After an offseason spent preaching continuity and getting healthy, the Chicago Bulls have run out of excuses for failing to perform. Holding a 2-2 record in the bottom ten for points scored in the league, Chicago is experiencing many of the same issues as a season ago. With a nearly identical roster, this is no surprise to Bulls fans who implored the front office to make significant moves this summer. Heading to face a 3-0 young Dallas Mavericks team, the Bulls are threatening a 2-3 start to the year, where one victory came via a miraculous overtime victory following a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback alongside some favorable whistles down the stretch. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have each since addressed the urgency of this group and what the repercussions would mean if they fail to succeed yet again.
Still Figuring It Out, Three Years In?
When asked about the fit of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic in Chicago, DeRozan's response was head-scratching and concerning for Bulls' nation. The faint tone of losing hope in the idea of the trio being able to compete for championships is evident in his response, and after three seasons, many are asking for receipts.
Lonzo Ball is the X-factor in this conversation because this unit has been a completely different team with and without his services. For the beginning part of this newfound trio, Ball was able to orchestrate the offense and distribute it to the elite-scoring All-Stars. The Bulls were atop the Eastern Conference with a Coach of the Year frontrunner, Billy Donovan. Since Ball's absence two years ago, this team has been a sub-.500 product constantly searching for their identity. Some nights, DeRozan is the go-to option and was the leading scorer in their first season together. In other games, LaVine is the primary option and leading shot-taker. He was the top scorer last year. Early this year, LaVine looks to be the guy again despite his abysmal first two performances, and DeRozan's been the late-game crutch he's been since arriving in Chicago.
Vucevic has always played third fiddle to the two wings but has constantly let it be known that he wants more action and paint touches. As a player who averaged over 20 points in his most successful three seasons in Orlando, Vucevic can carry more of the offensive load despite the low usage rates.
The Business Of The NBA
As the most consistently floated name in trade talks over the past three years, Zach LaVine is no stranger to the business side of basketball. During the last three summers and trade deadlines, LaVine's name has appeared on several trade scenarios and rumor mills. While there have been no confirmed proposals from around the league, speculation runs wildly, as it has already this season. Unlike previous seasons, a third time around with the same roster and the same results could indicate severe changes on the horizon, and the 28-year-old star is well aware.
If Chicago is out of the playoff picture at the trade deadline, look for moves to be made. DeRozan is a pending free agent this summer, and it's already documented that he and the Bulls are "apart on multiple fronts" regarding his extension. LaVine's famously got one of the most lucrative contracts leaguewide, and in his age 28-year-old season could boost a playoff team to contention. Vucevic is unlikely to be moved, having just inked a multi-year extension this summer. He'll be around through at least this season, most likely.
Winning cures all, but if the Chicago Bulls continue with the current trajectory, their stars will not ignore that they might be in different threads before year's end.
Where would you want to see LaVine and DeRozan end up, and is there any chance this roster turns things around before they're forced out of town?
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