Of all the issues holding down the Bulls, none is more baffling than the slow start by Lauri Markkanen, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. A tense two-game stretch ended on a positive note Saturday as Zach LaVine resolved trust issues with coach Jim Boylen and put up 49 points in a dramatic win at Charlotte. However, Cowley notes that Markkanen was on the bench as the Bulls finished off their comeback.
“Well, I didn’t think Lauri played poorly,’’ Boylen said afterward. “He did not shoot the ball how we know he can shoot it. I did not think he played poorly. Just like Zach, just like Coby [White], just like [Kris Dunn], just like [Ryan Arcidiacono], just like everybody, Wendell [Carter], I’m going to keep coaching and my staff is going to keep coaching. Just try to keep leading these guys in the right direction. We’re going to keep looking at it.’’
Markkanen’s scoring average is down about five points from last season and his shooting percentage has dropped from 43.0% to 35.4%. Cowley cites increasing concern in the organization that he and LaVine might not be effective together. Rumors of a possible Markkanen trade have emerged recently, although a source in the organization strongly denied it.
There’s more Bulls news to pass along:
- Chicago is giving fewer minutes to its best players than anyone else in the league, which may contribute to any chemistry issues between LaVine and Markkanen, notes Sam Smith of Bulls.com. The Bulls have 10 players averaging at least 20 minutes per game, while most teams have six or seven. Both LaVine and Markkanen have seen their court time fall about 10% from last season.
- Coaches are working with Carter to try to get his foul trouble under control, relays K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. The second-year center is averaging 12.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, but he’s also committing 4.2 fouls, which limits his time on the court. “I don’t know if it’s that I’m being too aggressive,” Carter said. “I talk to the refs. Every time I pick up my early fouls, I always try to ask them what exactly am I doing wrong. It seems my body is out of position or my hands are down. It’s just a concentration thing with me. I just have to go into the game knowing that I can’t be picking up early fouls.”
- Backup center Luke Kornet has been cleared for basketball work a week after having nasal surgery, Johnson tweets.
There is nothing more bulls than trading lauri to keep zacks losing ways on the squad, so ashamed that I used to worship this team
same.
His PPG is down more than 2.5 points and his shooting percentage is not down 40 percent.
Lots of errors such as this as of late.
The Bulls are an absolute mess. Absolute dumpster fire burnt down animal guts all over the place drunk s*** everywhere level of stink. Rebuilding for five years and all the have to show for it are three guys who would be bench players on an 8 seed team and some D-league players. They will be rebuilding for 60 more years at this point hoping for the reincarnation of Derrick Rose and Michael Jordan.
I think Wendell Carter will be a solid player. Not a star mind you but in a couple years as he grows into his body he will produce. 15 and 10 with solid rim protection.
Coby White has played less then 20 games so far in his career. Give him a chance. He has shown signs of being a good lead guard. He’s a little inconsistent but it take some guys longer to develop and figure out the speed of the NBA game.
I didn’t think he played poorly, I just thought he played poorly.
…………
I think the problem is Boylen. He got off to a bad start with this team, he’s not making things fun, and his young players aren’t responding. A few good wins in a row might fix everything, but I suspect Boylen will continue to antagonize.
The old school “my way or the highway” approach only works if the players like you. Boylen seems to enjoy embarrassing players for mistakes and blowing things out of proportion. He got fired in Utah after most of his team transferred out… That’s not something players do when they like the coach.
I absolutely agree with you. This team was fun with Hoidberg, even though he’s not the best coach. This team isn’t having fun and Boylen is, I think, the culprit. The bulls need a timberwolves style culture change. They have a lot of good young talent, but no leadership to harness their ability.
Bulls fans should be happy with the 6 rings Jordan got the team.
Rockets fans should be happy that the fake MVP went ghost in 2017 vs Spurs in Game 6 without Kawhi, and then also didn’t show up in last year’s Semifinals even with KD out. But then again, Rockets are paper champs. Shouldn’t be calling out anybody’s fanbase when you can’t even beat a crippled Warriors or Spurs team last three years.
Whatever. I just can’t wait to play the Bulls this season!