Big Red Turn Around
The Chicago Bulls are in a good spot moving forward… Yes, I repeat, the Chicago Bulls are in a good spot moving forward.
Oh, what difference a month can make! Just a mere 4 weeks ago, I published a piece about how the rebuild was not going to plan. Due to injury setbacks, lack of chemistry between Lauri Markkanen and Zach Lavine, and a coaching change that brought in a snail-paced offense, The Bulls were getting run out of the gym on a nightly basis. It seemed that only the hope of landing the #1 draft pick could save this team. How times have changed. The Bulls sent Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter Jr. a day before the trade deadline and Porter Jr. Otto-mattically helped morph this team into something else.
Photo: @clutchpoints
Porter Jr. gave the Bulls a legitimate 3 and D small forward, who could stretch the floor with his sharp shooting from distance, as well as provide a defensive presence on the wing. His dead-eye shooting ability, keeps defenders honest, as they must keep an eye on Otto at all times, allowing the floor to open up for Lavine and Markkanen to get in the flow of their games. Since Porter’s arrival, the Bulls are 1st in points per game, 4th in FG%, 7th in 3pt% and 5th in offensive rating. That is a huge turnaround!
The removal of Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker means the Bulls no longer were saddled with two high usage back up power forwards, who were cutting into Markkanen’s shot attempts. Lauri has more room to operate thanks to Porter, but also now is able to attempt more shots, now that the ball is in his hands more. Which has helped Lauri post 12 straight games of at least 19 points and 9 rebs, which is the longest streak of such in Bulls franchise history.
Photo: @chicagobulls
Not to be overlooked in this sudden turn around is the coaching of Boylen. Many were not happy when Boylen employed a slow offense, he said he wanted his team to learn the fundamentals before he let them get out there and run. Well, Boylen was true to his word, as the Bulls bought into Boylen’s fundamental teachings, which in turn saw Boylen open up the offense, and allow his players to get up and down the court. In the process of letting the Bulls run, Boylen called for the ball to be in Zach Lavine’s hands more. Zach has shown improved decision making, which has seen Zach rack up assists (many to Porter Jr.) at a career best.
Photo: @chicagobulls
Zach has also developed a chemistry with Lauri, as they are making opponents pay nightly with their two-man game of pick n rolls and pick n pops. As the chemistry between Lauri and Zach continues to grow and gives the Bulls a formidable dynamic duo, the Bulls should make a significant jump next season. Not only will the Bulls have a high draft pick to place alongside Zach, Lauri, and Otto, but the return of Wendell Carter Jr. who in his short rookie tenure has already proven that he will be a very solid NBA player. The Bulls will also get a boost to their bench with the return of Denzel Valentine, who brings shooting and playmaking to the 2nd unit.
Jim Boylen, who took over as the Bulls head coach mid-season after Fred Hoiberg was fired, will also have the benefit of running a training camp for his team, as he prepares them to unlock their full potential. Don’t be surprised if the Bulls are running near the top of the East next season.
Photo: @clutchpoints, @chicagobulls
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