Bulls have Christmas off, so let's pass out some gifts
One benefit to being a bad team in the NBA is you don't have to play on Christmas Day.
The Bulls have four days off before hosting Atlanta on Saturday. So they'll be able to go home, relax, put a log on the fire and watch some good teams battle it out on national TV.
It's the season of giving, so let's suggest some ideal presents for the Bulls' players and staff. They all have enough money to buy whatever they want, but it's the thought that counts:
For Zach LaVine: A mentor
LaVine has done a decent job of growing into a reliably consistent NBA player. But the fact remains, he's never played for a team that's won more than 31 games and never played next to anyone with winning experience in the NBA. Veterans like Thad Young or Robin Lopez can help, but we're talking about someone who's been through it all, had success and can be on the court with LaVine late in games.
There will be more nights like Monday, when LaVine couldn't get much going in the fourth quarter against Orlando. Defenses are going to be focused on stopping him, so experienced help would be a plus.
It's probably not going to happen, since the Bulls invested a ton of salary on injured forward Otto Porter, won't have cap space next summer and don't have many attractive trade pieces. But maybe Santa can work a miracle.
For Kris Dunn: A new contract from the Bulls
This one pretty much sums up the rebuild. The guy they tried to get rid of during the summer ends up being a vital part of the team's December improvement.
Well, it's never too late to learn from past mistakes. Re-sign Dunn and let him try to become the New England version of Patrick Beverley.
For Lauri Markkanen: Five golden barbells
Markkanen has done a nice job of adding strength, but he'll need more to survive as a guy who can score inside and out in the NBA.
For Wendell Carter Jr.: Some springs
Carter has done a nice job of holding his own during the sophomore season. But he has to guard plenty of guys who can jump out of the gym, so to speak. Might as well even the playing field a little bit.
For Coby White: Signed photo with Chris Paul
Oh wait, he already has that. And don't worry about the postgame photo with Paul and Carter in Oklahoma City. NBA players exchange hugs after games all the time. Stopping for a photo is not much different. And it's not like White was star-struck. Paul has been a huge part of his life.
For Jim Boylen: Inner peace
The Bulls coach has dealt with plenty of fan anger this season - some he brought on himself, some that's unfair. There's no need to engage with taunting fans or reporters trying to force a negative reaction. Just be friendly and move on. And don't forget, most people in Chicago would happily trade problems with him.
For John Paxson: Fresh opinions
Paxson and Gar Forman have made plenty of good decisions in the 16 years since Jerry Krause retired. In the past few years, they've made a lot of incorrect decisions. Maybe its time to welcome new ideas, expand the scouting staff - something to reverse this trend.
For Ryan Arcidiacono: A gift card
Good for either a soak in the hot tub or cryotherapy tank. He takes a beating and never misses games.
For Shaq Harrison: A jump shot
Too obvious, but someone with the defensive skills and athleticism he has should be out on the floor.
For Commissioner Adam Silver: The wisdom to scrap the in-season tournament idea
Yeah, it works in the English Premier League, but that league has no postseason playoffs. The team that finishes first in the standings is the champ. The NBA already has playoffs. No one's going to care.
Unless fans of the winning team get free hot dogs from Portillo's for every tournament win. Then they'll cheer like maniacs at the United Center.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls