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Bulls Notes: Backcourt, Ball, LaVine, Buzelis, Freeman-Liberty

October 9th, 2024 at 10:02am CST by Luke Adams

Will there be enough minutes to go around for all the players in the Bulls‘ backcourt this season? Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times explores that question, noting that guards Coby White, Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey, and Ayo Dosunmu all figure to have regular roles, with Lonzo Ball, Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter, and Chris Duarte also vying for minutes.

“I think it’s going to be a hard situation from the standpoint of these guys are all highly competitive, work really hard in the offseason to get themselves ready to play,” head coach Billy Donovan said. “And quite honestly in some of these situations with the way our team is, they just may not get that opportunity. I’m not saying it’s Jevon, Chris or Dalen or whoever it is. We’ve got to see how camp plays out.

“We’ve obviously had to deal with the injuries with Josh and Lonzo, but there’s no question that with the number of guards there, I think we’ll have to play with three guards. I think Ayo is a really, really good perimeter defender, who he’s paired with, try and match someone with that. I agree, someone is going to be sitting. We’re not able to play them all.”

The Bulls started three guards in their preseason opener vs. Cleveland on Tuesday, with White, LaVine, and Giddey joining Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic in the starting five. As Donovan notes, that look seems likely to carry over into the regular season.

Here’s more out of Chicago:

After spending over a year recovering from his latest knee surgery, Ball wasn’t available for the Bulls’ preseason opener on Tuesday. However, that wasn’t because of his knee, Cowley writes in a separate Sun-Times story. As Cowley explains, Ball dealt with a “nasty” case of COVID just before camp began, which left him several days behind in workouts. He’s still in the process of “getting his strength back,” according to Donovan.
Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune shares six takeaways from the Bulls’ preseason opener, writing that LaVine looked comfortable in his return from foot surgery and that lottery pick Matas Buzelis flashed intriguing potential in his first NBA game. However, acknowledging that one preseason game isn’t enough to draw any definitive conclusions, Poe also notes that Tuesday’s game did nothing to assuage concerns about the team’s potential defensive shortcomings.
After reporting earlier this week indicated that guard Javon Freeman-Liberty was leaving Manisa Basket for the NBA, the Turkish club confirmed the news, publishing an Instagram post that wished Freeman-Liberty luck in the next phase of his career “with the Chicago Bulls.” As Blake Murphy of Sportsnet tweets, FIBA clearance is still required before the guard can officially finalize his new deal with Chicago. It’s unclear whether Freeman-Liberty left Manisa simply to sign a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with the Bulls or if he’ll get a standard or two-way deal that offers more assurances.

Bulls Notes: Ball, Buzelis, Dosunmu, Williams, Giddey

October 5th, 2024 at 2:15pm CST by Arthur Hill

It’s only been a few days of training camp, but Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is optimistic about the progress of his left knee, writes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Ball is trying to salvage his NBA career after missing the past two and half seasons with knee issues that required multiple surgeries. He’s not a full participant in camp drills and he’s being closely monitored by the medical staff, but Ball is encouraged so far, especially after taking part in a scrimmage on Friday and being able to play at full speed with normal contact.

“Today was probably my best day,” he told reporters after Friday’s practice. “It’s getting better each time.”

Ball realizes that he doesn’t possess the same physical qualities that he did before the injuries, Poe adds. His first step isn’t as quick, he doesn’t have his former speed on defense and his jumper is a little off-balance as he works to rebuild the strength in his legs. Coach Billy Donovan is urging him to compensate by relying on the mental part of his game, which is sharper than ever.

“He can take a situation that looks three-on-three and just by a pass to a certain area of the floor, can make it three-on-two, just out of feel,” Donovan said. “That’s the one thing I think for him that will never go away. He’s just such a high-IQ player and knows the game so well. The way he plays, he makes people around him better.”

There’s more on the Bulls:

Lottery pick Matas Buzelis has impressed teammates with his athleticism in training camp, but he may not have a clear path to playing time, Poe states in a separate story. She notes that the Bulls tend to keep their draft picks in the NBA even if they’re not playing regularly so they can learn how to be professionals. Donovan said Buzelis will only be sent to the G League if the need arises to give him consistent minutes, and Buzelis is OK with that option. “I’m always going to listen to the organization,” he said. “So if they tell me I got to be in the G League, I’m gonna be in the G League. That’s fine with me. But I’m gonna work my way up to the top team.”
Ayo Dosunmu is ready to “elevate” in his fourth NBA season, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago-Sun Times. Dosunmu spent the summer developing counters to his drives to the basket and improving his ability to read defenses, especially in the pick-and-roll. “The NBA, it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league,” he said, citing the need to improve every offseason. “No one cares about what you did your rookie year or last year. You have to keep proving yourself.”
Patrick Williams understands the expectations are different after he landed a five-year, $90MM extension this summer, Cowley adds in another Sun-Times piece. Williams said the Bulls want him to become a team leader, improve his rebounding and take over as the primary defensive stopper after trading away Alex Caruso.
Josh Giddey is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered during the Olympics, but he was able to take part in most of Friday’s scrimmage, tweets K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.

