Bulls Eye: Could this be the Chicago Bulls’ last shot with this core?

Will the current core of players take the Chicago Bulls far enough to make a postseason run?

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls have had the same core of players for the last two seasons and have recorded little or no success. After sneaking into the NBA Playoffs as the sixth seed in 2022, they floundered the next year and did not even make it to the postseason despite the team's best players having superb seasons. With the brand-new season on the horizon, could this be this core’s last hurrah?

Here are five key stories involving the Bulls from last week that you may have missed:

1. Nikola Vucevic says the Chicago Bulls have to be better this season: "We know it's kind of our last chance"

Although Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has a brand-new, three-year contract with the Bulls, he’s aware that the team could look different before the season ends if they don’t meet expectations.

2. Ranking the Chicago Bulls' three best players this coming season

There’s no question who the Bulls’ “Big 3” is. The only question is, can DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Vooch work together to drive the team forward?

3. What's the next step for Coby White?

After securing a hefty bag in the form of a three-year, $36-million contract this offseason, Coby White is next in line to prove that he can take his game to the next level. White needs to show consistent improvements on both sides of the floor, and this could be a breakout season for him.

4. Chicago Bulls to hold training camp in Nashville

The Bulls will try a different tactic this season by holding part of their training camp in Nashville, Tennessee. This will give the team a chance to get away from their regular practice facility and get an extra boost of energy before the start of the regular season.

5. This could be DeMar DeRozan's last shot at a big payday

The future of Deebo in Chicago is uncertain. Now playing in the final year of his three-year contract, one of two things may happen: either the Bulls offer him a huge extension, or he becomes an unrestricted free agent at season's end. It will be interesting to see how Deebo responds and if he can prove his worth in what could be his last big chance for a team to pay him what he deserves.