The Chicago Bulls hope to defy low expectations as NBA season tips off

Zoom in: The NBA is coming off a wild offseason that saw big trades and free agent acquisitions as franchises load up for a run at the title.

Yes, but: The Bulls weren't one of those franchises. The team's quiet offseason has fans wondering if this season will end up being just like the last few, on the outside looking in.

The good news: The team returns most of the same players, including stars Coby White (injured to start the season), Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.

• These core players propelled the Bulls to the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, losing to the Miami Heat in the play-in.

The bad news: The team really didn't add anybody. They re-signed Giddey and used their first-round draft pick on Noa Essengue, a 19-year-old from France who projects to get limited minutes as he develops his game.

• They did finally trade Lonzo Ball, getting forward Isaac Okoro in return from the Cavs.

• Also, the Cavs, Bucks, Pistons and the defending Eastern Conference champion Pacers are ahead of the Bulls in Central Division preseason projections.

The intrigue: Despite the Bulls' stagnant performance, the team gave coach Billy Donovan a significant contract extension.

The bottom line: This Bulls team could find chemistry and sneak up on the loaded NBA East, but short of that, fans are worried it could be another wasted season on the West Side.