When free agents would step back to look at their options, the Chicago Bulls used to be the plain donut. No, not glazed or even sprinkled with sugar. Just a plain old donut that has to be dipped into black coffee to create even the slightest bit of taste. But when the franchise parted ways with the GarPax regime and signed Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, everything changed.
Now, when players open the box from Chicago, they get a beautiful waft of donuty goodness with a piping hot apple cider cinnamon sugar donut sitting right in the center (these are elite donuts and if you disagree, you’re wrong). Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan took a bite out of that donut this offseason, and it could be only a matter of time before others follow.
After all, The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry dropped a rather encouraging nugget about the organization’s new front office in a Q&A session on Tuesday.
I know this for a fact from agents I’ve spoken with. Marc Eversley has brought a different level of credibility to the organization with his previous existing relationships.
• While I think the team’s high-profile free agency showed us this was the case, it’s nice to see it put into writing. In today’s player-first and player-run league, few things are more important than being on an agent’s good side. Prioritizing these relationships is how you change the poor perception around the league. The hope was always that a well-connected face like Eversley – who once ran Nike’s player relationship department – could lead the charge in re-inventing this team’s image. Of course, that process will be a never-ending task (and most heavily influenced by the on-court product), but I think it’s safe to say he has made up significant ground quicker than expected. Thanks for making us a better donut, Marc (I’m hungry)!
• Speaking of relationships … BACK OFF, LEBRON. HE’S MINE!!
💯
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) September 1, 2021
• Zach LaVine officially announced his deal with Klutch Sports on Tuesday. The Chicago Bulls All-Star will join James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, teammate Lonzo Ball, and several others as being represented by the agency. ICYMI: We talked more about all of this last week.
Everything is a learning experience, and to grow we all must embrace change – only by strengthening our foundation can we ensure longevity!
I’m excited to join @klutchsports pic.twitter.com/HwW75SQWl0— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) August 31, 2021
Welcome @ZachLaVine! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/9KKy0V2XPk
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 31, 2021
• Good video and note about Derrick Jones Jr.
Watching tape of DJJ. Bulls fans shouldn't expect much from him in terms of offense in the half court, but this is a great example of what you can expect, and that's attacking closeouts. He is pretty explosive off the catch. Good thing the bulls added some nice playmaking. pic.twitter.com/BKo4coLDsJ
— Larry Golden (@_LarroHoops) September 1, 2021
• We talked a whole lot about what Jones can bring to the table after the initial trade, and there is a reason we did not devote much time to his offensive impact. The guy has a thin tool bag that lacks any kind of reliable outside shot. What Jones does best is use his length and speed to get to the rim as a cutter/slasher. With more gifted playmakers like Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan on the court, there should be good opportunities for him to find some easy buckets, especially if he is also playing with a big like Vucevic who can space the floor and clear the paint. At the end of the day, though, any offense Jones adds this season will pretty much be gravy. What the Bulls will ask him to do is guard the perimeter and help contests shots on the defensive end. Considering the lack of real defensive upside in this starting lineup, Jones could play a major role on that end of the floor.
• Funny enough, as the starting lineup thrives on offense and stumbles on defense, I expect the bench to do the exact opposite. With Alex Caruso, Troy Brown Jr., Derrick Jones Jr., and Tony Bradley all likely members of the second unit, the Bulls have given themselves some real high-energy and versatile defenders. Stagger Ball in there and things get even more interesting. With that said, who is scoring points? Coby White will be the go-to guy once he returns, but he is as close as a known commodity on that end as this team has on their bench. Caruso, Jones, and Bradley have never averaged double-digit points per game. Caruso was the one who took the most shot attempts per game last season, and it was just 5.3. I think Brown has some upside as a more reliable scorer/playmaker, but he is still a big work in progress.
Office hours 💼 pic.twitter.com/MDOFmyk3sN
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 31, 2021
• Maybe if a close my eyes, it’ll feel like a Bulls game.
ALL the hot sauce coming your way on Friday 🥵 @Stacey21King @adamamin pic.twitter.com/87Bmb6mPeO
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) August 31, 2021
• Oh no! Don’t run this lineup out against the Bulls! Please! (he types with sarcasm)
82-0 Line-up https://t.co/LZXckxyk9z
— Jarrett Allen (@_bigjayy_) September 1, 2021
• We’re getting closer!
Happy September.
28 days until training camp.
😁
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) September 1, 2021
• As old as the Lakers?
The Bears Have the Oldest Roster in Football (And They’re Awfully Expensive, Too!)https://t.co/zz8XYaAlza
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) September 1, 2021
• I have a feeling this will make me angry.
Must-Read of the Day: Behind the Scenes at the 2021 Chicago Cubs Trade Deadline – https://t.co/XPYgdteCU2 pic.twitter.com/uVrL71Jvni
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 1, 2021