Where Does the Bulls’ Offseason Rank? Vucevic’s 3-Point Shooting, Jordan’s Jersey, and Other Bulls Bullets

This season’s first episode of Hard Knocks gets an A+ simply because of this scene:

Not only do I respect Aidan Hutchison for giving that performance maximum effort, but his teammates had his back in the most electric fashion. I swear, we better now get a video of Dalen Terry singing Thriller at Bulls’ training camp. It’s the content we deserve!

  • The Athletic’s David Aldridge has put together some offseason rankings, and I don’t think anyone will be too surprised to see the Bulls fall right in the middle at No. 15.
  • To be clear, this has little to do with expected seasonal success and everything to do with how much a roster improved this summer. And I think we can all agree the Bulls’ improvements were, well, minimal. As we’ve noted in the past, signing Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic does at least provide needed veteran experience to the bench and locker room. Not to mention, Drummond will at least help bolster the rebounding department, which we all know was a major problem last year due to the lack of reliable reserve size. But no one is going to claim that Drummond and Dragic drastically move the needle for this organization, and rightfully so.
  • Likewise, re-signing Zach LaVine was arguably the most important thing to check off for the front office this offseason. The fact they were able to do that swiftly and efficiently deserves a round of applause (and a sigh of relief). At the same time, re-signing LaVine doesn’t particularly make the Bulls any better. Sure, it sets the organization up for more long-term success, but nothing in the short-term changes. So while we – fortunately – get to say the Bulls didn’t become any worse over the last couple of months, we also can’t say they got any better.
  • Mark over at CHGO makes an important point in the thread below:
  • Even as I’ve been chased with pitch forks and torches, I’ve pretty much stood by Nikola Vucevic. I’m more than willing to admit that last season was an overall bad year for the big man, particularly when we consider the All-Star-level he’s played at in the past. But I’ve also been more than willing to cut him some slack. Vucevic experienced a massive role change coming to Chicago, and he never once played alongside the kind of talent on this roster before last year. Adjusting to a new environment can be hard, especially when you play a position that arguably relies most on others to help you get in a rhythm. With that being the case, I’m open to giving Vucevic another shot to prove his worth this season.
  • Also, speaking more toward Mark’s specific point of the 3-point shooting, I do find it extremely hard to believe Vucevic will not perform better this season. The guy is a talented and proven downtown shooter (at least for a big man) and rarely do we see that ability just disappear. Now, do I think his 40 percent season is representative of who he is moving forward? No. But neither is the 31 percent we saw last year. With another season next to these teammates and (hopefully) a healthier roster, I think he’ll get more comfortable across the board.
  • One last thought on Vucevic: I very much disagree with the sentiment that he needs to be planted in the paint more. Could he use some post-ups early in the game to get him in a rhythm? Sure! But Vucevic isn’t on this team to dominate in the paint. The Bulls need his ability to stretch the floor for multiple reasons: (1) They need to clear the lane for their two most talented scorers, (2) they need kick-out options, and (3) they have so few players who can reliably shoot from long range. Vucevic should keep chucking up 3-point shots if the Bulls want to be the best version of themselves. Simple as that.
  • Speaking of the need for 3-point shooters, why hasn’t anyone fired up the time machine and grabbed both Korver and Kerr?
  • The NBA world is waiting to see whether or not the Brooklyn Nets will give in to Kevin Durant’s more frequent request.
  • Marko Simonovic and Goran Dragic will be the two faces representing the Bulls next month:
  • Check those couch cushions for an extra few million!
  • Happy Birthday, newbie! Please grab us some offensive rebounds!
  • WHY DID SHE FALL FOR THAT?
  • https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1557180424979464192?s=20&t=nMGVAHzf4HnCskHH9PUruQ

  • Pen to paper …
  • Hey, a depth chart!
  • 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

    Even With Butler Out, the Bulls Will Have Their Hands Full Against the Heat

    The Miami Heat are a better team than the Chicago Bulls. We can all agree on that, right? We're talking about a franchise with three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals in four seasons. This included last year's historic run,...

