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Chuck's Daily Check In - 10.22.19

The Bulls announced they have picked up the options of Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison. All three players are now under contract for the 2020-21 season. Do not underestimate the importance of Hutchison. Prior to his season ending injury, Hutchison was a valuable member of the Bulls rotation and was playing with confidence. His off season hamstring issue has curtailed the start of his second season but once he's able to return to full health, Head Coach Jim Boylen will have another versatile player at his call.

The Bulls are back at it today on the practice floor before leaving for Charlotte for the team's season opener on Wednesday.

Current players, former players, Head Coach Jim Boylen along with management and staff members were in attendance at last night's Premium Suite Holders event at the United Center. It's always a pleasure to see players from different eras interact with players from today's generation. Whether they played in 1970 or 2019, the thread that will always connect them is the fact they wore a Bulls uniform. Respect on all fronts.

PREDICTIONS FOR 2019-20

NBA Eastern Champion: Philadelphia NBA Western Conference Champion: Los Angeles Clippers. NBA Champion: Los Angeles Clippers

NBA MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo . NBA Rookie of the Year: Coby White. NBA Coach of the Year: Doc Rivers.

CCI 24 SECONDS NBA NEWS AND NOTES.

The 2019-20 season opener is tonight with two games. It's ring night in Toronto as the defending champion Raptors host the Zion-less Pelicans. Later, in what could be a preview of the Western Conference Finals, it's the Clippers and Lakers.

A setback for the Pelicans and for all of us who love the NBA as New Orleans will be without Zion Williamson for 6-8 weeks to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. TV networks are disappointed for sure. As we saw first hand in Chicago two weeks ago, Zion is the real deal. A tough hit for the Pelicans and the NBA.

The latest NBA player measurements lists Utah's Donovan Mitchell at 6-1.

Boston inked Jaylen Brown to a four year 115 million dollar contract. I'm picking Boston to finish fourth in the East behind Philly, Milwaukee and Indiana.

Speaking of the Pacers...they got their man after all. Domantas Sabonis will stay put in Indiana securing a four year deal worth 77 million dollars.

A big pay day for Sacremento's Buddy Hield - 4 years, 86 million.

The Spurs inked Dejounte Murray to a 4 year-64 million dollar extension.

Joe Ingles signed a one year 14 million dollar extension. This player works as hard as anyone in the NBA.

Brooklyn signed Taurean Prince to a two year-29 million dollar extension.

The Pistons waived Joe Johnson.

Cleveland signed Alfonzo McKinnie.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls