Most promising stat for each Bulls player since All-Star Break
Forwards
DeMar DeRozan: Field Goals Attempted
Prior to the All-Star Break, DeMar DeRozan averaged 18 field goal attempts per game, which was already a step down from his 20.2 attempts per game over the 2021-22 season. Now that Zach LaVine is firing on all cylinders, however, DeRozan has been happy to step back and take a near 10% reduction in shots at 16.5 per game. Doing so has also helped his efficiency, as his shooting splits have risen from marks of 50.7% from the field and 31.3% from long-range to 51.6% and 40%. respectively.
Patrick Williams: 3-Point Percentage
Patrick Williams was already developing into an interesting 3-and-D talent this season by drilling 39.8% of his threes leading up to the All-Star Break, but he’s been on an absolute tear as if late. Shooting 53.8% on 2.4 long-range attempts per game, Williams has become the caliber of three-point threat that can majorly swing games in Chicago’s favor. If he becomes a sustainable 40%+ shooter, he’ll become a piece the Bulls cannot afford to lose moving forward.
Derrick Jones Jr.: Plus/Minus
Derrick Jones Jr. has been on an absolute tear lately, and has seen a big uptick in his playtime over the last five games because of it. Just like the aforementioned Vucevic, the Bulls have been significantly outplaying teams whenever Jones Jr. is on the court. In the 118 minutes he’s played since the All-Star Break, Chicago has outscored opposing teams by 46 points. His positional versatility and defensive talent will continue to yield big minutes for DJJ moving forward if he continues this level of play.
Javonte Green: Games Played
This may sound painfully obvious, but the simple fact is the Chicago Bulls are a better team when Javonte Green plays. After missing 34 consecutive games following his knee surgery, it was great to see Green return to the court for limited minutes in back-to-back games against Philadelphia. Hopefully, the soreness that caused him to miss the last three games subsides soon so he can resume his progress and get back to his usual self before the playoffs begin.