The stakes for this season are well-documented. The Bulls can’t win too many games without losing their top-10-protected first-round pick in a deep draft headlined by Duke freshman Cooper Flagg. In past seasons, making a hearty push for the in-season tournament was enough. This year, it would be foolish.

With a guard-heavy roster lacking a legitimate superstar, wins may be hard to come by but don't tell that to the optimistic Bulls.

The Bulls start their regular season Wednesday night versus the Pelicans in New Orleans. The big picture: With offseason trades and no notable additions, it's hard to predict if the Bulls will improve over the last few mediocre seasons.