The Chicago Bulls will not jet off to Nashville this preseason, but team camaraderie remains a clear priority.
Thanks to the Instagram stories of several young Bulls, we know many players spent time this week at Six Flags Great America. The organization has made this trip a few times in the past. I’m sure many fans remember the viral video of Bulls players convincing a timid Patrick Williams to board a rollercoaster a couple of years ago.
On-court suckiness aside, I’m kind of going to miss this group of guys …
In case you missed it back in 2022, Williams shared his thoughts on the experience during a locker room media availability. His story is almost just as good as the video. Also, I’m right there with you, Pat. Even the spinning teacups are too much for my equilibrium.
- Out of all the photos I saw scrolling social media, Matas Buzelis probably shared the best one. The rookie captured a shot of him, Ayo Dosunmu, and Dalen Terry mid-drop. The 19-year-old looks amazed, Dosunmu looks absolutely terrified, and Terry looks like he’s been there a million times before. Frame it and put it in the locker room.
- As the Nashville trip eventually proved, these team-bonding moments matter very little in the grand scheme of things. If the roster isn’t built properly and the coaches can’t develop an identity during training camp, it doesn’t really matter how much these guys get along. Heck, all we heard about for three years was how greatly these Bulls players enjoyed plane rides and group dinners. The core trio, in particular, seemed to like each other off the floor. Alas, here we are.
- Now, could team bonding prove a little more important for such a new and young roster? Absolutely. The more these guys like each other, the more they may be willing to sacrifice and work together on the court. Likewise, the closer they all are, the more comfortable they’ll be holding each other accountable. Coby White seemingly really found his voice over the last season, and I can see him filling an important leadership void this year. I’m also quite high on the personality that Buzelis possesses. He seemingly holds himself to a high standard, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his chip-on-the-shoulder mentality begins to radiate across the roster. All it can take sometimes is one guy to set the tone.
- Indeed, Buzelis’ presence could prove especially meaningful for Patrick Williams. The rookie isn’t going to enter the Advocate Center quietly. He is practically the opposite of Williams from a personality standpoint in every way. Not only is Buzelis the type that calls out the No. 1 pick in the draft, but he’s the type that sacrifices his body for any and every poster attempt. If I’m Williams – and I was just paid $90.0 million – the last thing I want is for this dude to come in thinking he can outperform me. Let’s hope Buzelis’ borderline cocky demeanor can bring out a new side of Williams.
- Bleacher Report picked one word to describe each team’s offseason. You can take a look at the one they chose for the Bulls here. If I was the one putting a one-word label on things, I’d probably settle for “incomplete.” While they have started to trend in the right direction with this youth movement, they have several key moves left to make. We’re still waiting for them to prove to all of us that they are prioritizing longer-term success and building for the future.
- The Orlando Magic have reportedly signed Mac McClung, Javonte Smart, and Ethan Thompson to Exhibit 10 deals ahead of training camp. Funny enough, all three of those players have spent time with the Bulls either in the Summer League or preseason.
- I still can’t believe this clip exists. So freakin’ cool.
- PLEASE DO WELL CALEB!
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