Chicago Bulls Preseason Brings Roster Decisions and Tactical Shifts

The Chicago Bulls are in the final stages of preparation as they head into the preseason finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This period has been a crucial time for assessments and adjustments, aiming to finalize the roster and strategize for the upcoming NBA season.

Following their recent game, Coach Billy Donovan convened with front-office leaders, including Artūras Karnišovas, the executive vice president of basketball operations, and Marc Eversley, the general manager, to discuss the performances during training camp. As a result, the Bulls released players Onuralp Bitim and Kenneth Lofton Jr. on Thursday morning. Bitim’s non-guaranteed contract facilitated his release before the regular season’s commencement.

The Bulls are currently evaluating options to fill one remaining roster spot, as well as a two-way position. The primary contenders for the final spot are Illinois natives Talen Horton-Tucker and E.J. Liddell, with Horton-Tucker emerging as the frontrunner due to his impressive performance, including a 17-point game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His potential contribution in 3-point shooting is seen as a significant asset for the team.

This season, the Bulls have shown a noteworthy shift in their tactical approach, particularly in their 3-point shooting strategy. The team has made 55 3-pointers over their first four preseason games, marking the sixth-highest volume in the league, and is shooting at a 34.4% success rate. This represents a considerable increase from previous seasons, suggesting a strategic pivot to better floor-spacing and shooting volume, led by players like Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips.

A highlight for the Bulls this preseason is the return of Lonzo Ball. After enduring a prolonged recovery from a knee injury, Ball made his comeback against the Timberwolves, contributing 10 points in 15 minutes. This marks a significant step in his rehabilitation process, as Ball prepares to increase his minutes gradually, targeting participation at the start of the regular season without experiencing further knee complications.

While it remains uncertain how these preseason developments will translate into regular-season success, the Chicago Bulls enter the 2024 season with clear focus areas, both in terms of player selection and tactical execution.