With a core of promising young players, the Chicago Bulls believe they are setting themselves up to make a jump after going 27-55 and missing the playoffs for the second time in three years. They're banking on Lauri Markkanen building on an impressive rookie season and Zach LaVine showing he really is a cornerstone piece. It wouldn't hurt, either, if Jabari Parker stayed healthy after signing with his hometown team in the offseason. The season opener is Oct. 18 at Philadelphia.