Bulls Notes: Giddey, Williams, Ball, LaVine

September 30th, 2024 at 2:06pm CST by Luke Adams

New Bulls guard Josh Giddey told reporters on Monday that the ankle injury he suffered at the end of Australia’s run in the Paris Olympics was more serious than initially believed and that he spent the rest of the offseason recovering from it, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network (Twitter links).

According to Giddey, who said he was diagnosed with a ruptured ATFL (anterior talo-fibular ligament), he and the Bulls have been conservative with his rehab timeline, but he’s close to being ready to suit up. In fact, if there were a playoff game on the schedule tomorrow, Giddey could suit up, he said. The fourth-year guard expects to be “fine” for opening night.

Here’s more on the Bulls:

Despite an ominous report last week about his recovery from February foot surgery, Bulls forward Patrick Williams has been playing 5-on-5 ball and is “ready to go” for training camp, Bulls head of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas said today. According to Johnson (Twitter link), the soreness Williams experienced in the offseason that was reference in last week’s report wasn’t related to his foot surgery.
Karnisovas said the goal for the Bulls this year won’t be to try to hang onto the top-10 first-round pick they owe the Spurs, but to define the identity and playing style of the new group, per Johnson (Twitter links). The veteran executive added that the current roster isn’t necessarily a “finished product” and that the front office is focused on building a team that’s “faster and more versatile.”
Lonzo Ball remains optimistic about where he’s at in his recovery from multiple knee surgeries and still hopes to play on opening night, though he acknowledged on Monday that back-to-backs are off the table for him this season and he’ll be on a minutes restriction. “I pretty much have a brand new knee,” the point guard said (Twitter links via Johnson).
Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times wrote this week that rebuilding Zach LaVine‘s trade value and finding him a new home remains the No. 1 goal for the Bulls’ front office. However, speaking on Monday to reporters, LaVine offered a lengthy opening statement about his commitment to the Bulls, suggesting that he and the club have moved past any negativity from the past, tweets Johnson. Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic passes along video of LaVine’s comments, via Twitter.
While Cowley believes LaVine’s future is the most significant storyline worth following in Chicago this season, he identifies a few more “secondary” storylines to watch, in a separate article for the Sun-Times.

Bulls Notes: LaVine, Ball, Williams, White, Buzelis

September 23rd, 2024 at 3:57pm CST by Rory Maher

Confirming a previous report, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic hears from Bulls sources who say that Zach LaVine has been a “willing participant” in team scrimmages ahead of training camp. LaVine was also present for a players-led minicamp last month in Miami, Mayberry reports.

LaVine has been a prominent name in trade rumors for over a year, with the Bulls actively looking to move the two-time All-Star this summer. However, Mayberry writes that rival clubs were only interested in taking on the 29-year-old’s contract — he’s owed $138MM over the next three seasons — if Chicago sweetened the pot by adding additional assets, which was a non-starter for the Bulls.

With young guards like Josh Giddey, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu on the roster, having a veteran known for his scoring prowess like LaVine could be an awkward fit. But according to Mayberry, LaVine has stressed to team leadership that he won’t interfere with his younger teammates’ development.

Here’s more on the Bulls, all courtesy of Mayberry:

