Memphis Grizzlies Opposing Views: Chicago Bulls

As we continue to look at the Memphis Grizzlies opponents, let’s take a look at how they match up against the Chicago Bulls.

Not too long ago, the Chicago Bulls were a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. LeBron’s reign and dominance over the conference was in jeopardy because of young phenom Derrick Rose.

He took the league by storm, becoming the youngest player to win the MVP award. However, a knee injury derailed his career – and any shot the Bulls had to win a title. Rose has been a fine player but has never been the same through multiple knee procedures. Guys like Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah have willed the Bulls into the playoffs as a spoiler team. Derrick Rose was traded from Chicago last season, leaving his home with plenty of what if’s. What if MVP Rose played with star Jimmy Butler? How good would the three-headed monster of MVP Rose, Butler and Noah have been?

Now, all three players are gone, and they’re experiencing a rebuild under Fred Holberg, a resident on the hot seat since arriving in Chicago. They flipped Butler for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markannen – three young players with high ceilings.

Starting 5

PG – Kris Dunn

SG – Dwyane Wade

SF – Denzel Valentine

PF – Lauri Markannen

C – Robin Lopez

Sixth Man – Zach LaVine

Can the Memphis Grizzlies handle this young Chicago Bulls team? Will veteran experience trump youth and inexperience?

Where the Memphis Grizzlies can thrive

• Mike Conley

Let’s just take a look at how the Bulls have at point guard: Kris Dunn, Cameron Payne and Jerian Grant. Y I K E S!

Mike Conley should have an absolute field day whenever he’s up against these guys. Dunn and Payne haven’t lived up to their lottery-pick status. And, Grant doesn’t have the skill level to compete with Mike Conley. If the Conductor sets a new career-high this season, don’t be surprised if it’s against the Bulls.

• Wing Depth

Outside of Dwyane Wade and Zach LaVine, the Bulls don’t have much on the wings. The Memphis Grizzlies are surprisingly deep on the wings. There are no All-Stars, but they have guys who can surely come in and contribute. Dillon Brooks, Wayne Selden and James Ennis are all multi-positional players that Fizdale covets. Troy Daniels can catch fire from downtown at any moment. Then, Chandler Parsons and Tyreke Evans can deliver at a sub All-Star – *slaps ‘if healthy’ sticker on this sentence*. 

Where Bulls can get them

• Healthy Zach LaVine

Last season, LaVine tore his ACL, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. This season, he has a chance to start fresh and command “alpha” status on this young Bulls team. In Minnesota, he played third fiddle to Towns and Wiggins. It’s his team to take now, and if he’s healthy, watch out. Last season, he averaged 18.7 points on a solid 38.7 percent from deep. If he gets hot, then that just feds confidence to this young team.

• They don’t have much to lose

Let’s be real: the Chicago Bulls won’t make the playoffs – even in a weaker Eastern Conference. The verdict is still out on Fred Holberg. The prized cornerstone of the Butler trade is coming off an ACL injury. Their point guard had an abysmal rookie year last season. Then, we don’t know if their top-10 pick is Kristaps Porzingis, Pau Gasol, Andrea Bargnani or Nikoloz Tskitishvili. Other than Wade and Robin Lopez, they don’t have any legitimate NBA veterans to guide this team.

Given all this, they’ll play loose, care-free basketball. They may make careless mistakes, but these young guys will be hungry to stay alive in this league. If they get too much confidence – especially from deep – the Memphis Grizzlies will see an easy-win become a tough night.

More from Grizzlies News

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Closing Remarks

The Memphis Grizzlies should sweep this series. Period.

There should be no reason why the Grizzlies lose a game to the Bulls. While they have some talent, it’s not enough to win 25-30 games right now. Expect them to “trust the process,” acquire some high picks and look towards a new era of Chicago Bulls basketball.

Who knows … maybe they’ll get Zion Williamson in 2019.