47.

I can make a case for this team being legitimately good at this point. If that February stretch where the offense was awesome is repeatable, there are a lot of good things going on here. The bench was awful last year and it may become a strength this year. The locker room will be much improved. They are bringing in people willing to hustle and play defense. I am looking forward to who gets that room exception.

Of course, it could all fall apart again too.

In general, the NBA may have zero super teams. Its going to turn into a war of attrition where everyone other than a handful of bad teams has a chance every night. If Kawhi goes to the West, virtually all of the top teams in the East will be worse this year so it will be wide open.

30-47? That is a mighty large range don't you think? So somewhere between bad and good?

We are still not done yet, but I'm leaning towards the mid-high 30's now. Will wait to see who else we grab.

It’s hard to disagree with the fish. 3 of our 5 most important players are in their rookie deals. 2 of those 3 have had health issues. Our primary scorer is still developing. And our coach might know what he’s doing or he might be a moron.

Chi town wrote:

Ugly Duckling wrote:Here's how I see it:

1. Bucks
2. Raptors (if Kawhi stays)
3. Sixers
4. Pacers
5. Nets
6. Celtics
7. Heat
8. Hawks/Bulls

The East just got deeper. We might not make it this yr after all

I agree. Will be interesting to watch Celts with no Horford but with Kemba.
Pacers without Dipo most of the season.
Nets without KD.
Heat will suck IMO. They are one Jimmy injury away from having nothing. Jimmy always gets hurt too.
Sixers will win a lot but embiid’s health.
If Kawhi leaves TOR wont make the playoffs.

Yeah I think we see Jaylen Brown take a step fwd and Hayward as well with a full yr post-injury under his belt. Pacers got better IMO. Lamb will fill in for Dipo and if he comes back at full strength in Jan, watch out (he'll most likely need the season to get back his game though). I think you're right about the Heat. I wrote this before the Satoransky signing, so I think the Bulls can actually beat the Hawks out of that 8th spot (if they magically stay healthy that is)