Chicago is “cautiously optimistic” about the progress Lonzo Ball has made as he attempts to revive his career, Mayberry writes. The 26-year-old has been a full participant in offseason team workouts and will be a full go for training camp as well, Mayberry reports. Ball, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 2022 due to a left knee injury that has required three surgeries, is on an expiring $21.4MM contract. The Bulls will likely be very careful with Ball, but he has “looked good” to this point, per Mayberry.
Forward Patrick Williams may not be ready for training camp. The 23-year-old, who had season-ending foot surgery in February, told Mayberry and other reporters he was able to run and jump without pain or swelling in July (Twitter link), but he felt some discomfort during the players-only minicamp in August and has been resting over the past handful of weeks. Williams re-signed with the Bulls as a restricted free agent over the summer, inking a five-year, $90MM contract.
While White is expected to remain in the starting lineup alongside Giddey and LaVine, Mayberry suggests the former UNC Tar Heel may not be thrilled with an off-ball role after spending nearly all of last season as the team’s starting point guard. White had a breakout season in 2023/24, finishing runner-up for the Most Improved Player award. Trading Alex Caruso for Giddey indicates the Bulls view White as more of a scorer than a lead facilitator, Mayberry notes.
First-rounder Matas Buzelis has been playing well in scrimmages, according to Mayberry, who says the former G League Ignite forward has particularly impressed with ability to drive and pass. Mayberry also hears the Bulls plan to adjust their playing style on both ends of the court this season.

Eastern Notes: Okoro, Council, Bey, Ball

August 25th, 2024 at 7:16pm CST by Dana Gauruder

There’s been very little movement in negotiations between the Cavaliers and the only restricted free agent left on the market, Isaac Okoro, Brian Windhorst reported during NBA on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective (video link). The Cavaliers hold the upper hand, since no team except the Pistons is in a position cap-wise to make a competitive offer to Okoro.

“I think there’s only been a little bit of talking back and forth,” Windhorst said. “I’m sure it will increase as we get closer to camp. But the Cavs are realizing that all the money is spent out there. Okoro has the option of taking his qualifying offer. I am told the Cavs made a multiyear offer, whatever that’s worth.”

Okoro’s qualifying offer is worth a little over $11.8MM.

We have more from the Eastern Conference:

Ricky Council IV brings diverse skills to the table and Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers argues that he should be part of the Sixers’ rotation once again during the upcoming season. Council just needs to become a respectable three-point shooter to earn playing time on one of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams, Hudrick adds.
Forward Saddiq Bey signed a three-year contract with the Wizards this summer as a free agent despite suffering a torn ACL in March. Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network breaks down Bey’s skill set using analytics.
Lonzo Ball continues to defy the odds in his latest attempt to come back from knee surgery, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Ball was recently cleared to start full-contact scrimmages and has started that process on schedule with no setbacks, Cowley reports. The veteran point guard has been participating in scrimmages in Los Angeles. The next step for Ball will be to run with his Bulls teammates at the team’s practice facility, which will allow Chicago’s medical staff to evaluate him and devise a plan for him heading into the preseason.

Nikola Vucevic Talks Lonzo Ball, Changes In Chicago, Retirement

August 25th, 2024 at 1:53pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Speaking at All-NBA point guard Goran Dragic‘s farewell game in Slovenia, Bulls center Nikola Vucevic reflected on the team’s disappointing results over the past three seasons. The 6’10” big man noted that everything changed after point guard Lonzo Ball suffered a left meniscus tear midway through the 2021/22 season, per Milun Nesovic of Meridian Sport (hat tip to BasketNews for the transcription).

Chicago went 22-13 during the 35 games Ball was healthy, and hovered around the top of the Eastern Conference. The club then fell to the No. 6 seed and was eliminated by the Bucks in a brisk 2022 first-round playoff series. Ball has undergone three knee surgeries, but has yet to return to the hardwood.

“Since Lonzo Ball’s injury, we haven’t been able to achieve the results we could have,” Vucevic said. “When he played, we were at the top of the East for a while, which maybe wasn’t a realistic result, even though we were playing well, but with him, we would have fought for anything between third and sixth place in the end.”

Chicago hasn’t had Ball available since January 2022. It’s probably not realistic to expect him to contribute at the same level he did, if he ever can come back.

The conversation is well worth reading in full. Here are some more highlights:

Vucevic also blamed constant trade chatter for distracting the team during its subsequent two seasons, when Chicago made very few transactions and ultimately missed the playoffs. “Trade talks also affected us, preventing us from achieving the results we thought we could, but when results don’t follow, changes come,” Vucevic said.
The team parted ways with two of its top players, six-time All-Star swingman DeMar DeRozan and All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso, this summer. DeRozan inked a lucrative three-year deal with the Kings via sign-and-trade, while Caruso was dealt to the Thunder for Josh Giddey. Vucevic is aware that the club is trying to pivot. “DeRozan left, Caruso left, the team got younger, and they wanted to go in a different direction,” Vucevic said. “We’ll see how the season goes, and then decisions will be made based on that.”
The 33-year-old center, who is owed $41.5MM over the next two seasons, also addressed his own future in the league. “I’m aware that I’ve been in the NBA for 13 years now, that the end is not that far off,” Vucevic acknowledged. “I don’t believe I’ll play another 13 years, but I have two more years with Chicago, and I’d like to play two more after that… I think I can play at a high level for that long, and then I’ll see.” A two-time All-Star while with the Magic, Vucevic has seen his shooting efficiency fall off somewhat in recent seasons. After connecting on 40% of 6.3 three-pointers per game in 2020/21, he has averaged 32% on 4.3 long range attempts across the ensuing three seasons. Though he averaged a respectable 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 76 games last season, Vucevic’s lack of athleticism has made him a major defensive liability, unable to switch in pick-and-roll situations and incapable of effectively protecting the rim. Offensively, the ball often sticks in his hands and disrupts the club’s scoring.

