Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine erupted for 41 points in Friday’s win over Philadelphia, going an incredible 11-of-13 from deep. As Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times writes, that pushed the Bulls’ record against the Celtics, Nets, Bucks, Sixers and Heat up to 9-2, which is the polar opposite of 2021/22, when the team struggled against the East’s top teams (it’s fair to wonder whether the Heat still belong in that group at this point with a disappointing 21-19 record, but they were one shot away from the Finals last season).
However, the Bulls have been very inconsistent overall, and are currently just 18-21, the No. 9 seed in the East. LaVine was asked after the game whether he thought Chicago has shown enough to not only keep the current roster, but possibly add to it at the trade deadline as opposed to becoming a seller.
“At our best, we showed what we can be last year [at this time],” LaVine said, per Cowley. “We were the No. 1 team in the East. At our best, we’re one of the best teams in the league. That’s for them to decide. . . . I’m not worried about our roster.”
Here’s more on the Bulls:
- As we relayed a couple days ago, head coach Billy Donovan pushed back on the notion that Zach LaVine isn’t involved in his late-game play calls, even though DeMar DeRozan has dominated the team’s shot attempts in clutch situations. Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago provides more details and context on how the team operates at the end of close games, including quotes from Donovan regarding the DeRozan-LaVine dynamic.
- Injured guard Lonzo Ball (left knee surgery) continues to make slow progress as he attempts to return to action. Donovan said on Friday night that he’s shown improvement compared to the last update, but Ball still isn’t able to run yet, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps (Twitter link). Ball last played on January 14, 2022 — nearly a full year ago.
- Donovan also gave an update on forward Javonte Green, tweets Bontemps. The 29-year-old will be out for at least one more week as he continues to deal with right knee soreness, but the team is hopeful rest will help him recuperate. Green has been a key energy player off Chicago’s bench, averaging 5.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG and 0.7 BPG on .587/.382/.674 shooting through 28 games (16.0 MPG). He has now missed 11 of the team’s past 17 games, including three straight.
- Guard Alex Caruso, who sprained his right ankle during Wednesday’s victory over the Nets and had to exit the game early, was ruled out for Friday’s win, notes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago (via Twitter). Like Green, Caruso provides a lot of energy — he’s arguably the team’s best defensive player.
Even if everyone is healthy and playing their best basketball, they’re still not winning a Championship. No generational talent, No Championship. That’s how it works. Blow it up, accumulate draft picks, clear Cap space. The NBA formula is the easiest of all the sports.
Sorry Bloodfart, I disagree. Watching the bulls lose over the last two decades, they are at least interesting and competitive. Donovan coaches them well, and they are big steps forward from the Paxton years. There are only so many elite players, and they tend to want to play together. DeMar and Ball make the bulls one from a big three. This group was first in the east last year before the ball injury. That’s no reason to start over. Only 2-3 teams are elite. Bulls are playing good teams well. Have patience.
DeMar and Levine, I mean.
Nope. Not a champion. Will be lucky to make the play-in.
I’m not saying they are championship caliber. What I am saying is that just because you aren’t the number one or two seeded team in your division doesn’t mean you should blow it all up and start over.
It’s time for the Bulls to cash in while they can. It’s time for Demar to head on back home to the Lakers. Lavine is just what the Magic are looking for.
Jones for Moody would be a great swap for both teams.
Yeah what do the Lakers have that anybody would want? Two draft picks 5 years from now? Who gives a crap. The Lakers have a bunch of old or Brittle guys that nobody wants, Including the Lakers. So get a grip.
It will be interesting to see if the Bulls stick their head in the sand again at the trade deadline and refuse to get another decent PF option to go with Williams who is inconsistent at best. They need to make some kind of deal there. You can’t keep sending pint sized Javonte Green and underweight DJJ at other teams PF’s. It’s obviously no lock that Ball makes it back this season at all but they have enough Guards at this point. Ball would be a welcome bonus but it looks like they’ll have to make a decision who to trade. Caruso and White would probably get the desired player back so it’s time to make a deal people. They need another guy to rebound at least, Williams is no lock to be the player they were expecting when they drafted him. Some days he’s great, next day he’s the invisible man.