These three have missed 30, 37, & 60 games respectively. The fact that the Bulls hold the 4th seed in the East despite these injuries is a feat in itself. With these three returning we have to look at how this will likely impact the Bulls as they get closer to the playoffs. Each player returning is going to play a key role for this team. But do the Bulls have enough time to get everyone in sync before the playoffs start?
This group will only have a handful of games together
It's great that these guys are coming back ahead of the playoffs but it's certainly going to be tough to get into a nice rhythm with only a handful of games together. The Bull's beginning of season starting lineup only played in 5 games together. However, this team likely will be able to get right back into the swing of things and it starts with the starting point guard. Bull's starting point guard Lonzo Ball has only been present for 35 of the team's games and will need to take over his original role quickly once he returns. There's one major thing Ball brings to the table when in the starting lineup and it's something the Bulls have desperately been missing.Lonzo's defense is something this team has struggled with. Backup guard Ayo Dosunmu has done quite well holding his own but outside of him the defense from the guard position hasn't been pretty. Lonzo can easily return to the lineup and get back into the swing of things on the defensive end of the floor which will only help give the Bulls more opportunities on the offensive side of the ball. If Lonzo can get into his rhythm quickly this Bulls team will be tough once the playoffs start. This is only one player we are focusing on returning. Add in the other two and the Bulls are going to be tough against anyone.
Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams can elevate this team to another level
The Bulls have only seen starting power forward Patrick Williams play in 76 total games. After a promising first season with the Bulls, he was elevated to the starting lineup for the 2021-22 season. Unfortunately after 5 games, Williams was out for what we thought was the entire regular season. Here we are almost five months later and Williams is likely going to be returning in the coming weeks. That's a huge boost for this team for many reasons. While Williams isn't going to light it up on the offensive side of the ball he's still a big body who can handle his own defensively and isn't scared to defend the best player on the other team.Williams has made it known that he wants to guard the other team's best player and the Bulls need someone to step up defensively so the offense can continue to flow. We know this Bulls team can shoot the ball well. Defense is what will keep the Bulls alive in the playoffs and that is what Williams will bring. Now when it comes to the return of guard Alex Caruso we are again talking about someone who brings defensive firepower. He is an absolute stud on the defensive end of the floor and has shown that throughout his 37 games with the team this season. Let's not forget Caruso is also averaging 8.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, & 1.9 SPG. He's getting a lot done coming off the bench and is a productive piece the Bulls have been missing. The combination of Ball and Caruso had the Bull's defense at another level before they both got hurt and their returns will be key for a long playoff run.
Hopefully, these guys can get back and at least get a few games all together before heading into the playoffs. It would be especially helpful if they can win some more games and put themselves in a better position once the regular season comes to an end.
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