Pinstripes Tonight! Early-Season Issues, Not Time for White To Start (Yet), and Other Bulls Bullets

If you regularly follow these bullets, then you’ll remember the squirrel who’s always outside my window in the morning. I named him Lyle (so, yeah … you can say I’m emotionally attached).

Well, Lyle hasn’t left yet, and he’s still on the hunt for the finest acorns this side of the Mississippi. However, the weather’s getting colder, and the leaves are further restricting Lyle’s search. I fear the day Lyle and I must part ways is around the corner.

Anyway, time for bullets!

  • WE GET PINSTRIPES TONIGHT!!!!!
  • I don’t know if I should be more excited about this or the fact that it’s a Luke Kornet revenge game!? Hmmmmm.
  • If you need a quick rundown of everything not going right for the Bulls right now, The Daily Herald’s got you covered. Mike McGraw writes that these issues over Chicago’s first three-games could be “tough to fix,” but I’d have to disagree. For starters, we can’t make any real assumptions on any team after only one week. The Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers for crying out loud. Sure, the Bulls had several (okay, many) worrisome moments; however, most feel like expected growing pains for a young core with several new additions.
  • A 28-percent three-point percentage shouldn’t continue, especially with these shooters. Otto Porter looking like a 50-year-old man shouldn’t continue, especially with more rest and Chandler Hutchison returning (more on that later today). Failing to convert in the paint shouldn’t continue, especially when Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. are your bigs. My only real concern moving forward is the defense. As for the other inconsistencies, we could see a turnaround as soon as this week. Teams adjust. Teams improve.
  • NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson gave his five observations from the Bulls home-opening loss to the Raptors this weekend. He mentions the Bulls stagnant ball movement, and this is an area where I NEED to see immediate improvement this week. The Bulls have failed to fully channel the same quick-passing, unselfish offense we saw during the preseason. The poor execution is leading to contested shots … which leads to fewer makes.
  • And, Zach LaVine just can’t do this:
  • The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry has some great stuff on Coby White and Daniel Gafford in his latest piece.
  • Mayberry mentioned Luke Kornet’s struggles to start the season and went on to ask a similar question to the one I presented after Saturday’s loss:
  • If you’re going to test the waters with Gafford, there would be no better time than this week. The Bulls’ next two games come against the Knicks and Cavs, two opponents Chicago has a very solid chance at beating. Both teams have their fair share of experienced frontcourt players, but the matchups should blend low stakes with a suitable challenge. If the defensive woes continue, it’s worth giving Gafford a shot in real minutes.
  • Coby White dropped 25 points against Ja Morant, so talk to the hand.
  • https://twitter.com/Bulls_Peck/status/1188612968268865536?s=20

  • For those of you calling for White to start, just keep this in mind:
  • I totally believe White can pick up starts here and there, and, ultimately, he’s going to be the starting point guard for this team, but the instant success we’ve seen is in large part due to his role. White has been killing it as a spark plug off the bench. The rookie is truly able to just play his game as he gets acclimated into the NBA, and that’s a perfect way for a guy to build confidence.
  • (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

  • #DefenseBack?
  • The Knicks are so screwed.
  • We all deserve Michael Jordan content to start our week.
  • 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.

    more bulls news

    Could Donovan Mitchell’s Trade Market Indirectly Open Doors for Zach LaVine?

    Before the Chicago Bulls can do anything this offseason, they have to answer one question: What the heck do we do with Zach LaVine!? The LaVine situation boiled over near the beginning of last season. Rumors swirled for quite some...

    Around the NBA: Thunder On The Brink, Cavs Looming Decisions, LA & JJ, More

    We officially have a team in the conference finals! The Boston Celtics eliminated the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. We also saw the Dallas Mavericks take one step closer to the...

    A Bull on Inside the NBA, DeRozan’s Reliability, Angel Reese’s Debut, and Other Bulls Bullets

    We got our first look at Analyst Alex on Wednesday night! The Chicago Bulls' guard joined the Inside the NBA crew on TNT to talk hoops, and it didn't take long for the NBA veteran to look like a broadcasting...

    Alex Caruso Makes His Inside the NBA Debut … Immediately Cusses

    Inside the NBA welcomed Alex Caruso to their famous Studio J on Wednesday night. The Chicago Bulls' defensive menace joined TNT's normal cast of characters – as well as frequent visitor Draymond Green – ahead of Game 5 between the...

