The Chicago Bulls kicked off the 2023 preseason last week with a couple games against tough opponents. The Bulls brought the energy against the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, showing some improved pace of play on offense, regularly looking to get out on the fast break and catch the defense out of sorts.
It was nice to see the core principles that Billy Donovan has preached ever since he arrived in Chicago finally being implemented. Fast pace, defense-into-offense, and high energy play on both ends of the court have been the bread and butter of the Preseason Bulls so far. But we’ve seen this before. We’ve seen countless Bulls teams win the preseason and look absolutely dominate on both sides of the ball, only to turn around in the regular season and become plodding, one-dimensional, shells of the team they showed themselves capable of being.
The Standouts
There are signs of hope. Some individuals have really shined for me in the preseason, for starters (literally and figuratively) Coby White has impressed.
White seems to be the odds on favorite to start at point guard this season, and it’s easy to see why. He has transformed from an indecisive young guy into a confident veteran. He can get wherever he wants with his dribble. His shot is confident and pure. His passing is not flashy, but he’s making sound decisions with the basketball and sets up his teammates well enough. I’m so happy to see Coby take the reins of his career and really blossom into a pro. He’s earned his starting spot.
Torrey Craig has also been a sight for sore eyes. His ability to shoot, and hit, threes with a close out coming or a hand in his face has been a revelation. It’s almost as if the Bulls have a true 3-and-D wing on the team. He should push Patrick Williams for the starting power forward position.
Quick Hits
Speaking of Williams, he has also shown a bit more confidence on the court. He hasn’t been as hesitant a shooter as he has been in the past.
DeMar DeRozan has been shooting three pointers! He’s hitting around a third of the ones he takes, but I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Ayo Dosunmu has been very active on the offensive boards. He was especially a pest in Thursday’s game against the Nuggets. If he can continue grabbing rebounds he might carve out a place for himself in Donovan’s rotation.
Alex Caruso has had a hot hand from 3. It looks as though his wrist is fully back from that awful injury he sustained in the playoffs a couple seasons ago.
The Sum Up
The Chicago Bulls have looked pretty good over 2 preseason games. I don’t trust that this trend will follow through into the regular season, but if it does, they will be playing the high energy, fast paced, brand of basketball that gets a team into the playoffs. For those of you wondering about the rest of the Mid Three, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, both have been fine. Vuc has been active in the post, and Zach is as smooth as ever with his shot. They’re for the regular season to start.
Until it does, thanks for reading, thanks for subscribing, and GO BULLS!
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