    It’s Official: Heat Rule Out Jimmy Butler for Play-In Game

    The Miami Heat announced Thursday afternoon that Jimmy Butler will officially miss Friday night's do-or-die matchup with the Chicago Bulls. The announcement comes after Butler suffered a knee injury during the first quarter of the 7v8 Play-In game against the...

    Several Bulls Questionable Heading Into Play-In with Heat

    The Chicago Bulls aren't ruling Alex Caruso out just yet. Despite the guard having to exit Wednesday night's Play-In Tournament over the Atlanta Hawks, Caruso is currently listed as "questionable" on the latest official injury report. The Bulls' defensive anchor...

    Joakim Noah Gave Such a Perfect Joakim Noah Interview

    Joakim Noah hasn't played in an NBA game since September 2020, but he still can't stand the thought of losing. The Chicago Bulls legend recently appeared on an episode of The OGs Podcast with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller for...

    Fans Aren’t the Problem, Fun With Coby White’s Big Night, Miami is Still Scary, and Other Bulls Bullets

    I was sitting at an empty table with his legs crossed sipping on some white wine. The rest of the group was up on the dance floor, sending over the increasingly frequent wave to join them. I followed up each...

    If You Haven’t Seen Coby White Destroy Atlanta Yet, What Are You Waiting For?

    Coby White played the best game of his career on Wednesday night. In front of a packed United Center with the season on the line, White looked like the best player on the floor. He propelled the Bulls to a...

    Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 131, Hawks 116– April 17, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls understood the assignment. Unlike what we saw against Toronto in the first Play-In Tournament game last season, the Bulls were the ones to get out to an early lead. DeMar DeRozan was completely in his bag from...

    UGH: Alex Caruso’s Availability Already in Doubt for Next Play-In Game

    The Chicago Bulls can't seem to swat the injury bug. Despite Andre Drummond and Ayo Dosunmu returning from their multi-game absences on Wednesday, the Bulls have likely lost their defense ace. Alex Caruso suffered a foot injury in the first...

    You Have to See Coby White’s Epic Sequence Against the Hawks

    Whether or not he gets the hardware, Coby White is the NBA's Most Improved Player. The Chicago Bulls guard has fully embraced his bigger workload this season, showing improvements in almost every aspect of his game. This was on full...

    WATCH: DeMar DeRozan WOWS with Huge Slam Against the Hawks

    DeMar DeRozan is almost 35 years old and led the NBA in minutes this season. I want you to remember that as you watch what you're about to see. The Chicago Bulls' veteran forward was tearing apart the Atlanta Hawks...

    Latest News

    Cubs vs. Marlins Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Chicago Cubs (11-7) are favorites (-166) on the moneyline when they square off against the Miami Marlins (4-15) Friday at 2:20 PM ET, live on BSFL.Jameson Taillon will get the ball for Chicago while Miami will counter with Andrew...

    Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 19, 2024

    In one of the 15 exciting matchups on the MLB schedule today, the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals take the field at Kauffman Stadium.MLB prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a...

    Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Chicago Cubs (11-7) host the Miami Marlins (4-15) on Friday to kick off a four-game series at Wrigley Field. The matchup starts at 2:20 PM ET.The Cubs will call on Jameson Taillon versus the Marlins and Andrew Jacob Puk...

    Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cincinnati Reds (9-9), who will give the start to Nick Lodolo, host the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) with Tyler Anderson on the mound, Friday at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Cincinnati-Los Angeles matchup in...

    Kings vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Kings are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 9:30 PM ET. The over/under...

    Nick Foligno Calls Out Blackhawks Teammates, Says Changes Are Needed

    The Blackhawks put the worst regular season of more than 70 games in the history of the franchise to bed on Thursday night in a manner that sums up the season fairly well. Connor Murphy was banged up and Nikita...

    2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

    It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

    2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

    The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

    How to Watch Pirates vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) host Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Pittsburgh-Boston matchup below.When is Pirates vs. Red...

    Padres vs. Blue Jays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (11-10) open a series against George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) at PETCO Park, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET.See how to watch the San Diego-Toronto...

    more bulls news