The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads; to stay the course or tear it all down?

Based on yesterday's win against the Celtics, the answer might be right in the middle.

The Chicago Bulls earned some reprieve on Monday when they handed the reigning Eastern Conference champions Boston Celtics a 121-017 beatdown to snap a four-game losing streak. Now at 7-10, the Bulls embark on a brutal road trip that will see them take on the likes of Milwaukee, Utah, and even the reigning champions Golden State Warriors. 

With the season looking uncertain, should the Bulls consider pivoting to a rebuild?

Tear it all down

As their recent slump showed, the Bulls have a lot of holes to fill before they can compete for a championship. With starting point guard Lonzo Ball out indefinitely, the team has been unable to find a consistent offensive identity, and their defense is still suspect. 

A complete rebuild could be the only way to build a true contender in Windy City, and now could be as good a time as any to explore the trade market and get some assets for veterans such as DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic is a 32-year-old big man on an expiring contract. On the other hand, DeRozan is still at the peak of his powers. But at age 33, the question is whether or not he still has championship-caliber play in him. 

Keeping the core of DeRozan, Vucevic, and Zach LaVine might make the Bulls a fringe playoff team for the next few seasons. But with how they played to start the season, it's hard to imagine them winning a title soon. 

Without any draft capital left to truly build a championship-contending squad, the Bulls may have painted themselves into a corner. Sure, the team can turn things around this season, but it's hard to see them doing more than making a short-lived playoff run. Rebuilding now could give the organization a clean slate and a chance to get in on the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.

Ride it out

On the other hand, there are still plenty of reasons to stay the course. Last season, Chicago's core of DeRozan, Vucevic, and LaVine showed they can go toe-to-toe against any opponent. If the Bulls can stay afloat long enough to welcome Ball back, they can still make some noise and improve on their first-round Playoffs exit last season.

Moreover, the Bulls have no real incentive to rebuild. With LaVine still getting his groove back after going under the knife in the offseason, Ball ready to come back anytime soon, and Vucevic and DeRozan delivering consistently, the Bulls can still compete with the best, despite their early-season struggles.

The Bulls are at a crossroads. The team's recent results have made it clear that they must reassess their approach to compete for a championship. Whether they choose to stay the course and make another push for the playoffs or pivot to rebuilding, only time will tell which direction is right for Chicago. 

Based on yesterday's win against the Celtics, the answer might be right in the middle, and the Bulls might be a few pieces away -- Lonzo Ball included -- from finding consistency and taking that next step in title contention.