How high is the ceiling for the Chicago Bulls this season?

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The bulls tasted regular season success for the first time since 2017 last season gaining the sixth seed going into the playoffs.

Demar Derozan was chosen as an all star starter averaging 28 points per game on his usual deadly mid range efficiency, backed up by Zach Lavine's 24.5 ppg and deserved star selection as his second fiddle. Vucevic was the only other regular starter, Lonzo Ball started every game he could but his season was plagued with injury - he is out at the moment and expected to miss another month or two. Prayers up.

The Bulls lost out last season, pitted against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks in the first round - they were huge underdogs and managed to take a game off the Bucks. The main take home - it was good for the roster to get playoff experience as a team.

So where does that leave them this season? Right now we're talking sixes. 6th seed, 6-6.

They've shown signs of playoff contention beating a full strength title contending Celtics side early on, and both defense and offense are above league average - they're struggling defending the 3 point line at the moment but I truly believe that will come with time.

Derozan and Lavine have had a fairly slow but efficient start with Lavine shooting 50% from 3; they need to step it up and get back to last seasons numbers otherwise the Bulls could have an uphill battle if Lonzo isn't healthy before Christmas. The team is on their shoulders and they need to get the young guys involved too, but put the team on their backs down the stretch.

We know Demar is up to the challenge, and I've always been a fan of Lavine. I just feel he still has another gear he can get to this season or the next.

With Lonzo out however, it's left the door open for Ayo Dosunmu to take up the starting role. He's hungry, young and efficient. You can't turn your nose up at almost 50% from the field and 38% from 3 for the young point guard. I like his addition to the starting five and he can still play solid minutes (from the bench) when Lonzo returns.

I thought Coby White might get more minutes but that's why Billy Donnovan picks the roster and I'm sat at home. Correct decision Billy.

Patrick Williams has started every game this season too, he looks like he has potential for the future - I'm not so sure about a breakout season this year but I hope when he's called upon late in the season he can provide consistency on both ends.

All in all - I think the Bulls make the playoffs comfortably this season, probably slotting in almost exactly where they did last year.

Wishing injuries on no one, I just can't see them getting past any of the top seeds in the east over 7 games at the moment, but maybe that will change throughout the season.