The New Backcourt, Major Defensive Concerns, Windy City Schedule, and Other Bulls Bullets

Elias Schuster Elias Schuster
Sep 03, 2024
Sep 03, 2024

A backcourt that features Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Josh Giddey could make opposing defenses sweat! The only problem is … that trio could also make opposing offenses salivate.

  • While we all know the organization has an obvious desire to move on from Zach LaVine, there is no denying they’ve given him a pretty intriguing running mate. Josh Giddey is precisely the kind of unselfish, pass-first guard that the Chicago Bulls have long needed next to the two-time All-Star. He can fly with LaVine in transition and help find him open shots in the halfcourt. Giddey’s passing vision is genuinely among the best in the league, and this could be on full display with such a talented and athletic off-ball scorer like LaVine.

  • Add in Coby White and things get really interesting. Giddey now has two above-average catch-and-shoot threats on either side of him. Considering his own struggles as a deep threat, this must be music to the 21-year-old’s ears. Neither LaVine nor White have to worry about setting up the rest of the offense and can now focus strictly on what they do best – scoring the basketball. Will both need the ball in their hands at times to do that at the highest level? Of course. But the good news is that both are pretty willing off-ball movers and can now trust someone to get them the ball in the right spot.

  • The bad news is that all three leave a lot to be desired defensively. And that’s putting it kindly. This may very well be one of the worst defensive lineups in the league, especially when we factor in Nikola Vucevic’s rim protection. Zach LaVine treats this end of the floor as an afterthought, while Josh Giddey’s lack of high-end athleticism makes him an easy blow-by. Coby White is probably the most active defender of the three, but he still lacks elite length and tends to lose his man. The loss of Alex Caruso is going to be felt immediately by this squad, and I think this is ultimately why I feel good about them competing in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Even if Patrick Williams is able to put together a strong season on this end of the floor, teams are going to carve up this defense like it’s a Thanksgiving turkey.

    • LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls
    (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

  • With that said, I’m at least glad the Chicago Bulls finally have some more size at the wing! I expect Billy Donovan to try out a lineup with Patrick Williams and Matas Buzelis pretty early on in the season. While there have been some questions about Buzelis’ defense coming into the pros, I liked what I saw during Summer League. He’s an extremely fluid athlete for someone who stands six-foot-ten and also provides some very encouraging shot-blocking instincts. Not to mention, unlike Williams, Buzelis appears to be a motivated rebounder. Only time will tell, but I do think Buzelis will play a lot of meaningful minutes this season. And, hey, why wouldn’t he when you’re in rebuild mode?

  • Same, Silvy. Same.

  • Angel Reese vs. A’ja Wilson tonight!

  • The Windy City Bulls will tip off their season on Nov. 8 against Grand Rapids. The full schedule dropped . Adama Sanogo will likely lead the way again for the G-League affiliate, as he remains with the Bulls on a two-way deal. We’ll also get a closer look at Chicago-native DJ Steward this season, who played for the Bulls in Summer League and signed his own two-way deal earlier this offseason. The last remaining two-way contract is up for grabs and will likely be a training camp competition.

  • Answer Will’s poll!

  • You got that right!

    • For Ryan Poles and the Bears, Patience H🐽as Been a Virtue

    written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

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