Another Top 100 list, another rough reminder for the Chicago Bulls♈!
HoopsHype recently released for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign, and the Bulls would’ve liked some better representation. While they did see four players appear on the rankings, none of those players finished within the site’s Top 50. And, to make matters more frustrating, DeMar DeRozan finished at No. 45, which is well above where the Bulls’ current top player ranked.
Indeed, Zach LaVine was the first Bull to appear on the list at No. 62. This put him just one spot ahead of the Lakers’ Austin Reaves and one spot behind the Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. Some other players to rank ahead of the two-time All-Star were Jarrett Allen (60), Aaron Gordon (59), and even second-year forward Brandon Miller (58).
The next player to appear is Coby White, who checks in just eight spots lower than LaVine at No. 70. Needing to prove that last year can become the new norm, I can understand why Whi♛te falls where he does. HoopsHype put him one spot ahead of CJ McCollum and just one spot behind Tyler Herro, which forms a tier that makes quite a lot of sense.
White’s well-rounded offensive game last year made him appear like a borderline All-Star, and I think this is precisely the world McCollum and Herro have lived in for years. Of course, the hope is that White can now continue to take the next step, but this is still a pretty solid place to be when we consider the start of his career. If White can begin to repeat what we saw last season, he’ll be a very helpful player for a very long time.
Two spots after White comes the Bulls’ newest addition. Josh Giddey ranked No. 72 on HoopsHype’s list, which is somewhat shockingly ahead of Bradley Beal. If I had to pick, I think Giddey has the best chance to see his ranking change the most heading into next season. Back in a situation where he can handle primary ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities, there is little doubt he’ll look more comfortable than last season.
Not to mention, expectations in Chicago are the opposite of what they’ve become in OKC. A more relaxed environment might help Giddey continue to develop his game, as well as allow him to have a real impact on the style of play. The Bulls have multiple young players who can get out in transition and play fast. This should only complement what Giddey likes to do.
The final player to appear on HoopsHype’s Top 100 list is Nikola Vucevic. The big man continues to slip down the totem pole, ranking No. 89. While I’ve been one to defend Vucevic in the past, I’ve struggled to do this more and more over the last year or so. His 3-point shot has completely disappeared, while his rim protection remains a major weakness.
If I’m being honest, I actually think Vucevic deserves to be several spots lower. There is probably a case to be made that Naz Reid (No. 91) and Lu Dort (No. 92) belong ahead of this current version of Vucevic. Those two are impacting winning on a higher lever and on a more regular basis. Is it possible Vucevic can prove me wrong this season? Absolutely, and I’d prefer it! But I believe we may be watching the 33-year-old enter a new phase of his career where he is considerably more one-dimensional.
I encourage you to take a full look at HoopHype’s Top 100 rankings . These lists are made to ruffle feathers, but I don’t have much of a gripe with where each Bulls player ended up. And, well, that actually speaks to the rough spot this organization finds itself in.
