5 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls’ preseason – NBC Sports Chicago

Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich, analyzing preseason basketball for the Bulls can be a challenging task. With a veteran roster prioritizing health, it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions. Despite a 1-4 preseason record, limited playing time for key players like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vučević, and DeMar DeRozan, we can still evaluate the team’s progress in certain areas. And while this season may not hold high stakes, it does have implications for the franchise’s future. DeRozan’s contract is expiring, and with a costly core coming off a non-playoff season, the players are fully aware of what’s at stake. Vučević expressed, “I think this is our last shot to make something happen. We’re aware of that. It’s on us to deliver.”

Regarding the lineup, it seems likely that Coby White and Patrick Williams will start alongside the Bulls’ “Big Three” unless any unexpected changes occur before the regular-season opener. White’s development at the point guard position has impressed coach Billy Donovan, who believes White’s maturity and ability to handle the position will benefit the team. White himself downplayed winning the starting position, emphasizing his desire to be a leader and expand his role on the team.

As for Williams, he finished the preseason strong with two aggressive games, demonstrating growth despite a rough start and challenging moments. Donovan acknowledged Williams’ improvement and mentioned the positive defensive energy brought by Jevon Carter, Alex Caruso, and Torrey Craig off the bench. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Caruso and Craig in closing lineups due to their defensive abilities.

In terms of offense, Donovan expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts to make quicker decisions, avoid stagnation, and rely less on isolation plays in the halfcourt. He also highlighted improvements in paint attacks and offensive rebounding. However, turnovers need to be reduced, and the team ranked low in 3-point volume during the preseason. Vučević sees potential in utilizing off-ball actions to involve more players in the offense and reduce reliance on pick-and-roll plays. The Bulls finished the preseason with a 105.6 offensive rating, ranking 20th in the league.

Despite missing a game due to illness, LaVine showcased his athleticism and finishing skills, shooting efficiently at the rim. He has worked on his game during the summer and aims to become a lethal, three-level scorer. Donovan encourages LaVine to take more catch-and-shoot opportunities and increase the team’s 3-point attempts. LaVine’s dedication to improving as a player is evident, and he’s eager to continue progressing.

As for DeRozan, his role may change with Donovan’s emphasis on playing at a faster pace and reducing isolation plays. While DeRozan initially downplayed the question, Donovan acknowledged the need for a balance between utilizing DeRozan’s skills and avoiding excessive isolation. The team’s offensive spacing needs improvement, and better ball movement and generating more offensive rebounds will contribute to overall offensive success.

Defensively, the Bulls ranked 21st in the league during the preseason, with a defensive rating of 109.3. Donovan stated that it’s uncertain if the team can replicate a top-five defense but believes there’s room for improvement. He noted that players like Torrey Craig and Jevon Carter are learning new defensive terminologies but mentioned that the team as a whole needs to improve its overall defensive cohesion. Last season, the Bulls excelled defensively as a unit, and Donovan aims to see that level of teamwork and support return.

In conclusion, while preseason analysis can be challenging, there are key aspects to evaluate for the Bulls. The lineup appears to be settled, with White and Williams likely starting alongside the “Big Three.” Offensively, the team has made strides in areas such as decision-making and paint attacks but needs to reduce turnovers and increase 3-point attempts. LaVine looks impressive and is determined to become an even more potent scorer. DeRozan’s role may change, with a focus on a faster pace and better offensive spacing. Defensively, improvements are needed to replicate last season’s success. Stay tuned to see how the Bulls perform in the regular season.

Reference

Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.