For the first time since 2009, Bulls fans will not see any hometown faces in the NBA All-Star Game.
Last year, Jimmy Butler was the Bulls’ lone All Star. But currently, their roster lacks a big-name superstar like they have had in the past with Butler and Derrick Rose.
No Bulls in the All-Star Game is a sign of the times, as the rebuilding team is working on developing their young, budding players. But it might not be long until another Bull finds his way onto the roster. Lauri Markkanen has even received praise from Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr who said the Bulls’ rookie could be an All Star in the future.
The Bulls went 11 seasons without an All Star following Michael Jordan’s second retirement after the 1997-98 season, a stretch snapped when Rose made his first All-Star team in 2009-10.
In the last nine years, Rose and Butler each made three All-Star appearances for the Bulls. Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol each made two during their respective Bulls tenures.
The final teams for this year’s All-Star Game, which will be picked by team captains LeBron James and Stephen Curry, will be announced Thursday.