The Chicago Bulls interior defense has been bad all season, but last night’s 105-101 loss to the Washington Wizards was a new low.
On the season, the Bulls allow 47.1 points in the paint per game, 18th worst in the NBA. Last night against the lowly Washington Wizards, the Bulls’ shallow front court rotation gave up a massive 54 points in the paint.
The Wizards are by no means a great penetrating team, scoring just 45.6 points in the paint per game, 18th in the NBA in scoring. The Bulls let the Wizards run wild on offense, giving them open looks off the pick and roll every time down the court.
LEN. AGAIN. 🐢🐢🐢🐢
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 9, 2021
Four dunks for @alexlen from @RealDealBeal23!#WizBulls | #DCAboveAll pic.twitter.com/fFLqUkIBrv
With Lauri Markkanen is out 2-4 weeks with a right shoulder sprain and Wendell Carter Jr. out at least through February, the Bulls are suddenly in desperate need of frontcourt help.
Giving Thaddeus Young minutes at the center spot was not working last night, and will not work against any team with a tall center and a guard who can run a pick and roll. The Bulls need a big man, and they need one fast if they want any chance at staying in the Eastern Conference Playoff race.
These three trades could keep Chicago afloat while Markkanen and Carter Jr. are out with injuries and add depth once they return.