Bulls: True Cultural Philosophy Emerges With Productive Off-Season
AKMEs Vision Comes To Fruition With Draft, FA Targets, Acquisitions
The new Chicago Bulls era looks as bright as its had in a long time in the wake of an aggressive and pointed approach to this latest free agency period.
After drafting hometown talent guard Ayo Dosunmu with the 38th pick in this year’s draft, picking up free agent guards Lonzo Ball (via sign and trade with the New Orleans Pelicans), Alex Caruso from the Los Angeles Lakers and DeMar DeRozan (via sign and trade with the San Antonio Spurs), the Bulls ideology is shaping into reality: versatility and toughness.
When Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley started their new journey as the top co-working operators for the historic franchise, the common theme they wanted to push out was simple: toughness and versatility on both ends of the floor.
The Bulls started this new journey last fall with the draft selection of No. 4 overall pick Patrick Williams in the 2020 draft. In a left field draft selection, Williams has emerged on both ends of the court, especially defensively. Earning the nickname “The Paw,” he averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block with 39 percent three-point shooting off 139 attempts.
The star draft pick’s ability to get to his sweet spots in the mid-range and capability of shooting and making timely threes started a solid foundation that became an ideal centerpiece for the franchise’s new direction. However, aside from drafting Williams and trading for All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic at the trade deadline last season, this year’s off-season transactions have paved the way to strengthen those core values.
Lonzo Ball is a young point guard that can thrive in Donovan’s offense and would be great in running the offense next his UCLA connection Zach LaVine, especially since he is not ball dominant. He has also improved his offensive game with career highs in points, free throw, field goal and three-point percentage. His most underrated attribute is his defensive ability among guards and other offensive perimeter players. He averages two steals a game for his career and with his 6-foot-6 size and long wingspan, it can be difficult for guards to attack with the pressure he brings, which eases some of the load off of LaVine.
Bringing in Caruso adds more quality guard depth to the Bulls bench. The Bulls lacked guards that can shoot the three effectively while also being a solid perimeter defender. Caruso fills that void, shooting 40% from the three-point line and bringing a size of 6-foot-5 in the back-court with the second unit that currently pairs him with Coby White. Caruso also brings familiarity due to his teammate reunion with Ball and championship pedigree from winning his lone championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the city of Angels.
Although he may not be the defensive specimen he was since he entered the league, DeRozan is a mid-range assassin that can create his own shot anytime in the game, a nice wing option that can help relieve pressure off of LaVine offensively and at times defensively amongst the perimeter. DeRozan can guard all perimeter positions and still give you at least 15 to 20 points as a second or third option offensively, a great perimeter sidekick for LaVine.
Dosunmu is a player that is ready to play right now in the league. The former Morgan Park state champion, Big Ten champion at University of Illinois and Bob Cousy Award winner has emerged as a two-way player that can contribute to the Bulls backcourt instantly.
Finishing his last season for the Fighting Illini, he averaged 20 points a game while shooting 49% from the field and 39% from three. His three-level scoring is an ideal fit under head coach Billy Donovan’s system. Most importantly, his defense fits the ideals of a combo guard: 6-foot-5 with versatility and quickness to guard offensive perimeter players.
The Bulls’ emerging theme of establishing toughness and versatility ultimately creates the identity the franchise needs to get back into the playoffs. Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley may have some more tricks up their sleeves with knowing they need to add additional front court help in the big man department and finding a solution to the Lauri Markkanen situation.
However, the current pieces listed are ideal pieces that not only gets them to playoffs, but changes the trajectory of future playoff success. If everything lines up, we can see a longer season being played in the Windy City come April.