    Which NBA Team Will Have the Most Cap Space in the 2024 Offseason?

    With the Chicago Bulls bounced early from the NBA Playoffs yet again, it's got me thinking about the looming offseason and ever-daunting NBA salary cap. While the playoffs have been really fun thus far, it's hard for me not to...

    Where to Watch Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky Tip Off the Season

    The Chicago Sky are officially back! After two preseason contests, the Sky will tip off the regular season on Wednesday night. The year will begin with two straight battles against the Dallas Wings, a team that finished 22-18 last season...

    It’s Not You, DeMar DeRozan … It’s the Bulls

    I don't need a Porsche. Would I like to have one in my driveway? Sure. But I'd be foolish to funnel my money into such a luxury. Now, might things be different if I was rolling in dough because of...

    Patrick Williams’ Free Agency, Isaiah Collier in Chicago? NBA vs. NFL, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will dominate the offseason headlines for the Chicago Bulls. Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley will presumably work every phone line in hopes that the market consensus has changed on their two-time All-Star. As for DeRozan,...

    Lonzo Ball Shares a Very Optimistic (Nearly Unbelievable) Update on His Rehab

    Lonzo Ball's new podcast "What an Experience" didn't avoid the elephant in the room. Within the first few seconds of the inaugural episode, Ball addressed his current health status and provided an update on his return to play. To be...

    NBA Mock Draft Roundup: One Name Keeps Popping Up for the Bulls

    The Chicago Bulls should be in the film room growing a five o'clock shadow. The only reason they should be let out and handed a razor is to take in the Draft Combine festivities over at Wintrust Arena. Otherwise, roll...

    Latest News

    Red Sox vs. Cardinals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, in a series opener at Busch Stadium, Brayan Bello starts for the Boston Red Sox (22-21) against Kyle Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals (18-25), with first pitch scheduled for 8:15 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this...

    How to Watch Rangers vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    Marcus Semien and the Texas Rangers (23-22) host Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels (16-28) on Friday in a series opener, with first pitch at 8:05 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

    Pirates vs. Cubs: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25), led by Connor Joe, visit Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs (25-19) at 2:20 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.See how to watch the Pittsburgh-Chicago matchup below.When is Pirates vs. Cubs and when does...

    The Mini-Break Pays Off: Ian Happ with a ROCKET Home Run!

    After a red-hot first ten games of the season (172 wRC+), Ian Happ had gone ice cold offensively. Aside from continuing to take his walks (he always does), his overall production plummeted to the point where Craig Counsell game him...

    Kevin Alcantara Doubles, Matt Shaw Singles, and Moises Ballesteros HOMERS THEM ALL IN!

    Brennen Davis isn't the only hot Cubs prospect. In fact, Moises Ballesteros is basically THE hot Cubs prospect of the season so far. And tonight, after two of the Cubs top prospects — Kevin Alcantara (on a double) and Matt...

    New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox Series May 17-19: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The New York Yankees will be hosting the Chicago White Sox for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 7:05 PM ET on Friday, May 17.Yankees vs. White Sox Series Info White Sox @ Yankees Time: Friday,...

    Baltimore Orioles vs. Seattle Mariners Series May 17-19: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Baltimore Orioles and the visiting Seattle Mariners will begin on Friday, May 17 at 7:05 PM ET.Orioles vs. Mariners Series Info Mariners @ Orioles Time: Friday, May 17 at 7:05 PM ET Orioles Starting Pitcher:...

    Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays Series May 17-19: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, May 17 at 7:07 PM ET, the Toronto Blue Jays are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays.Blue Jays vs. Rays Series Info Rays @ Blue Jays Time: Friday, May 17 at 7:07...

    Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres Series May 17-20: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The Atlanta Braves will be hosting the San Diego Padres for a four-game series, with the action getting underway at 7:20 PM ET on Friday, May 17.Braves vs. Padres Series Info Padres @ Braves Time: Friday, May 17 at 7:20...

    Miami Marlins vs. New York Mets Series May 17-19: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The New York Mets are on the road, opening a three-game set versus the Miami Marlins on Friday, May 17 at 7:10 PM ET.Marlins vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Marlins Time: Friday, May 17 at 7:10 PM ET Marlins...

    more bulls news