Defense has been an ongoing challenge for the Chicago Bulls these past few years. According to The Ringer’s latest NBA analysis, that problem may only get worse by the time this season is done.
The Bulls are adopting a “junk it up” defensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season. Assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. emphasizes the need for a different defensive approach, particularly after trading away Alex Caruso, their best defender last season. The Bulls ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency last season, struggling to limit both three-point shots and attempts at the rim.
With a focus on a faster-paced offense, the Bulls aim to improve their defensive performance to support this style. Key players like Patrick Williams will play a crucial role, especially as the team anticipates starting three guards—Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Zach LaVine. Williams’s ability to defend top wing players will be essential for the team’s success.
Unseld has highlighted the importance of forcing turnovers, leveraging the athleticism of players like Williams and Ayo Dosunmu to create opportunities. The team is still adjusting to new defensive coverages and terminology, which adds to the challenge. LaVine has been called upon to elevate his defensive efforts, and early signs indicate he’s receptive to this challenge.
Overall, for the Bulls to maintain their fast-paced ambitions, they must solidify their defensive identity. If they can improve their ability to get stops and rebound effectively, they can transition into offense more fluidly. As the season approaches, the Bulls are focused on establishing a robust defensive mindset that complements their offensive strategies, aiming to turn around last season’s disappointing results.
The Ringer Predicts Chicago Bulls Will End Up With NBA’s Worst Defensive Rating This Season
Thanks to injuries, the Bulls weren’t able to play great defense these past few years. If things don’t change, The Ringer’s Michael Pina predicts Chicago may end up with the worse defensive rating once the season is over.
In a vacuum those moves are, at best, acceptable. In reality, with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic still on the payroll, the perennially unavailable Patrick Williams still an injury risk, and Lonzo Ball still hoping his body can make it through a month of NBA basketball without falling apart, the Bulls are, still, incoherent: not as bad as they should want to be or good enough to compete for a play-in spot. Instead, it’s a big bowl of irrelevance, with suspect defensive personnel (no Caruso is going to really hurt), little rim protection, and no propensity for meaningful change.
The Bulls face significant concerns heading into the season, particularly regarding their perimeter defense. Last year, they ranked in the bottom third of the league with a defensive rating of 113.4. With key players missing an average of 20 games due to injuries, maintaining a solid defensive strategy becomes even more crucial.
As the team integrates new talent, developing chemistry while improving defensive efforts will be vital. To succeed, the Bulls must prioritize enhancing their defense to compete effectively, especially against division rivals. Addressing these issues could very well refute the prediction given to them by The Ringer.
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