Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Chicago Bulls: A Season of Struggles and Future Prospects
Have you ever wondered what it takes for a basketball team to turn a struggling season around? In our recent episode of Locked On Bulls, we explored this very question, delving into the current challenges faced by the Chicago Bulls. The episode sheds light on the team’s ongoing struggles and the potential paths forward, featuring insights from key players and coaches.
The Current State of the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have had a tough start to the season, with recent losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets highlighting their ongoing issues. The team has been plagued by defensive shortcomings and turnovers, which have become increasingly evident with each game. As we discussed in the podcast, these problems are not new, but their persistence is concerning.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Defensive Struggles and Turnovers One of the main issues plaguing the Bulls is their defensive performance. As noted by both Coby White and head coach Billy Donovan, the team anticipated some defensive challenges this season. However, the extent of these issues, coupled with frequent turnovers, has been alarming. The Bulls have consistently allowed over 20 points off turnovers in their losses, a statistic that underscores the need for improvement in ball handling and decision-making.
2. Coaching and Player Execution While coaching plays a role in the team’s performance, the execution on the court is equally critical. The Bulls’ inability to execute plays effectively has been a significant factor in their struggles. Despite having talented players, the lack of cohesion and communication on the defensive end has been detrimental. As we highlighted, the team needs to improve its defensive IQ and communication to better manage switches and rotations.
3. The Role of Key Players The performance of key players like Josh Giddey and CobyWhite has been under scrutiny. Giddey’s limited minutes and defensive lapses have sparked discussions among fans, while White’s role as a top player on the team brings expectations for leadership and consistency. The Bulls need these players to step up and contribute more effectively to turn their season around.
4. Looking Towards the Future With the current season looking bleak, it’s time for the Bulls to focus on the future. The team holds a top-10 protected draft pick, which could be crucial for rebuilding. As we discussed, the Bulls need to evaluate their current roster and identify which players can be part of their long-term plans. The development of young talents like Modest Busillas, who recently impressed in the G League, will be vital for the team’s future success.
5. Fan Expectations and Reality It’s important for Bulls fans to manage their expectations realistically. While there may be some exciting performances and wins throughout the season, the team’s overall prospects remain uncertain. As we emphasized, the focus should be on building for the future rather than expecting immediate success.
Call to Action: Embrace the Future
As the Bulls navigate this challenging season, it’s crucial for fans to support the team’s efforts to improve and rebuild. Engage with the team’s journey by staying informed and involved. Consider exploring the potential of young players and the upcoming draft as opportunities for growth and renewal.
For a more in-depth discussion on the Chicago Bulls’ current challenges and future prospects, listen to the full episode of Locked On Bulls. Join us as we continue to analyze and discuss the team’s journey throughout the season.
After historic back-to-back nights over the weekend I hope the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox is on your radar. Fox delivered a 60 point game against the Timberwolves on Friday (the Kings, after all that, could not wrestle away the win) and then 49 points against the Jazz in a winning game on Saturday. While these scoring numbers are certainly a touch more astronomical than Fox’s norm, he’s still an athlete who’s averaged 25 points per game in the last three seasons.
Beyond pure shooting, Fox is a pleasure to watch. I mean that in an artful sense, like taking your time in a gallery or museum and letting your eyes rove over every flourish and detail. Fox has a knack for hang time, able to lightly adjust his body mid-air to tweak the angle of his jumper just so. It’s a bane to defenders because it’s nearly impossible to pre-calculate where Fox will wind up releasing the ball, but it’s startling, and fun, to see.
His passing follows the same rules. Namely: his own. One hand flings and scoops to teammates running down the lane, or flashing out to the wing, dependent on the sort of timing it takes trust and seasons of practice to nail. It speaks to the cohesiveness of the Kings, a team many are still quick to dismiss from contention but who will prove a difficult team to match up against once their roster returns to full strength.
Cade Cunningham
Admittedly, I hadn’t been paying that close of attention to Cade Cunningham, even with my well documented dedication to the Detroit Pistons. I changed that last Friday when the team was in Toronto to face the Raptors, and I spent a good chunk of pregame warmups watching Cunningham run through his drills.
