Come To Think of It: What Is Best for the Chicago Bulls—Playoffs or Lottery?

With their win over Milwaukee Friday night, the Chicago Bulls have moved past the Bucks for the eighth and final spot in the NBA playoffs.

While there are still many games left to play, this begs the question of whether or not it would be a good thing for the Bulls to make the playoffs this season.

Now I'm certainly not asking if they should tank the season. No, they need to continue to play hard and let the chips fall where they may.

But if it should happen, and the Bulls do take the eighth seed in the playoffs, is that really what we want as fans?

It's not a slam dunk, you know (pun intended).

Proponents of a playoff berth argue that it would be good for the organization because it would give the team hope for the future and help improve player morale.

They also say that it would be good for the development of Derrick Rose.

But critics argue what's the use when they are likely to be knocked out in the first round? There's nothing worse, in any sport, than being mediocre.

Further, wouldn't the Bulls be better off getting into the draft lottery? Or, as it is now called, the Blake Griffen sweepstakes?

Well, even if they do miss the playoffs, they would have to get really lucky to get the first overall pick. Still, they would have a chance and we all saw what can happen when you have a chance.

Wouldn't the bruising 6'10" power forward out of Oklahoma look good alongside Rose and the other Bulls? That would be a nice building block for the future.

But then, there is also the argument that the fans deserve a playoff run since they have been so few and far between since the Jordan years.

Yet I ask you, would you be any more satisfied as a fan if the Bulls were to go out quickly in the first round?

Of course, once you make the dance, anything can happen. Not likely, but possible, I suppose. Though the prospect of the Bulls getting past the Cavs or Celtics is laughable at best.

Meanwhile, the Bulls carry on. They have a tough couple of road games coming up, so nothing is certain. This thing is far from over.

For looming on their heels is a team coached by former Bulls coach Scott Skiles. Think he wouldn't enjoy beating his former employers to the punch?

There may be no honor in qualifying for the draft lottery. For to the victors go the spoils, as they say.

But the winner of the lottery is a victor of sorts, too, come to think of it...