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’ Struggles: A Deep Dive into Defensive Woes and Player Performances
Have you ever wondered why some basketball teams, despite having talented rosters, struggle to find their footing? In our latest episode of Locked on Bulls, we explored this very question, focusing on the Chicago Bulls’ recent challenges. Joined by C Dubb, we dissected the Bulls’ third consecutive loss to the Dallas Mavericks and what it means for the team’s future.
Turnovers: The Bulls’ Achilles Heel
One of the most glaring issues plaguing the Bulls is their inability to protect the basketball. Over the past few games, turnovers have been a persistent problem, with the team recording over 20 turnovers in multiple matches. This lack of ball control has been a significant factor in their losses. As C Dub pointed out, “If they want to win a game or even be close to competing, they have to take care of the basketball.” It’s a simple formula, yet one that the Bulls have struggled to execute.
Defensive Shortcomings: Points in the Paint
Another critical area of concern is the Bulls’ defense, particularly their vulnerability in the paint. The team has been consistently giving up nearly 60 points in the paint per game. This issue isn’t just about numbers; it’s about momentum. Allowing easy baskets can demoralize a team and boost the opponent’s confidence. As I mentioned in the episode, “The Bulls have replaced one math problem with a momentum problem.” This defensive gap could be the team’s undoing if not addressed promptly.
The Need for Rim Protection
The lack of rim protection has been a longstanding issue for the Bulls. Despite improvements in other areas, the team still lacks a reliable shot blocker. This deficiency has been evident since the departures of players like Lauri Markkanen and Daniel Gafford. The absence of a strong defensive presence in the paint leaves the Bulls vulnerable, and it’s a problem that management needs to address urgently.
Player Performances: A Mixed Bag
While the team as a whole has struggled, individual performances have been a mixed bag. Ayo Dosunmu, for instance, has had a disappointing start to the season, failing to meet expectations. On the other hand, Nikola Vucevic has been a consistent performer, though his defensive capabilities remain limited. The absence of Zach LaVine has also been felt, as his presence could have potentially changed the outcome of recent games.
A Glimmer of Hope: Matas Buzelis
Amidst the challenges, there was a bright spot in the form of Matas Buzelis. Given meaningful minutes, Busillas showcased his potential with a solid performance, scoring 13 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor was a welcome sight, and it raises the question of whether he should see more playing time moving forward.
In conclusion, the Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads. The issues of turnovers and defensive lapses need immediate attention if the team hopes to turn their season around. While there are individual bright spots, the team must come together to address these challenges collectively. For a more in-depth discussion, tune into the full episode of Locked on Bulls, where we delve deeper into these topics and more.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Replay Luka Doncic’s viral shot against the Bulls showcases his exceptional skill, becoming a key highlight of the game. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury Zach LaVine remains questionable for the upcoming game due to a lingering issue, impacting the Bulls’ offensive strategy. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
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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.
