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The Chicago Bulls should keep their core group of players together

By Thomas J. Brown

Dec 31, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is held back by Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is held back by Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bulls
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 19: Patrick Williams #9 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on February 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bulls 112-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls should keep their core group of players: Issues to address

While the Bulls have several key players with the potential to lay the foundation to a championship, they still have several issues they need to address. Head Coach Billy Donovan cannot be happy when he sees that the team averaged more three-point attempts per game than free throw attempts per game last season. While hoisting up 28.8 shots on average from beyond the arc has become commonplace in the modern NBA, shooting just 21.5 free throws is a big area of opportunity.

One of the ways the team can address this is to utilize the expertise Nikola Vucevic possesses when it comes to scoring on the low block. “Vooch” has some of the best footwork inside the paint in the entire league and it is a shame he didn’t get more touches throughout the year. Yes, DeMar DeRozan earned the right to be the first option, but a center who can score and get the other team’s frontline in foul trouble is an asset that must be put to good use.

Another issue is the team’s 23.9 assists per game. That is a relatively low mark for a team whose scoring is primarily done on the perimeter. What this shows is that the team has largely relied on isolation plays instead of ball movement.

“Iso-ball” is great in the last four minutes of a close game; DeMar DeRozan demonstrated that repeatedly during the regular season. But the bulk of the scoring should come through player movement and good passing. When Chicago learns this, they will inevitably average more assists, as well as more points per game.

Lastly, the 8.7 offensive rebounds per game that the team averaged is lower than it should be. Too often, Vucevic was left alone under the basket when a shot went up, with no other Bulls helping to crash the glass.

With Patrick Williams returning to full strength next season, this will no longer be the case. However, the rest of the team will have to pitch in if the team is going to hit the desired mark of 10 offensive rebounds or more per contest.

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