The Chicago Bulls are off to one of the better starts in the NBA this season. They are currently 10-4, which is good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. All of the moves that they made during the offseason have panned out thus far, as they are receiving excellent contributions from their newest players.
Chicago is one of three teams currently in the NBA that are in the top-10 of offensive and defensive rating. They have the No. 10 offensive rating and No. 7 defensive rating. Billy Donovan has made the pieces fit despite skepticism from people that believed the players acquired would be an awkward fit.
DeMar DeRozan has been excellent, leading the team with 26.9 points per game. Many thought he would struggle to find his place in Chicago, but he has thrived in his role.
The work that Lonzo Ball put into fixing his jump shot has paid off ten-fold. He is knocking down 44.4 percent of his 3-point attempts and has improved that number each season he has been in the NBA. His 4.6 assists per game also lead the team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan Continues Incredible Campaign vs Lakers
Alex Caruso is proving to be a steal, as he was signed away from the Los Angeles Lakers. He provides plenty of energy every night on the defensive end and can impact the game without scoring. He leads the team with 2.5 steals per game, adding 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Nikola Vucevic is still looking to find his way offensively, as he is currently having the worst shooting season of his career. Hopefully, once he returns from the league’s health and safety protocols, he can start turning things around.
With two explosive scorers in Zach LaVine and DeRozan and lockdown defense, the Bulls have the formula to be a contending team. But, there is one thing holding them back from being legitimate threats to win the NBA Finals and that is their depth.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan Continues Incredible Campaign vs Lakers
Chicago is very top-heavy. Without the injury to Patrick Williams and before Vucevic was sidelined, they had only six players averaging more than 16 minutes per game. Relying on that group of players for the duration of an 82-game season would have them burned out before the postseason even began.
The rotation has been expanded recently, out of necessity. Look for the Chicago Bulls to be buyers on the trade market as their second unit is lacking scoring punch as well. The return of Coby White could alleviate some of the issues, but it will be difficult for him to find consistent minutes in a backcourt with Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, and Ayo Dosunmu soaking up minutes.