Central Notes: Ball, Giddey, Stewart, Trent

August 7th, 2024 at 7:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

Bulls officials continue to be optimistic about the progress Lonzo Ball has shown this summer, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Ball, who is trying to return from left knee issues that have sidelined him since January of 2022, has recently been playing in 5-on-5, full-contact scrimmages and hasn’t experienced any setbacks.

Cowley notes that Ball has undergone three knee surgeries since his last NBA game, including an experimental cartilage transplant that gave him a new meniscus. Cowley states that no other professional athlete has been able to resume playing following this procedure.

Ball has been slowly increasing his basketball activity, starting with 1-on-1 games. There are still more hurdles for the 26-year-old point guard to clear, including a return to NBA conditioning and adapting his body to the physicality of the game. The ideal scenario for the Bulls, according to Cowley, is for Ball to play well enough at the start of the season so they can find a taker for his $21.4MM expiring contract. He’s likely to be a backup on a strict minutes restriction as long as he remains in Chicago.

There’s more from the Central Division:

In the same piece, Cowley cites a team source who said the Bulls projected Josh Giddey to be their primary ball-handler when they acquired him from Oklahoma City. Cowley states that the organization views Giddey as similar to Ball because he has exceptional size for a point guard and he can rebound and push the ball up-court. Members of the Bulls’ front office traveled to watch Giddey at the Olympics, where he posted 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in four games for Australia. He also shot 47.4% from three-point range, addressing one of the biggest concerns about his game in OKC.
The most significant question facing the Pistons heading into training camp will be how to use Isaiah Stewart, who’s entering the first season of a four-year, $60MM extension, says Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Langlois notes that Stewart played primarily at power forward last season, but Detroit has limited options on its front line, so Stewart may be the primary backup to center Jalen Duren even if he’s in the starting lineup. Simone Fontecchio and newly signed Tobias Harris are both capable of being stretch fours in smaller lineups, Langlois adds.
The signing of Gary Trent Jr. fills a hole in the Bucks‘ starting lineup and gives the team some “youthful athleticism,” Jim Owczarski of The Journal-Sentinel says in a video assessing the team’s offseason.

Central Notes: Pistons Roster, Pistons Outlook, Ball, Haliburton

July 26th, 2024 at 10:43pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pistons have an open roster spot but that doesn’t mean they will fill it anytime soon, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press writes. They could sign one of the better remaining free agents on the market — Tyus Jones, Markelle Fultz, Luke Kennard or Isaac Okoro — but they could just leave the spot open to facilitate a trade where they could acquire more future assets.

We have more from the Central Division:

The Pistons in the play-in tournament next season? It’s not as far-fetched as it might sound, according to James Edwards III of The Athletic. Most of the other Eastern Conference teams who were in the play-in or lottery last season have not improved their rosters, with the possible exception of Miami. The Pistons, meanwhile, have added several solid veteran rotation players who will help them in the short run.
Lonzo Ball confirmed that his “first real test” will be next month when he participates in 5-on-5 scrimmages, he said on ‘The WAE Show’ (hat tip to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago). The Bulls guard hasn’t played since Jan. 14, 2022 due to knee issues. Ball will make $21.4MM in the final year of his contract next season.
In a GQ profile, Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton told Andrew Greif that his team is being overlooked as a major contender in the East. “All I keep seeing is, ‘Who’s going to win the East? Boston, Milwaukee, New York, or Philly?’” Haliburton said. “It’s like, what are we doing [not being included]? But again, we’re Indiana, people didn’t even know, people didn’t even watch us play until the playoffs. People didn’t watch us play until the second round. But again, that respect comes with winning. So if we want to gain that respect, we just got to keep having success as a team. And it’s coming.”

