Chicago Bulls Embrace New Era with Faster Pace, Guard-Heavy Lineups in 2024-25
Bulls Could Have Three Guards on the Floor
The Chicago Bulls have an astonishing glut of guards, including holdovers Coby White, Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, and Lonzo Ball, and new additions Josh Giddey and Chris Duarte. The team is planning to utilize those guards, especially when players like White, Giddey, and LaVine share the floor.
“I’m not opposed to playing three point guards or three guards together at all,” said Coach Billy Donovan. “I think it can be very effective, provided those guys all understand what that entails.” Donovan cited his days as the Oklahoma City Thunder head coach when Chris Paul sacrificed to allow fellow guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schröder to have the ball.
However, defense will be a concern with this year’s team, having traded their best defensive player in Alex Caruso and playing with three guards. “We’re going to have some defensive challenges, there’s no question,” said Donovan. He said this year’s team will have to play defense collectively rather than rely on the individual brilliance of players like Caruso, DeRozan, and even Andre Drummond, who left via free agency to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Zach LaVine Wants No More Drama
Before he began his portion of the press conference, Zach LaVine, the prolific scoring guard, often the subject of trade rumors, set the record straight. “Whenever there’s something that needs to be said, it will come from Zach LaVine or my representation,” he said. “There’s a lot of thoughts and rumors, opinions about me, about the organization – so just know, whenever it needs to come from me or them, you’ll know it will be from them.”
LaVine, whose season was cut short last year due to a foot injury, reported that he is in a “great headspace,” is “fully healthy,” and is looking forward to training camp. “Anything negative that will try to pin me [against] the organization, the rumors, drama, whatever it is, I’ll leave that in the past. I’m focusing a lot on this camp right now, going forward on this team, helping, learning, and just having a good time.”
Lonzo Ball Is Aiming to Play in the Season Opener
Ball last played basketball on January 14, 2022. He has had three knee surgeries since then, but he told reporters assembled at Media Day that he has a “brand-new knee” and expects to be ready by the season opener. “I think I’ll be ready for the first game for sure.” However, the Bulls expect to bring him along slowly, so his timeline might be a tad optimistic. But we’ll see.
What Will Coby White Do For An Encore?
After finishing as the runner-up for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award last season, White looks to take his game to an even higher level. This offseason, he focused on improving his strength and endurance to become a better all-around player. “My number one goal was to hone in on my conditioning so I can become that two-way guy, so I can, you know, put forth the same effort on both ends,” he said.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bulls are embracing a new era with a faster pace and guard-heavy lineups. With a surplus of guards, the team is planning to utilize their skills and create a more dynamic offense. However, defense will be a concern, and the team will need to work collectively to improve their defensive efforts.
FAQs
Q: Will the Bulls still be competitive with their new lineup?
A: The team’s success will depend on their ability to work together and improve their defensive efforts.
Q: What is the plan for Lonzo Ball’s return?
A: The Bulls expect to bring him along slowly, so his timeline might be a tad optimistic.
Q: How will Coby White’s game evolve this season?
A: White focused on improving his strength and endurance to become a better all-around player.
Q: Will Zach LaVine be a part of the team’s future plans?
A: LaVine set the record straight, stating that he is committed to the team and will not let rumors or drama distract him from his goals.
