The Bulls have gone 6-3 in their last nine games, including an impressive victory over Philadelphia on Monday, and the vibe around the team has changed dramatically since its 5-14 start, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes.
“Our energy has been different,” center Nikola Vucevic said. “We’re playing with a much more aggressive mindset at both ends. We’re playing for each other, sharing the ball, playing at a faster pace. That has brought out the best in everybody. We’ve been enjoying playing. Each night it’s a different guy stepping up. All of us are supporting each other. You can just feel that.”
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- Patrick Williams has shown improvement during the recent stretch, Johnson notes, including a 25-point, seven-rebound, four-assist performance against Miami on Saturday. However, the Bulls’ staff is still looking for more consistency from Williams, who is headed to restricted free agency after the season. “He’s obviously had some great moments. I think it all starts with the force he plays with. And there’s so much he can get into the game on a nightly basis whether he’s making or missing shots,” coach Billy Donovan said. “For him, the offensive rebounding, running the floor, attacking the basket, deflections defensively, the consistency of that is what’s important. He’s capable.”
- Coby White, a lottery pick in 2019, has finally established himself as a starter this season, averaging career highs in points (17.5) and assists (4.9) per game. He says he got through rough patches during his career via his work ethic. “I wouldn’t ever say I had a low point. I would say I had points where I thought I was better than how I was playing,” he told Johnson. “But I didn’t look at it as low points because the one thing that’s been consistent in my life is every time adversity hits, I just always tell myself I’m going to get through it by working. I’m the type of dude where if things aren’t going my way, I just go to the gym and work on it constantly. That makes me feel better and doesn’t allow me to get to any low points.”
- Zach LaVine remains sidelined by inflammation in his right foot but he’s a steady presence around the team, according to Johnson. LaVine, the subject of trade rumors since early in the season, traveled with the team on its three-game road swing and has been in good spirits. He’s also been talking with Donovan on a daily basis. “He really, really misses the game,” Donovan said. “The other thing is he has really been great on the bench, in the locker room pulling for those guys. Whenever he’s able to get back with us, he’s always been a good team guy.”
- Torrey Craig will be out at least eight weeks due to a foot injury. Get the details here.
Bulls will prolly continue to hold out for an unrealistic lavine package , but by the deadline they need to move him even if it’s for expiring contracts. The team has looked so much better just by subtracting him and adding to ayos minutes (plus good experience for terry finally) it’s not even funny. Would also hate to see pat and Coby lose the progress they’ve both displayed in Zach’s offense by having him return and/or stay past the deadline
In Zach’s absence *
Was not a Coby guy as a PG. Must admit he’s gotten much better. He’s definitely just playing now. Not just trying to fit in. I’d say he’s more a scoring PG. He looks like he’s getting it now. Bulls have to see how he and LaVine look. After all that was the point of drafting Coby. LaVine will bring back more value next yr. If they still want to move him.
I think you can build around Coby if he continues to improve as the primary facilitator. People either forget or don’t realize he is 23 and was just a baby when he was drafted in 2019. I have never understood the trade lavine before Derozan philosophy as Derozan is 6 years older, but not much makes sense in terms of NBA salary cap logic these days, so I am prepared to be patient.
Lavine to pistons for Bogdanovic, Joe Harris and picks…