The Bulls were furious at the Bucks’ Grayson Allen after his hard foul against Alex Caruso in January resulted in Caruso fracturing his right wrist. Derrick Jones Jr. appeared to exact some revenge on Friday, though Jones claims his flagrant foul against Allen wasn’t intentional, ESPN’s Jamal Collier writes.
“I’m not a dirty player. Honestly, I talked to every ref that was there (Friday),” the Bulls forward said. “I didn’t think that was a flagrant. They said I hit him in his head. I didn’t even feel it. I just felt him bump my hip and fall. That’s all I felt.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- Pistons reserve guard Frank Jackson missed Friday’s game with a bilateral lumbar spine spasm, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links). Jackson underwent an MRI, Sankofa adds (Twitter link). The Pistons hold a $3.15MM option on Jackson’s contract for next season. He has only appeared in one game since Feb. 11.
- It would be surprising if Zach LaVine bolted the Bulls during free agency this offseason, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago opines. LaVine loves living in Chicago and playing for Billy Donovan. He has also repeatedly praised the front office for upgrading the roster, while the ownership group is committed to paying him.
- Pistons big man Marvin Bagley III had a strong outing after missing three games due to a sprained ankle, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com notes. Bagley, who will enter free agency this summer, had 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench and is thrilled he got traded to Detroit. “When I first got here, the energy was good,” he said. “You can feel it. You can feel how everybody’s connecting. On the road, team dinners, coming together. It’s a great feeling. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Zach LaVine to Portland, July 1 2022… mark it down
Even though he’s from the PNW, can’t see it–the Blazers can’t offer as much financially, competitively, or lifestyle wise. To be fair, I can’t really see him leaving at all unless something changes drastically.
Derozan’s ascension has helped put Zach in the playoffs for the 1st time in his career but it also is gonna keep him from qualifying for a super max deal. If he was eligible for the super max then there would be a substantial gap bw what Chi could offer & what other teams could offer. But with that off the table there’s only a difference of a couple mil/yr bw leaving & staying. Portland can offer just as much as far as possible team success too. Dame Lillard is clearly better than Demar or anybody the Bulls have had since MJ. Portland is a team that has had much more success than Chicago recently too. As far as lifestyle Zach definitely seems like he type that would dig Portland more than Chicago. He is a laid back, introvert type from everything I see. Plus as you noted he’s from the region. If the Bulls get bounced in the 2nd rd or earlier (& I think they will) then there’s a good chance he’ll move on to either Detroit, Indiana or Portland with Portland being the most likely
Idk man. Him and Lilliard would be awesome together but would they be any better than Dame and CJ were? Isn’t the ceiling there just 2nd round and out? Bulls have more talent overall than Portland does, and everybody other than Vuc and DeMar is young and ascending. And from a lifestyle standpoint, yeah he’s pretty lowkey, but he can monetize his brand much, much better in Chicago. The difference in salary doesn’t even scrape the surface in terms of the overall monetary advantage of being in Chicago vs Portland. If the Bulls can be a perennial playoff team Zach can be as big of a star as he wants to be (commercials, endorsements, sneakers, etc.)
Can’t see that as a fit. Blazers will extend Simons and he will play the 2 guard spot. They also have Josh Hart who covers SG.
As for recent success I’m sure LaVine would’ve seen that Dame and CJ could never get it done and would think Dam CJ is one heck of a player look at his affect on the Pelicans. I’m pretty good but I don’t think I change a whole lot for that franchise.
Not to mention as the article says he enjoys living in Chicago, he likes Billy Donovan, he’s liked the FO decisions in building the roster and the ownership want to keep him.
Knowing this will be his first trip to the post season ever, I can’t see him then heading into FA thinking I’ll go to Portland/Indy/Detroit who all missed the playoffs. Once he gets a taste for the playoffs he will want to stay and do better next season.
Everything points to him returning back. I think the only way he leaves is if Chicago are really interested in bringing Anthony Davis back to his home town and some kind of sign and trade deal appears out of no where for LaVine for AD or something along those lines
For who?
He’s an unrestricted free agent as soon as the season is over (1st time in his career). He’ll be able to sign with anyone he wants
Blazers fans are more delusional than Lakers fans…
What is this in reference to? Do you think I’m a Blazers fan?
It’s in reference to the fact that you probably think the sun sets in the East.
Where’s Portland going to have the $ for him genius? He’s staying in Chicago. Get over yourself.
Rather see Allen get tripped from behind and go head first into the basket support instead of hitting him in the head. He’s a pathetic human with no morals so hitting him in the head is a complete waste of time.
Allen will get his. League knows about him.
I thought Thompson was supposed to be the Bulls Big Meanie and give Allen what he deserved..except he wasn’t even on the team when the Caruso incident happened, and he apparently couldn’t contain his aggression, since he fouled Giannis every time he touched the ball.
Really …. He has no injury history. Just keep your eye on him.
What? Or should I say who..?
Bagley his time is now. Pistons were smart to get him. He’s not worth his contract yet. But I believe he will be. PO next yr for 14 mill. Pistons have another yr to get him right.
His FT is under .50%. But he’s a .75% career shooter. Gotta get that up.
In 22.2 mins, FG .527%, 13 pts, 6 reb
Those are decent stats.
If he can stay on the court sure. Not a good sign that he’s already missed games in his short stint with Motown
He’s been poorly & incorrectly used his first three years. Bagley can see & feel the Cade Cunningham chemistry so he’s coming back & he gets to play around the rim & over the rim. That trade is already paying dividends. Can’t wait to see what he can do in a full year of development & consistent minutes.
The bulls are missing one of their only guys big enough to guard 4s in ZO. They are also missing the best on ball defender in the league in Caruso. That’s why they were a top 5 defense with them and basically last without them. Just let everyone get healthy. This team definitely still has upside.
I think Caruso is a very good defender but the best in the league is a bit of a stretch. I’d still put players like Kawhi Leonard, Giannis, Jimmy Butler, Ben Simmons, Marcus Smart, Jrue Holiday and Dejonte Murray on a higher level than Alex.
Definitely a much better team with Zo and Caruso. They can’t guard bigs. Vooch will continue to get torched in the pick and roll. Williams is not a big 4, but he may be the most important piece missing if he can help defend. They get killed on the boards, and pick @ rolls.
Derrick Jones Jr. is my hero! Do it again, but harder next time.
Jones is a chicken! At least have the balls to admit it, if not don’t do it!
He will admit it when you pay his fine…