Outsider’s Perspective: Questions with Pippen Ain’t Easy contributor

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Chicago Bulls face off in New Orleans Monday night. Both teams look slightly different from the teams that faced off earlier this season. For the Bulls, they’ve gotten back a few healthy faces. The Pelicans, however, have solidified a few key contributors and their roles. For more on the Bulls, we called on bulls contributor Daniel Greenberg. Enjoy our latest installment of Outsider’s Perspective.

1. If New Orleans fans think they’ve seen a rollercoaster season, they should probably look at the Bulls year. After a rough start full of drama, the Bulls got healthy and suddenly wins followed. How does the city feel about their current standing? What would serve the franchise better, a playoff push or the team tanking looking for a high lottery pick?

It’s really half and half. You got Bulls fans that hate that the team is winning so many games because of the chances of getting a top three pick decreases. You also have Bulls fans that love that the team is winning so many games because they want this team to just go for it. They want them to get some playoff experience. This season is all about rebuilding and getting a high lottery pick.

2. When the Bulls traded Jimmy Butler it appeared they came up short with what they received. A now healthy Zach LaVine, a defiantly consistent Kris Dunn, and a surprising Lauri Markkanen tell a different story. What was your view when the trade originally went down? How has it changed?

I wasn’t happy at all when the trade went down. I’m a huge Jimmy Butler fan so I was really sad that the Bulls traded him. My view of the trade has changed a little bit. Dunn is having a really good season. When the trade went down I thought Markkanen was going to be Nikola Mirotic 2.0, but Markkanen can do so much more. LaVine has shown some flashes, but I need to see him play in more games. I’m still not happy that the Bulls also gave up a pick in the trade.

3. Who’s been the most underrated player for the Bulls?

David Nwaba is having a fantastic season. Nwaba does all the little things. He isn’t a player that will score 20 points a night, but he will bring a lot of energy. He is also a really good defender.

4. What’s the biggest misconception about the team?

I would say that the biggest misconception about the Chicago Bulls is that Fred Hoiberg is not a good coach. Hoiberg finally has the roster that fits his system and the players have bought into it. The last couple of years he hasn’t had the players that fit his system, but a big reason why the Bulls are winning this season is because of Fred Hoiberg.

5. Outsider perspective on the Pelicans

The Pelicans have really good players on the roster, but they have a hard time winning. It’s been a crazy season for them, and it reminds me a lot of last season’s Bulls. The team would drive you crazy because they have the talent to be really good, but they kept losing games to teams that they should’ve beaten.

That’s a wrap for our time with Daniel. Make sure to follow him @ChiSportUpdates and the Bulls @BullsBeatBlog. You can follow us as @PelicanDebrief as always. Thanks for reading and enjoy tonight’s game.