Bulls Notes: DeRozan, Giddey, Ball, Craig

June 27th, 2024 at 10:49am CST by Arthur Hill

The Bulls appear to be “open for business” following Wednesday night’s draft and could emerge as the NBA’s biggest wild card when free agency begins this weekend, writes Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. Reading between the lines of a post-draft press conference held by executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas, Mayberry suggests the organization may be recognizing the need to assemble to a younger and more athletic team.

That could mean parting with free agent DeMar DeRozan, possibly in a sign-and-trade, and taking the best deal they can find for Zach LaVine. Mayberry notes that Karnisovas sidestepped a question Wednesday night about the team’s commitment to keeping DeRozan.

“As I said also before, we’re going to look at everything,” he responded. “Everything is on the table. It’s still an option.”

DeRozan has been Chicago’s best player since joining the team in 2021, and he’s coming off another stellar season, averaging 24 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 79 games. However, he’ll turn 35 this summer and may not be a wise long-term investment for a team that’s trying to escape mediocrity.

Mayberry also points out that this would be a good time for the Bulls to consider rebuilding because their first-round pick in what’s viewed as a strong draft next year is top-10 protected. If it falls outside that range, it will convey to San Antonio as part of the sign-and-trade deal that brought DeRozan to Chicago.

There’s more on the Bulls:

Karnisovas defended the price he paid for Josh Giddey twice during his 17-minute meeting with reporters, Mayberry adds. Many observers were surprised that the Bulls didn’t receive any draft compensation when they acquired the 21-year-old guard from Oklahoma City last week in a one-for-one deal for Alex Caruso, one of the league’s best defensive guards. “Bringing a very talented guard that is an elite play-maker and rebounder with elite size, his game is predicated on making everyone better around him, those guys are hard to find and they’re not available,” Karnisovas said. “We were fortunate to get him. And it comes at a high price, which was A.C.”
Karnisovas said Lonzo Ball, who has been sidelined with knee issues since January of 2022, is “moving along” in his recovery, per Kyle Williams of The Chicago Sun-Times. Ball has already picked up his $21.4MM player option for next season, which marks the final year of his contract. “We don’t know what he’s going to look like in a month or two, so we’re just going to take one step at a time, and hopefully he’s going to be ready for training camp,” Karnisovas said.
The Bulls haven’t received any indication of whether Torrey Craig plans to exercise his $2.8MM player option for next season, tweets K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. The veteran forward has until Saturday to make his decision.

Eastern Notes: Cavs, Atkinson, Bulls, Sixers, Knicks, Hawks

June 21st, 2024 at 8:38pm CST by Luke Adams

After previously reporting that James Borrego was viewed as the frontrunner for the Cavaliers‘ head coaching job, Marc Stein says (via Twitter) he heard multiple times on Friday that Kenny Atkinson‘s candidacy for the job is “gaining steam.”

Atkinson was identified early in the Cavs’ search process as the potential frontrunner, but multiple reporters – including Stein and Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com – have said in recent weeks that Borrego appeared to have the edge. Those two former head coaches have been linked to the job most frequently and it certainly seems like one of them will end up being hired, but that’s not a lock. According to Stein, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori also remains in the mix for Cleveland.

If the Cavaliers wrap up their search and make a decision soon, it will have an impact on their division rivals in Detroit. Both Borrego and Nori are expected to interview for the Pistons‘ head coaching vacancy.

Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:

The Bulls‘ acquisition of Josh Giddey signals that the team isn’t sold on the idea of a Lonzo Ball comeback, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, who adds that director of player development and shooting coach Peter Patton has an “important project on his hands” in Chicago’s new lead guard, a career 31.0% three-point shooter. In his own look at the trade, Jon Greenberg of The Athletic contends that it’s “inexcusable” for the Bulls to make this kind of deal without acquiring any draft picks.
USC guard Isaiah Collier visited the Sixers this week for a pre-draft workout, a source tells Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports (Twitter link). Once considered a possible top pick in this year’s draft, Collier has slipped to No. 23 on ESPN’s big board, so he could be available for Philadelphia at No. 16.
Yongxi Cui (China), David Jones (Memphis), Spencer Jones (Stanford), Ajay Mitchell (UCSB), and Antonio Reeves (Kentucky) were among the players to work out for the Knicks on Friday, tweets Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Bondy adds (via Twitter) that Arizona’s Keshad Johnson worked out for New York earlier this month.
The Hawks are hiring Ben Peterson away from the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and will make him their VP of player health and performance, sources tell Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). Pelissero’s report on Peterson, who was said to be “well-regarded” in San Francisco, has been confirmed by Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link).