Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” How about, “Get to know someone before making assumptions?” Labeling individuals, placing stereotypes, and being judgemental are some of the worst things we can do in this life. With all the technology enhancement and accessibility to applications within a blink of an eye, it’s easy to open up the NBA app, look at the Chicago Bulls‘ current 6-10 record and see that they aren’t at the top of the East and say, “Wow, I’m done with them.”
Let’s break open the facts, as it’s all too easy to get carried away into a mindset and mentality of possessing “tunnel vision”, which can influence our opinions in spite of any counter-evidence from that moment on. Let’s now slide out of that Chicago museum tunnel, turn on a little Donell Jones, and allow ourselves to dig into the whole Bulls garden to see what strides, growth, and strategies have been put in place and what can be speculated from here.
The Chicago Bulls are having a downright messy start to this 2022-2023 season. It’s not difficult to have a flashback similar to the 2002 movie “The Ring” when comparing last season at this exact same time to now. Last year, the Bulls remained in a top-two spot as they glided through the first part of the 2021-2022 season, and it would shock me if this step in the wrong direction was not triggering some emotions of anger and frustration by the entire Bulls organization as we get closer to the end of November.
It’s critical to realize that there is more to a current NBA organization and franchise than just the final scores, team stats, and rankings. This has been touched on several times before, but this Bulls roster has guys that are struggling to make the most of their abilities, despite quality individual performances. Coach Billy Donovan and staff have put together one of the most talented cropped guys on a team in the NBA, in terms of their individual skill sets.
Currently struggling to get the most out of their talented roster, let’s break down what we can expect from the Chicago Bulls for the rest of the season.
These Bulls players will find some way to get through a brick wall if need be. They refuse to take no for an answer and fight until the very last buzzer. For example, in their game against the New Orleans Pelicans, they were down double digits in the second half. They battled back with complete energy and took the game late. However, they then watched it slip away as the game came to an end with a 111-115 loss. When they return all of their guys and get healthy again, incredible things are in store for the Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have done the expected at the start of this season and have even improved on some elements of their game. DeRozan is putting up a team-best 25.2 PPG to go along with 4.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.0 SPG. Zach LaVine is averaging 20.7 PPG and is punching in 4.0 APG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.1 SPG. Nikola Vucevic is providing his typical third-wheel spark with 15.8 PPG and just under 12 RPG with 11.7.
The amazing impressions sprung from starter Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu received some quality minutes last season, and has really cut loose this ‘22-’23 season. The former Illini product is averaging 11.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 3.5 RPG and has been a consistent hooper on both ends of the floor, utilizing his top-notch athleticism in transition.
Another highly noted impression is Goran Dragic. Dragic has done absolute wonders coming off the bench for the Bulls in his first season in Chicago in every shape and form possible. He is an unbelievable passer and makes difficult passes look easy. His pinpoint lob passes are a serious show to watch. A big impression has also been made by Andre Drummond. Drummond is averaging 8.4 PPG and 8.7 RPG.
Last but not least, Patrick Williams, Javonte Green, Coby White, Derrick Jones Jr., and Alex Caruso are all having a positive impact at the start of this season and are giving the team some tremendous minutes. It’s intriguing to note that as of press time today, first-year rookie and former Wildcat product Dalen Terry, has been assigned to the Windy City Bulls of the G-League.
The Bulls will move in the right direction and expect this to happen within a matter of days. How can you not when you have so many talented and athletic players?