news

Chicago Bulls 2024-25: A quick preview

VaselineOctober 6, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The Chicago Bulls appear ready to dismantle their roster and focus on a complete rebuild around their remaining young talent. After years without any significant roster moves, the Bulls shook things up this summer by trading away DeMar DeRozantheir main offensive weapon, and Alex Carusotheir defensive anchor. Although they missed the optimal window to get maximum value for both players, their trades have now positioned the team for a youth movement.

The future now revolves around surveillance Josh Giddeyrookie forward Matas Buzelis, Coby WhiteAnd Patrick Williams. Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in this year’s draft, had an impressive outing in the Summer League and is expected to play a major role this season. At 6-foot-4 and with rare ball-handling skills for his size, Buzelis brings some much-needed versatility to the Bulls, though his shooting is still a work in progress.

Despite persistent trade rumors Zach LaVine remains on the roster, raising questions about whether the Bulls will trade him before the season or if he still fits into their future plans. Nikola Vucevic has also failed to live up to expectations in Chicago, leaving the Bulls with a depleted frontcourt. The only reinforcement heading into the season is the addition of Jalen Smith on a purchase contract.

The team has a total payroll of $174,994,656 for the 2024-2025 season, which ranks them 18th in the NBA.

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn images

Returns: Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter, Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips, Patrick Williams, Torrey Craig, Adama Sanogo, Onuralp Bitim

Additions: Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City), Jalen Smith (Indiana), Chris Duarte (Sacramento), Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite), Talen Horton-Tucker (Utah), EJ Liddell (Phoenix), Kenneth Lofton Jr (Utah)

Departure: DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento), Alex Caruso (Oklahoma City), Andre Drummond (Philadelphia), Javonte Green (New Orleans)

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn images

The Bulls’ young core of Giddey, Buzelis, White and Williams brings versatility and potential and provides a solid foundation for the team’s future. Coach Billy Donovan favors having multiple ballhandlers on the floor, especially those with great size, so this team could resemble the Oklahoma City Thunder of 2019-2020. While both Buzelis and Giddey need to improve their shooting skills, their overall potential is promising. If Zach LaVine and veterans like Vucevic and Ball have bounce-back seasons, the Bulls could perform better than expected.

The Bulls face a depleted frontcourt despite the addition of Smith, and their lack of a proven inside presence leaves them vulnerable against dominant big men. Inconsistency in shooting is another major problem, as the team may struggle to score consistently, especially from the perimeter. LaVine’s uncertainty remains a problem; his off-field dissatisfaction has affected the team, and his future with the Bulls is unclear, potentially delaying the rebuild. Defensively, the loss of Alex Caruso leaves a significant hole. Without their defensive anchor, guarding elite perimeter players will be a challenge.

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

HoopsHype: 4th in the Central Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference

ESPN: 4th in the Central Division, 12th in the Eastern Conference

Sports books: 27.5 expected wins

HoopsHype compiled the consensus winning averages by collecting winning forecasts from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars and bet365.

VaselineOctober 6, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Vaseline

Related Articles

Rob Lowe and his wife Sheryl make a youthful appearance during Paris Fashion Week

Police investigate hate-motivated assault in city park

Hezbollah head Hassan Nasrallah killed in Beirut strike

Only on News 15: Former Lafayette assistant district attorney Gary Haynes pleads not guilty in federal court to bribery, other charges | Only On News 15