Bulls new season outlook: How high is Boozerlis ceiling? Is Ross worthy of being retired from the jersey?

Bulls have tried to strengthen the team's defensive identity by introducing Okoro. In recent years, the Bulls have been having the habit of collecting doubtful players in their shooting ability, but it can be assumed that they signed Ocorro in the hope that he will improve in shooting and play a bigger role in a new chapter of his career. While this is not a one-on-one option, Ocorro's rise does complicate Williams' situation.

This does not mean that the two cannot play together, or that the Bulls will not try this combination, but it is not very consistent with the fast offensive style the team pursues after the All-Star game. Given that it is unclear how many assets the Bulls have worth trading, it is wise to consider the lineup portfolio in full. But whether it is Williams or Okoro, improving their value is key.

Perhaps a wiser approach is to push Williams to show value in the second year of his contract, rather than waiting until later.

4. What are the Bulls looking for core players?

When teams are eager to get a core player, they are not picky. The Bulls are looking for such an elite player, or a player with the potential to become a top star. Management may have high hopes for Boozelis, hoping that he can show more potential; perhaps they expect Kobe White to go to another level. Perhaps general manager Kanissowas believes that Gidey and Boozelis are ideal partners for future superstars.

Otherwise, he will have to repent. "Internal development" sounds tough. He mentioned the progress of Kobe White and Gidey in an interview at the end of the season. Will he be content with their fully grown version as the team's leader? A scoring master and a big organizer, they all fit the team's new offensive direction. But neither seems to have the ability to lead the playoff team.

This raises some questions: Where will Kanishovas find such a player? Is he hoping to find someone who can partner with existing players or simply replace them?

5. Is Derek Ross' jersey worthy of being retired?

I don't ask myself this question as often as others on the Internet.

My answer is: Of course. So, why not do it on January 24, 2026? As a team with a long history and great success, the Celtics have retired 23 jerseys, which has forced players to face some embarrassing combinations when choosing numbers. The Bulls have only retired four jerseys: Michael Jordan, Scotty Pippen, Jerry Sloan and Bob Love. These four are obviously a choice, but there is another player who would have been an obvious answer if it weren't for the injury eroding his peak.

Ross is the youngest MVP in league history. He is a native of Chicago's South Side. He did not go to preparatory school, but stayed in his hometown to grow up. Even though things got worse later and his glory years didn't last long, he was still loved by fans.

His peak was shrouded in injuries. It is not time, opponent, or repeated failure, but real misfortune. Still, Ross is one of the best players in Bulls’ history. In the 2010-11 season, he led the Bulls to his only 60-win season since the 1990s dynasty, the happiest moment for Chicago basketball fans since then. When he was young, he was also a strong opponent of the Heat's "Big Three".

He is a child from his hometown who once brought people hope, even for a short time. Why not freeze this moment over the court forever?

Original text: Joel Lorenzi

Compiled by: JayChan