The Bulls Need a Point Guard – Why Not Lonzo Ball?
It is no secret that the Chicago Bulls are in the market for a point guard this offseason.
John Paxson has said as much,
“I think [Dunn] has defensive abilities. But we have to get better at that position, there’s absolutely no question in my mind.”
He continues on to say that the team hasn’t given up on Dunn, but it is clear to everybody that the Bulls are in need of an upgrade.
So where does that leave the team? After a heart-breaking fall to 7th in the NBA Draft Lottery, the Bulls are no longer in position to acquire the spectacular talents of Murray State’s Ja Morant. As the days go by, it seems more and more likely that Darius Garland and Coby White–the next best prospects at the position–will be off the board when the Bulls are on the clock.
The Bulls have a multitude of options with the 7th pick. If the point guards are gone, it is likely they could select promising wing players in a group of DeAndre Hunter, Jarrett Culver, or Duke’s Cam Reddish. However, if they are truly dedicated to finding a young guard, they’ll consider calling up the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was reported before the lottery that the Bulls would reach out to the Lakers about the availability of Lonzo Ball if their pick fell out of the top two. Sadly, that is exactly what happened. Put two and two together, and there could be a real possibility that Lonzo ends up in Chicago.
Lonzo Ball could be a near-perfect fit into the Bulls offense. He is one of the better defensive point guards in the league and is known for his playmaking. On top of that, Ball is four years younger than current-starter Kris Dunn and still has room to develop. With Otto Porter and Wendell Carter being the only two average-to-above average defenders in the starting lineup, Lonzo would fit in very nicely to cover up for the weakness in Zach LaVine’s game. Zach wouldn’t have to force himself to become the primary facilitator on offense either, he could direct more of his focus on his ability to score.
Speaking of scoring, that’s where many find a problem with Lonzo. He’s terrible. He can’t make a free throw. He has a lower career free throw percentage than Shaquille O’Neal. Lonzo struggles to make jump shots, threes, finish at the rim–you name it.
But that isn’t what the Bulls need. It would be great to have a point guard who scans and scores at will, but with LaVine in the backcourt, a defensive playmaker would be a perfect complement. If Zo can stay healthy, the Bulls could have a significant jump in defensive rating while simultaneously maximizing the potential of Zach and Lauri Markkanen.
Lonzo isn’t the greatest point guard in the league. That’s obvious. However, if the draft falls unfavorably the Bulls won’t find a better young point guard elsewhere.
It may be time for Lonzo Bull.
Featured Image: USA Today/Kirby Lee
Discover more from Chicago Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
