The game tonight might not matter here … *points to the NBA standings.*
But it sure matters here … *points to heart.*
- The Chicago Bulls will tip off their preseason tonight at the United Center against the New Orleans Pelicans. While it’s not likely we see too much action from the team’s probable starters, there is still a lot we can begin to learn about how this team will approach a 2022-23 campaign full of high expectations. With that in mind, I wrote about some of the key questions we should expect answered over the next four games. Check it out:
What I’m looking forward to most about the preseason is easily watching Patrick Williams. Not only did the Bulls’ forward show real progress at the end of last season, but the team seems determined to hand him a bigger workload this summer. Establishing his role from the jump will be crucial, as will seeing how aggressive Williams chooses to be in that role. The Bulls need him to step up this year to have the kind of internal development that can counteract the roster upgrades around the rest of the Eastern Conference.
If one thing is for sure, Williams will have his work cut out for him during his handful of minutes tonight. The alien beast that is Zion Williamson will return to the floor after 518 days away from the game. There have been plenty of positive words spoken about his new physique and mentality, and I have to imagine he’ll be out to prove he’s better than ever when he tasks the floor this evening. Can Williams match his physicality and protect the paint?
For what it’s worth … he did a decent job during his rookie year:
Williams also recently opened up about the preparation that has gone into Year 3. I think it’s fair to say the former No. 4-overall pick sounds more confident and determined than ever before.
Williamson isn’t the only player making a highly-anticipated return to the court this preseason. Both Jamal Murry and Ben Simmons played in their first games last night, and they each gave their respective fan bases something to be excited about.
Bro, chill, it’s just the preseason.
DeMar DeRozan has been as reliable as anyone in the league, and he spoke about why with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. In the interview, DeRozan underscores just how much work he puts into keeping his body right, as well as emphasizes that he has no limit on how long he plans to play.
Do certain players fall off when they hit 33 years old? Sure (just look at Russell Westbrook). But others tend to hit a new stride – one that revolves around expert knowledge of the game. DeRozan showed last season that he can still perform at a high level with masterful footwork and high-IQ shotmaking. I’m not sure why some believe that will suddenly disappear, and nor is the man himself:
“You look at guys like CP at 37 and LeBron at 38, and I’m only 33,” DeRozan told Andscape. “That is another four or five years I can possibly play at a high level. We will see where I feel from there. I never had a date. I never said, ‘I want to play 20 years.’ I just want to go out there and have fun and have the same passion. If I ever see the passion slipping or my abilities slipping to a form the way I won’t be able to do it, I wouldn’t have a problem [retiring].”
My brain can’t comprehend the fact that Derrick Rose just turned 34. He’ll forever be the youngest MVP in my mind.
Completely and utterly meh.
Allen Robinson can’t catch a break.
The Cubs’ future does feel bright.