There’s a new level of patience to Cade, who’s been — by circumstance — forced into holding pattern since he entered the NBA. This new level filters through his game. There’s still the juddery, at times mesmerizing, stop-start motion of his handle and with it the ability to force the pace he wants in a game, but now Cade’s letting the game come to him. Where there simply isn’t time to draw out a possession, or altering one might upend his team’s momentum (momentum has been something Detroit is relying on this season, to their benefit), Cade instead adopts the rhythm of the floor in motion. Now into his forth season, his maturation is evident, and it’s winning games.
Jabari Smith
It’s felt a touch disingenuous, how down on Jabari Smith those in the wider sphere of the Houston Rockets have been this season. Yes, he’s had some slow shooting nights, and made some frustrating decisions, but he’s also come back in the games that follow those less than stellar performances and done all the right things — leading to wins.
Smith’s a third year player in the league on a franchise that only really started to get the foundation of their rebuild right last season. He’s learning to adjust to quicker pace, tighter and more effortful defence (the Rockets are the league’s best rebounders), and what it means to actually compete versus playing at the whims of a single game, on a game-to-game basis. There’s continuity showing here, and it’s great.
Smith tends to have his best rebounding games when he’s also scoring, which just tells me that energy generated on one end of the floor is essential for him at the other. It’s also true of younger players — and teams, like the Rockets — learning what it is to stay consistent through a game’s many tide-turns.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Bulls struggled defensively in a 143-107 loss to the Rockets, allowing 80 points in the paint. Coby White emphasized the need for more physicality and resistance. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Biz TNT’s popular show Inside the NBA will air on ESPN and ABC starting the 2025-26 season, while TNT Sports continues production. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Preview Major changes could soon be coming to the All-Star Game. (ESPN)
Biz Deep breaths. The NBA has settled its broadcast lawsuits, and “Inside the NBA” is here to stay. (Sportico)
Analysis The “unicorn” era of Anthony Davis may be over, but could the “Lakers AD” era just be starting? (The Ringer)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sunday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Roundup
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images|Nick Wosika/Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest NBA action, it’s clear that Sunday was packed with intriguing performances and unexpected developments. With 10 games on the schedule, there was no shortage of excitement and fantasy implications to unpack.
Injury Updates and Opportunities
The Sacramento Kings are dealing with some significant injury news. Domantas Sabonis, usually a reliable presence, is doubtful with a back issue, potentially missing his second consecutive game. This opens up opportunities for players like Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles to step up. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is officially out for his third consecutive game.
Key Performances and Fantasy Implications
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Phoenix Suns highlighted some strategic missteps by the Suns. Starting Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic together against Minnesota’s big lineup didn’t pay off, with Nurkic playing only 14 minutes. His inconsistent performances make him a risky fantasy option, as his playing time and production fluctuate wildly.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Mike Conley’s increased minutes are worth noting. While his scoring was minimal, his contributions in other areas helped secure the win. Naz Reid, despite his scoring potential, continues to struggle defensively, which could limit his fantasy upside.
Click the button below to see why one of KD’s newest running mates could be worth a look, and how Charlotte’s injury concerns will affect your lineup.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
Chicago Bulls Cut Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr | Is THT A Lock To Make Roster? Haize welcomes Bobby & C-Dub to the show to discuss the Bulls moving closer to finalizing their roster by cutting Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr. The guys also break down what they want to see in the Bulls’ final preseason game & more.
Lonzo Ball Looks Great In Return To To The Court | Bulls Offense Has Best Game Yet Haize reacts to Lonzo Ball’s performance in his first game back. He also talks about Coby White’s big night and the team’s offense.
Chicago Bulls Reportedly Eyeing Contract Extension WIth Josh Giddey Haize reacts to reports the Bulls could be looking to extend Josh Giddey’s contract before the start of the season. He also asks of the Chicago Bulls should be playing their starters in tonight’s preseason game and gets excited over Lonzo Ball’s return to the court.
