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 Recent Challenges
Have you ever watched a game and felt the frustration of seeing your favorite team fall short despite a promising start? That’s exactly what happened with the Chicago Bulls in their recent matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. In a recent episode of the Locked On Bulls podcast, I, Haize along with insights from various analysts, explored the reasons behind the Bulls’ disappointing performance and what it means for their future.
A Disheartening Loss Against the Bucks
The game against the Milwaukee Bucks was not just a loss; it was a wake-up call. Despite Zach LaVine’s impressive 20-point effort in the first half, the Bulls were outplayed. The absence of Patrick Williams was felt deeply, especially on the defensive end. Williams, known for his defensive prowess, left a gap that the Bulls struggled to fill. The team appeared flat and uninspired, raising concerns about their ability to compete at a high level consistently.
Defensive Woes and Lack of Effort
One of the most glaring issues was the Bulls’ defensive performance. The team allowed the Bucks to score 54 points in the paint and gave up 40 points off the bench. The lack of defensive intensity was evident, with national analysts like Doris Burke highlighting the poor effort from players like Josh Giddey. This lack of defense was not isolated to one player but was a team-wide issue, leading to a sloppy and uninspired game.
Injury Updates: A Glimmer of Hope or More Setbacks?
Injuries have plagued the Bulls, with updates on Patrick Williams and Lonzo Ball adding to the team’s challenges. Williams is expected to be out for the rest of the week, with hopes of starting some activities next week. However, Lonzo Ball’s situation is more concerning. Set to begin ramping up next week, there’s no guarantee of his return soon. Ball’s time with the Bulls has been marred by setbacks, and his limited playtime raises questions about his future contributions.
The Front Office’s Role and Future Prospects
The Bulls’ front office has faced criticism, with some fans drawing parallels to the GAR-PAX era. The team’s current struggles might be part of a larger strategy to retain their draft pick, but this approach has left fans frustrated. The possibility of trading key players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic looms large, potentially signaling a shift towards rebuilding.
Development and the Path Forward
Despite the challenges, there are silver linings. The focus on developing young talent like Coby White and Dalen Terry is crucial. White has shown promise as a catch-and-shoot player, while Terry’s confidence and performance in recent games are encouraging. The emphasis on development could be the key to the Bulls’ long-term success, even if it means enduring a tough season.
Call to Action: Embrace the Process
As we navigate this challenging season, it’s essential to focus on the positives and support the team’s development efforts. Whether it’s through attending games, engaging with the community, or simply staying informed, every bit of support counts. For a more in-depth discussion on the Bulls’ current situation and future prospects, I invite you to listen to the full episode of Locked On Bulls.
In conclusion, while the road ahead may be tough, the potential for growth and improvement is there. Let’s rally behind the Bulls and hope for a turnaround in the coming games.
A refrain I’ve increasingly heard from casuals, like the talking heads on the NBA’s biggest broadcast partners, is that the league is too homogenous these days, that every team just goes out there and chucks up threes. Every game is the same.
Leaving aside the shortsightedness of famous, influential media analysts dumping on their own product, it’s a common enough complaint that I felt an urge to investigate. My eyeballs tell me the league’s never been more diverse and fun, thanks largely to the absurd wealth of stars today with skill sets as bespoke as their draft night suits. Jokic’s Nuggets look nothing like Tatum’s Celtics look nothing like Brunson’s Knicks, and to suggest otherwise is willful ignorance.
As I wrote about for Basketball Poetry yesterday, the current top five offenses are Boston, Cleveland, New York, the Lakers, and Dallas. Those five teams rank first, 14th, 17th, 24th, and 21st, respectively, in share of shots that are triples. You certainly don’t need to launch a million threes relative to your peers to score the basketball successfully.
Of course, that’s a rather superficial analysis. Regardless of rank, what if the absolute numbers are all getting closer together? That would represent a growing sameness.
I looked at shot data from this season, a decade ago, and 20 years ago to see how much the share of three-pointers had changed.
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
Injury Bulls forward Patrick Williams will miss at least the next three games due to a knee injury, impacting the team’s rotation and defensive strategy. His absence is a significant blow. Williams’ injury adds to the team’s challenges. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Honor The Chicago Bulls paid tribute to Bob Love, celebrating his lasting legacy and contributions to the team. Love’s impact on the franchise and community continues to be honored and remembered. Love’s legacy remains a source of inspiration. (Chicago Tribune)
Stat Owen Phillips of The F5 looks at how often centers defend guards, how often perimeter players are involuntarily guarded by centers (aka the Tony Allen effect), and much more in his analytical newsletter.
Analysis Jared Dubin of Last Night, In Basketball discusses something related: what kind of players are guarding point guards these days?
Must Read Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic talks about the NBA’s increasing difficulty for defensive-minded, older players, but the real story is that Draymond Green claims to have started lifting just four years ago.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
The Randomness Of Fantasy Basketball On A Wednesday In The NBA
Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images|Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Top Five Fantasy Takeaways from Wednesday’s Games
1. Paul George’s Knee Injury Concerns
Paul George’s knee hyperextension during the 76ers vs. Grizzlies game is a significant concern for fantasy managers. While initial reports suggest no structural damage, his availability in the coming games is uncertain. This situation could open up opportunities for other players on the 76ers to step up, making it crucial to monitor updates closely.
2. Unpredictable Pelicans vs. Cavaliers Game
The Pelicans vs. Cavaliers matchup was a bizarre affair, with unexpected lineups and performances. Elfrid Payton started for the Pelicans, and Jaylon Tyson shone for the Cavs, but these anomalies are unlikely to have long-term fantasy implications. Managers should view this game as an outlier and avoid making hasty roster changes based on these performances.
3. Pacers’ Struggles and Tyrese Haliburton’s Slump
The Pacers are facing challenges, particularly with Tyrese Haliburton’s shooting woes. His road performance has been notably poor, possibly due to lingering back issues. Despite this, Haliburton’s track record suggests a turnaround is likely, making him a prime buy-low candidate for managers willing to take a risk on his recovery.
Click the button below to see how Norman Powell’s injury could open up opportunities for the Clippers, and a top 50 player returns to action.
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.
