The Bulls are in an odd situation as the trade deadline approaches because of injuries, inconsistent play, and concerns about how well its players fit.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
During pregame availability with an NBA head coach, you never know what you're going to get. Some people like to be succinct and to keep their strategy a secret. Others are appreciative of their opponent and gushing about team members.
Billy Donovan comes next.
Last week in Philadelphia ahead of a game against the 76ers, the Chicago Bulls head coach gave what felt like a state of the team address. It’s understandable given the reporters on hand were trying to get the simplest yet most complex question answered: who are the Bulls?
Donovan didn't appear to have a definitive response. That's reasonable taking into account the Bulls' struggles with injuries, consistency, and star-fit issues. With a 19-22 record as a result of everything, Chicago is clinging to a play-in berth in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan remarked, "I'm not sure whether I would say it's frustrating necessarily, but the disappointing element to me would be more of a case of we've demonstrated who we can be and what we're capable of. However, we haven't done it consistently enough at this point.
According to the rival, the Bulls' Jekyll and Hyde act is apparent.
The poor Bulls permitted the average Timberwolves to lose by 150 points. Following that, the strong Bulls won three straight away games. After that, the poor Bulls lost at home to the 10-win Rockets. Recently, the strong Bulls defeated the advancing Sixers and stopped the sizzling hot Nets winning run.
You see what I mean.
All of this leaves vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and GM Marc Eversley in a tough spot. With the long-term status of Lonzo Ball murky, center Nikola Vucevic on an expiring deal, and questions lingering about the fit of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, what is the Bulls’ brass to do?
"I believe that [Karniovas and I] are on the same page and share the sentiment that there are times when we exhibit excellent hope and potential," Donovan added. "Then there are other moments when we kind of leave scratching our heads. Finding those triggers or other methods to motivate us to play more consistently is what you're looking for, in my opinion, as a coach. And it goes without saying that they must accept that responsibility—we all must.
"And I think those conversations will get a little bit more in-depth of how he thinks as we get probably closer to the [trade deadline], as he's evaluating the club, looking at the team, and watching the team," the author continued.
That night in Philadelphia, everything was fine. Even though the Sixers were without their star center Joel Embiid, the Bulls still managed to pull off a convincing victory. LaVine set the tone with an absurd shooting performance. He made 11 out of 13 threes his route to a 41-point performance.
The fact that LaVine was still able to locate his teammates despite an outrageous heater may have been more impressive. The Sixers made an adjustment and started trapping every touch as he appeared to be making everything in the second half. LaVine didn't try to force anything; instead, he took advantage of Philly's weak point in the center of the court, creating six assists for his teammates.
"I believe that has been the case in the majority of those games this year," LaVine said. "How we're attempting to play.... It was great. They double teamed me after I gave it up a couple of times, but I was able to grab it back. Thus, you didn't need to exert any pressure.
Chicago also had memorable moments, largely as a result of their exceptional players.
Last Friday, LaVine was on a roll, and his teammates discovered him. Throughout his 14-year career, DeRozan has faced the Sixers many times in huge games. Two of the 33-year-22 old's 40-point performances came against Philadelphia. Despite scoring only 12 goals, he made six assists. As the Sixers went small, Vucevic faced mismatches the whole game and finished with a triple-double.
Together, the trio had 22 assists compared to only 6 turnovers. This sort of performance inspires hope.
Donovan noted after the game, "This is what I was saying [pregame] about enjoying the group." DeMar is a top-tier scorer. Vuc excels at scoring. They are attempting to locate Zach and place the ball in his hands because they realize he has it going.
Any forecast of Chicago is challenging due to Ball's health. Donovan claimed that he entered training camp expecting to be without his point guard for some time. Ball has improved, but it doesn't sound like he's close to being able to assist the Bulls, despite his progress.
And let's not overlook what Chicago accomplished last year. The Bulls spent a large portion of the first half at the top of the East after adding Ball, DeRozan, and Alex Caruso in the previous offseason. Chicago had a record of 22-13 with Ball in the lineup before he was suspended on January 14, 2022. Funny enough, they continued to score 19–22 points.
The Bulls have experienced health issues collectively, though Ball's injury is the most significant worry. Caruso, who was a crucial component of Chicago's defensive dominance the previous season, has missed numerous games due to injuries. Javonte Green, who began 45 games for the Bulls last season, has been sidelined for an extended period of time with a knee problem. DeRozan, who has participated in every one of the season's 41 contests, was also compelled to leave Monday night's defeat to the Celtics due to a quad ailment.
Speaking of knee problems, LaVine's season had a difficult start after undergoing knee surgery in May. Due to "injury management," he missed the first two games of the season as well as two further games.
His knee seems to be in good shape, based on his recent performances.
LaVine stated, "Every back-to-back I play in [we see how I'm doing], since that's what was talked at the beginning and what we planned out to accomplish, and it's obviously up to me whether or not I want to play. I believe I have the final say. However, there are other factors to consider, such as how the schedule goes and what's best for the team and me going forward. But I play on the court when I'm feeling good. I believe I'll be alright if I have a restful night of sleep tonight.
He did fine, scoring 36 points in a victory over the Jazz the following night.
Do the Bulls make a deal to offset Ball's departure and give the rest of the squad a chance to contend? Do they wait, hoping Ball returns, and if not, just go after them the following season? Or do they recover assets in a season that is lost?
The solution is not obvious.
Any person.
Being a young player in the prime of his career and unable to play, Donovan added, "I feel bad for Lonzo personally. That part of it is sad and frustrating. Simply put, I believe I've reached a stage in life when you kind of go out with the guys you have and make the most of them. I consider meditating and pondering, "What if this? What if that happened?
"I kind of went into the season just assuming [Ball] wouldn't be available for training camp and just not knowing when he was going to come back," the player said. You practically have to get ready as though he won't show up at all. And if he is, it would be fantastic. I hope he is.
You're not the only one who doesn't know what to think of the Chicago Bulls. Their head coach spoke extensively but didn't seem to be very clear either.
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