Chicago Bulls: 3 burning questions as Bucks take 3-1 series lead

2. Is Lonzo Ball Actually this Important?

This is arguably the biggest question for the Bulls as they enter the offseason. They were a top-seeded team when Lonzo Ball was healthy and have played like a bottom feeder since he’s been out.

There were a slew of other factors that also unraveled around the time of Ball’s injury. Alex Caruso and Zach LaVine both went down as well while Patrick Williams was rehabbing — leaving the Bulls without four rotation players.

With that said, all three are back in the lineup while Ball sits on the bench mocking Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Ball’s court vision and shooting have been greatly missed. The Bulls’ offense has struggled to match Milwaukee bucket for bucket the entire series. In each game, the Bucks have ripped off double-digit runs without an answer from Chicago.

Ball was the one player who could feed the stars when the team desperately needed to score. He also was shooting 40% from three and serving as a viable kick-out option when the stars weren’t getting good looks.

The biggest thing the team is missing is his defense. In Game 3 and Game 4, Chicago needed someone to stop Grayson Allen. Ball could do that in his sleep. He’s also able to defend Jrue Holiday the length of the court, which would help tire one of the Bucks’ most important players.

With the Bulls not having Ball for nearly four months, it’s feels like they should’ve been able to adjust by now … right?

Well, they haven’t. Their defensive identity is in the wind along with their elite play. Considering Ball is technically a role player, should his absence be this crushing for a team that considered themselves contenders?