The Chicago Bulls capped a 3-1 preseason Tuesday, enjoying 4 video games that provided a glimpse on the common season.
Preseason outcomes at all times must be consumed with a grain of salt: Billy Donovan began a special lineup in each recreation, and key opponents comparable to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić didn’t play.
But the preseason nonetheless provided a have a look at what’s working — and what isn’t — for the Bulls. Here are six issues we realized from the preseason.
1. Ayo Dosunmu will begin at level guard
After Dosunmu began all 4 preseason video games, Billy Donovan’s reply on whether or not the Morgan Park and Illinois product gained the purpose guard spot was pretty set: “Basically, yes.”
Dosunmu, 22, is ready to fill in for Lonzo Ball till the purpose guard returns from a lingering left knee damage. Dosunmu averaged 10.3 factors, 3.3 rebounds and a couple of.8 assists in preseason, going 6-for-11 on 3-pointers.
While Dosunmu was dependable on the place final season, he struggled with the bodily and psychological rookie wall within the closing month. His fundamental duties can be enhancing confidence in making on-ball choices and sustaining his tempo by the season.
2. Patrick Williams’ Bulls future remains to be unsure
The preseason solely threw extra doubt in regards to the function of the third-year energy ahead, who continues to battle asserting himself.
Javonte Green made a powerful bid to usurp Williams’ place within the beginning lineup after stepping in at energy ahead final season. Green brings a special ability set to the place, however his capacity to protect bigger gamers and crush dunks in transition and within the paint stands out in opposition to Williams’ timidity.
Williams, 21, used the ultimate preseason recreation to indicate that he can match Green’s rim aggression, throwing down three thunderous dunks. But he hasn’t been capable of muster the identical vitality when factored in to the beginning lineup with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
3. Zach LaVine is wholesome — however not himself
LaVine spent the summer time recovering from arthroscopic surgical procedure on his left knee, which restricted his typical summer time coaching — particularly five-on-five scrimmages.
The layoff was seen in LaVine’s consolation all through the preseason. Although he appeared extra assured than he did within the closing half of final season, LaVine’s determination making with the ball lacked its typical precision. He turned the ball over 10 occasions whereas registering solely 9 assists in three video games earlier than sitting out the ultimate preseason recreation.
This seemingly was a results of needing to brush away cobwebs with just a few scrimmages, however LaVine’s passing can be a key part for the Bulls offense — particularly with out Ball. The faster LaVine can regain consolation, the higher the Bulls can be for it.
4. Nikola Vučević seems to be snug
The heart didn’t share the identical discomfort as LaVine within the preseason, enjoying all 4 video games and voicing his confidence in his health. Vučević struggled final season when the Bulls turned overly reliant on his nook 3-point capturing. The preseason confirmed the Bulls are wanting to work Vučević into the publish for extra alternatives along with his again to the basket.
Vučević made seven 3-pointers on 50% capturing and fared simply as nicely within the paint, the place he shot 68% in averaging 14.8 factors and 9.5 rebounds. The elevated exercise within the paint additionally arrange the middle to attach with LaVine and Dosunmu within the two-man recreation and facilitate simpler ball motion backward and forward.
Failing to search out the correct function for Vučević was a key detractor final season. If the Bulls have discovered an efficient groove, the middle might take a step up.
5. Rookie Dalen Terry will push for minutes
Donovan entered the preseason ready for Terry to take a gradual entry into the NBA. But after displaying out within the preseason, the 20-year-old rookie has proved he’s able to push for as many minutes as attainable.
Terry’s work on his capturing over the summer time was evident — he averaged 6.5 factors on 55% capturing — however he particularly excelled in aiding teammates and pushing a sooner tempo in transition. He didn’t seem to overlook a beat in opposition to the elevated velocity and ability of the NBA, significantly on the defensive finish.
Although he seemingly will stay a deep rotational participant, Terry did sufficient within the preseason to earn minutes with the primary workforce a lot sooner.
6. The Bulls nonetheless can push the tempo with out Lonzo Ball
One of the most important questions for the Bulls to begin the season is how one can preserve a quick tempo in transition with out Ball, who usually equipped the workforce with highlight-worthy, full-court passes to spark breakaways.
But the Bulls showcased a capability to complement this tempo even with out Ball. Alex Caruso and Goran Dragić are succesful guards in transition, and Terry added to the quick tempo as nicely. But even bigs comparable to Vučević and Andre Drummond have been actively pushing the tempo within the closing three preseason video games.
If the Bulls can maintain this, they’ll be higher match to duplicate the up-tempo offense that served them nicely firstly of final season.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com