NBA AM: Pivotal Crossroad For Chicago Bulls

The summer of 2014 will be vital to Chicago’s long-term success

The Chicago Bulls entered this year’s playoffs as heavy favorites in their first round matchup versus the emerging Washington Wizards, but were unexpectedly dismantled in just five games.   All things considered, despite the playoff flameout, the Bulls had a very solid season. Chicago managed  to flirt with 50 wins even though former MVP Derrick Rose spent the majority of the campaign in designer suits and former All-Star forward Luol Deng was traded to Cleveland earlier in the season. Center Joakim Noah took home Defensive Player of the Year honors and others stepped up around him.

On the surface it would appear the team’s future is filled with promise. However, the summer of 2014 will be a pivotal time for the organization if it wants to be mentioned among the league’s elite and contend for a title in the years to come.

There are three primary ways to improve in the NBA – the annual draft, free agency and working the trade market. Teams also look to make coaching changes or shake up their executive staffs.

Thibodeau, obviously, fantastic coach. But for a number of reasons, mostly differences w front office, likely time for he and #Bulls to part

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) April 30, 2014

On the head coaching front, rumors continue to swirl about Tom Thibodeau’s relationship with Bulls general manager Gar Forman and his staff. The widely respected Thibodeau, who has three more season left on his current deal, has led the Bulls to a 205-107 (.657) regular season record and four consecutive trips to the playoffs – including an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2011.

There are a number of high quality coaches looking to get back into the mix, but the Bulls’ current stance has been supportive of Thibodeau and his role in the organization.

Becoming a major player in free agency will be a tough scenario for the Bulls to navigate.

Chicago currently has roughly $64 million in guaranteed salaries on the books for next season with $55.9 million of this total owed to Rose, forward Carlos Boozer, Noah and key reserve Taj Gibson.

According to Basketball Insiders’ senior writer Eric Pincus, the Bulls could get as much as $11.3 million under the cap for next season if they utilize their one-time amnesty provision on the aging Boozer. The veteran experienced a diminished role as the season moved along and most expect the Bulls to seriously consider parting ways with the former All-Star.

Arguably the biggest free agent of the summer will be All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, but the Bulls are at an extreme disadvantage considering New York can offer him $30 million more over the life of a potential new deal. In addition, the Bulls would have to make additional moves to clear the necessary cap space to reel in a player of Anthony’s caliber. Current Pacers forward Lance Stephenson will be a free agent this summer and could be an attractive option for Chicago. However, it is fair to question whether the Bulls would eat close to $17 million in amnestying Boozer in order to sign Stephenson to a lucrative deal. For a shot at Anthony, yes. Stephenson, not so much.

The Bulls will also likely spend a great deal of time trying to lure European star Nikola Mirotic to the NBA. Mirotic, who currently plays for Real Madrid, has remained mum on his future plans but is intrigued about playing in the NBA.  If Mirotic decides to join the Bulls, the team would likely use a portion of its non-tax payer mid-level exception worth $5.3 million.

The draft is another area to secure talent – lesser expensive assets. The Bulls have two top-20 first round picks this year in a very talented draft class (16th and 19th overall picks). Of course, the team could package these picks as part of a larger deal come draft time. There are plenty of options here.

Assuming Rose can return to the lineup healthy and regain 90 percent of his previous form, the Bulls aren’t too far from being an upper-tier unit. But that’s a huge if and one of the reasons the team must get all of the other areas right heading into the summer.

Upstart Washington Wizards learning on the fly

The Washington Wizards are headed to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2005 campaign when the franchise was led by Antawn Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes. Washington pulled off the first round upset by defeating the Chicago Bulls, 4-1. Washington’s  44 regular season victories was the team’s most since 1997 and seemingly points to the beginning of a new era and bright future for the Wizards.

Shooting guard Bradley Beal took a moment to reflect on the hard work needed to get the Wizards in the position they currently are enjoying.

“It’s been a long journey we’ve been on,” Beal said according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post. “For us to make the playoffs and win a tough series against a great team we just played against means a lot. At the same time, it is a humbling experience because a lot of people doubted us. Now, we know what we’re capable of doing.”

The club invested over $80 million last summer on All-Star guard John Wall and the move has been extremely solid.

“It was a great feeling,” Wall said. “It was everything that I’ve been waiting for, coming to the Washington Wizards, being drafted number one. Going through the tough times.

“The main thing is to focus in and know what this team is capable of. I just give a lot of credit to my teammates and the coaching staff and the great game plan and making adjustments and committing ourselves to play on every given night.”

The Wizards will face the winner of the Atlanta Hawks versus Indiana Pacers series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Hawks are up 3-2 in the series.