Just two games after the All-Star break and the Chicago Bulls look like they have taken steps backwards. They lost a second straight game, this time, a lifeless 101-90 loss to the Miami Heat at the United Center. That dropped the Bulls record to a mediocre 16-20 on the season.
Goran Dragic was scoreless at the half, he stayed quite then exploded to score 20 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. The Bulls had no answer for the playmaking point guard.
Jimmy Butler was his usual effective self, scoring 28 points on 7-for-17 shooting with eight assists. Butler loves to show the Bulls that trading the guard to the Minnesota Timberwolves for All-Star guard Zach LaVine four years ago, is still lingering and fresh in his mind.
LaVine was one of only two teammates playing well for the Bulls scoring his 18th 30-point game on another efficient shooting night. He was 10-for-16 with 30 points, six rebounds and six assists. There was only one other player playing solid basketball.
Forward Lauri Markkanen played very well again after his second game back from injury. He went 8-for-18 shooting with 20 points and six rebounds. It was Wendell Carter Jr. who struggled again, in now back-to-back games were our opponent was without there All-Star center.
Just a poor performance for WCJ he barely managed four points the entire night. Yes, he grabbed nine rebounds but without Bam Adebayo he should have had a much more of an impact. This was far from a dominant performance. Instead, he came out flat and looked confused at times.
"WCJ said it himself that he feels like he has regressed on offense. He said “I got to play a lot better. I have to be more aggressive.”"
There is still no excuse for his lack of effort the past two games, literally WCJ has had every opportunity to show what he is capable of. His lack of urgency and unwillingness to be aggressive has really hurt the Bulls already troubling front court.
"WCJ also said, “these last couple of games have frustrated the (explicit) out of me.”"
His recent poor play may become crucial in the decision making of the new front office with the trade deadline fast approaching. The Bulls are missing pieces. The need for a physical rim protector should be the top priority before March 25th.
A guard who can create his own shot and is a solid defender is another humungous need for this team. Dragic is the prime example of the impact a playmaker can have on the floor. Especially in late game situation.
Having a second option next to LaVine only helps the Bulls become a better closing team. The need for a center has been the most concerning for this undersized team.
WCJ could find his way out of the windy city if his sub-par performances continue for the next two weeks. Both Head Coach Billy Donovan and Vice President Arturas Karnisovas have made it clear to this team that they are looking into all their options.
"Donovan has already put the entire team on notice saying “Arturas is taking calls and making them.” His honestly and willingness to hold this team accountable is breathtaking. Calling his players out has become a normal for him.Donovan also said on potential trades for the Bulls leading up to the deadline: “it always goes down to the last day.”"
I think we can all read between the lines here. The Bulls new front office knows that we have holes in this roster that need to be addressed. The dire need for a center is crystal clear. Regression is not the answer moving forward.
A playmaker will only strengthen this team, by giving us another dynamic option in late game situations and to help with scoring droughts. Another guard to defend in the fourth quarter could be key to stop losing all these close games.
Two steps forward three steps back, just going through the motions. This is what I see going on with this team. We are just repeating the same mistakes since the beginning of the season.
Change is coming that I can guarantee, it is just a matter of who and when. Moving closer towards the outside looking in on the playoffs is where the Bulls will be if we continue to lose games against teams who are missing key players.
Realizing the importance of not taking nights of has to be a huge looker room discussion. Keeping this young team focused on the task at hand will be coach Donovan’s biggest challenge for the remainder of the season.
He has been up for the challenges so far this season and his impact has not been unnoticed. Donovan can only do so much as a coach, his players need to respond and challenge themselves to figure this out as a unit. Winning needs to be the priority every single night.
The Bulls should have beaten a Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons less Philadelphia team. Miami was a game we needed as well. The second half schedule will not be getting any easier. These loses may come back to bite us!
There is no fight in this current roster and moving backwards this late in the season is not a recipe for success. Let us hope we are in good hands and we can trust this new front office to do what is needed.
The Bulls embark on a journey of seven games in the next 13 nights, we could very well find ourselves at the bottom of the Eastern conference if we do not play better team basketball and defense.
These last two uncharacteristic losses may be the final straw for AK and the front office. Wasting away talent and an NBA season is not what fans signed up for. Taking steps back is the worst thing to happen at this point in the season.
I will have a Bullseye on the trade situation and counting down the final days. I am expecting changes are coming soon and help will be on its way!