If last season was an experiment to see if the Chicago Bulls can survive with a core of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Lonzo Ball, this year’s preseason was a test of whether they can survive without the star trio.
With several of Chicago’s core players playing reduced minutes, fans were given the first opportunity to see just how good the bench depth and role players truly are. In somewhat surprising fashion, the Bulls’ second unit and newest acquisitions actually held their ground.
The Bulls posted a 3-1 record in the preseason, reeling off three consecutive victories entering the regular season. Building this positive momentum will be essential early on, as the Bulls stare down a difficult opening schedule without their floor general Lonzo to lead the way.
If the performance of Chicago’s newest acquisitions was no mirage but in fact a regular season preview, this team may be in much safer hands than originally anticipated.
After improving the bench by adding a handful of quality rotation players, the Chicago Bulls had much to look forward to in preseason play.
4. Kostas Antetokounmpo
Kostas Antetokounmpo finds himself here in the last spot not because he played poorly, but rather because we just haven’t gotten to see him on the court enough to make a fair assessment. Only logging 11 minutes in Chicago’s final two contests, Kostas had limited opportunity to rack up any substantial statistical production.
He totaled 4 points, 5 rebounds, and an assist in those 11 minutes of playtime, but also turned the ball over four times, which is a little concerning. Considering the tempo the Bulls were playing in those garbage time minutes, however, I don’t think it’s all that concerning that he was being a little fast and loose with the ball.
It’s especially easy to forgive when Kostas showed impressive flashes of potential on both ends of the court. I particularly liked his aggressiveness in getting to the rim and blowing by the eighth pick from this year’s draft class, Dyson Daniels.
Allowing Antetokounmpo the chance to prove himself on a risk-free two-way contract is a perfect situation for both parties. We’ll be following his performance on both the Chicago Bulls and the Windy City Bulls with great interest this season.