The grind starts now!
With training camp roughly one month away, this is typically the time in the NBA offseason where we see players hold unofficial group workouts. Many of the Chicago Bulls top players pointed toward their extra practice last offseason when discussing their early-season success. And it sounds like they hope to do the same this fall.
According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, several roster members have planned to work out together in Los Angeles this week.
Joining DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine – who are already known to handle their offseason business out west – is supposed to be Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White, per Johnson. What exactly their workouts might entail is anyone’s guess, but I wouldn’t be surprised if DeRozan has a couple of his teammates getting up at 4 a.m. to hit the gym. Williams already spent time going through DeRozan’s grueling schedule earlier this offseason, and perhaps it’s time for fellow youngsters Dosunmu and White to get their own taste of the action.
Of course, the most notable name missing from Johnson’s initial list is Nikola Vucevic. Considering the big man’s struggles alongside his new All-Star teammates last season, it would certainly feel reassuring to know all three are spending additional time in the gym. Now, with that said, I can totally understand if he’s not able to attend. Not only is this his time of the year to spend with his wife and kids, but we know he’s also spent time overseas this summer (where he still might be).
Lonzo Ball will be the other key face to look out for in any images or videos that leak online. Also based out West, head coach Billy Donovan’s most recent words on the starting point guard were surprisingly positive. However, whether or not that means he’s ready to put in real work with his fellow teammates on the court is a big question mark.
For what it’s worth, Johnson’s own comments didn’t provide much confidence.
The last thing I’ll say for now is that I imagine this will be the first time Dalen Terry gets to work out with the bulk of the roster.
While I know Johnson didn’t share his name above, he’s been locked in the Advocate Center in Chicago since draft night. Unless there is some kind of prior engagement, I can’t see a reason why the rookie wouldn’t join the rest of the crew in California. And he basically said as much during his introductory press conference: โIf they invite me, Iโm there,” Terry answered when asked about the possibility of working out with DeRozan in LA.
Anyway, I look forward to being way too hyped by any behind-the-scenes footage we get of the workouts this week! Let the 2022-23 preparation begin!