Chicago Bulls Face Preseason Challenges Ahead of NBA Season Opener

The first rule of the NBA preseason is to remember its limited significance. Despite the excitement or concern that may arise during these preparatory games, they are primarily intended to evaluate players and systems without the pressures and stakes of the regular season. Preseason matches give teams an opportunity to make adjustments, evaluate the performance of new players, and test different strategies.

For the Chicago Bulls, the final preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers scheduled for Friday night is crucial for making last-minute decisions before the regular season kick-off the following week. Coach Billy Donovan, along with executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley, met after a recent game to assess the roster and finalize cuts. As a result, the Bulls waived Onuralp Bitim and Kenneth Lofton Jr., freeing up a roster spot before the start of the season.

Now, the team must decide who will fill the open first-team slot and a two-way position. The choice primarily involves two Illinois natives: Talen Horton-Tucker and E.J. Liddell. Horton-Tucker seems to have the advantage, having impressed during training camp and showing strong performance, including scoring 17 points in a preseason win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His proficiency in 3-point shooting is an area identified as needing improvement for the Bulls.

However, signing Horton-Tucker poses roster balance challenges, as it would mean the Bulls will have one center, six forwards, and eight guards. Despite embracing a smaller lineup strategy, this approach notably contrasts with prevailing league standards regarding size and defensive flexibility.

The Bulls’ performance in 3-point shooting during the preseason has been a notable development, ranking sixth in the league for attempts and shooting with a 34.4% success rate. Players such as Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips have been encouraged to increase their attempts from beyond the arc. This shift in offensive strategy marks a departure from last season, where the Bulls ranked among the lowest in 3-point attempts.

Still, the true efficacy of this new offensive approach remains to be seen once the regular season begins. The ability to maintain high-volume shooting and whether it can counterbalance any defensive shortcomings will be critical indicators of the team’s performance.

A particularly encouraging moment for the Bulls’ preseason came when Lonzo Ball returned to gameplay after a 33-month hiatus due to a meniscus injury and multiple knee surgeries. Ball scored ten points in 15 minutes against the Timberwolves, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. Following up with a light practice session without excessive knee soreness suggests he could play in the preseason finale and the season opener.

Even with these positive signs, stringent minute restrictions and the avoidance of back-to-back games pose uncertainty around Ball’s full potential contribution this season. However, his ability to manage a 16-minute playtime cap on Friday would boost expectations for his involvement as the season progresses.