Bulls '22-'23 Season Thread

[Old Style]

I guess we should get this one started with the first pre-season game last night. I know it's only one game so I don't want to overreact much in either direction but I have to say as a very vocal critic of Vooch last season that he looked pretty good last night especially on the defensive end. Ayo looked good and so did Caruso but the team defense was awful. The offense was stagnant most of the time. Zach only played the first half and Coby didn't play much with a minor leg injury. I don't expect him to add much to this season's team but I loved Dalen Terry's performance once he finally got in. Super high energy and what appears to be a high ceiling. Ultimately I think the Bulls are going to struggle big time without Ball. He's just so important on both ends of the floor. Hope he can get back early 2023.

[Old Style]

I'll add that PWill still looked tentative to me but Woo still brings the energy and hustle. He always seems to make things happen when he's on the floor.

[SpongeWorthy]

terry should take some of his dog and give it to williams for sure

[UMFan83]

Yeah I'm just not that excited about this season, though I reserve the right to pretend like I was should they prove to be good.

[Have a seat, Neifi]

The O/U being set at 42.5 more or less conveys the exact lack of enthusiasm you're describing (and which I share). Just don't see any way this team wins a playoff series in the increasingly-loaded Eastern conference.

[UMFan83]

The O/U being set at 42.5 more or less conveys the exact lack of enthusiasm you're describing (and which I share). Just don't see any way this team wins a playoff series in the increasingly-loaded Eastern conference.

 

The only way it happens is some combo of:

 

1) Patrick Williams improves into at least a viable contributing starter (I realize he’ll probably start but if he’s averaging 6ppg and looking tentative that’s not the leap you need)

2) The Bulls manage to swing a trade or 2 at the deadline to improve some of our deficiencies

3) Lonzo does return this year and turns out to be the difference maker that so many Bulls fans are hoping he is based on how the Bulls played the first half of last year.

[17 Seconds]

this bulls team is like a 40 degree day

[Tim]

this bulls team is like a 40 degree day

Something you're super excited about all winter long, but is super disappointing come spring?

[17 Seconds]

sounds like pat has already lost his starting spot

[SpongeWorthy]

on the one hand pat might not be any good

 

on the other he should get more opportunities off the bench and he could easily play his way back into the lineup

[Tim]

My take on it is that they want him to learn to be more aggressive. He's a lot more likely to do that with the second team than when he's sharing the court with the all-stars.

[David]

My take on it is that they want him to learn to be more aggressive. He's a lot more likely to do that with the second team than when he's sharing the court with the all-stars.

 

yeah that's kinda my read on this situation

 

he has openly admitted that he feels like he has to defer when he's in the lineup with the #1 unit.

[UMFan83]

My take on it is that they want him to learn to be more aggressive. He's a lot more likely to do that with the second team than when he's sharing the court with the all-stars.

 

yeah that's kinda my read on this situation

 

he has openly admitted that he feels like he has to defer when he's in the lineup with the #1 unit.

 

I think being given a role off the bench could be great for him. He doesn't have to go out there trying to be the 4th pick of the draft, just find a way for him to contribute real value for the team and grow his confidence. As a starter he looks like he doesn't know what he needs to be for the team right now and I think that's hindered his growth (well that and injuries)

[Old Style]

[Old Style]

[UMFan83]

 

I thought the word was that LaVines knee was all healed up. A bit surprising and concerning to see him on the injury report for the first game of the season even if he’s likely going to play.

 

In other news, Patrick Williams will be the starting PF tomorrow

[Old Style]

Yeah, the fact they listed LaVine as questionable surprised and concerned me. That means he's 50-50 to play tomorrow. He played all 4 pre-season games if I'm not mistaken.

[17 Seconds]

all offseason he's been talking about how healthy he is and how great his knee feels. it would be weird as horsefeathers if he missed the first game.

[Tryptamine]

all offseason he's been talking about how healthy he is and how great his knee feels. it would be weird as horsefeathers if he missed the first game.

 

Really? This is pretty much exactly what I expect as a Chicago sport's fan.

[Andy]

LaVine out tonight. Great. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about with a lingering knee injury to a guy the Bulls just gave a horsefeathers ton of money to - it's not like that's ever been an issue before.

[Derwood]

#nee

[Old Style]

FML. We owe Orlando next year's first round pick too, right? Does that have any protection in case we end up in the lottery?

[UMFan83]

LaVine out tonight. Great. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about with a lingering knee injury to a guy the Bulls just gave a horsefeathers ton of money to - it's not like that's ever been an issue before.

 

He's also likely out Friday against Washington per the reports. Hilariously they are still calling it left knee management. After 1 week off, after playing the entire preseason. The Bulls franchise is beyond ridiculous. At this point I would rather it be a new knee injury than "load management"

[Old Style]

I double checked. He did sit out the last pre-season game but still. I was not expecting him to miss any time already.

[UMFan83]

FML. We owe Orlando next year's first round pick too, right? Does that have any protection in case we end up in the lottery?

 

It's top 4 protected