The Chicago Bulls organization currently believes that a disconnect between DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine on the offensive side of the floor is responsible for their struggles this season. Shams Charania of the Athletic (subscription required) reported on December 20th, 2022, that the Bulls had held multiple meetings to fix the disconnect between both stars.
The Bulls have held multiple team meetings trying to work out their issues, and that has included one-on-one, face-to-face sitdowns between DeRozan and LaVine, according to team and league sources who were granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly on team dynamics.
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are not underperforming
Charania’s report should raise concern amongst the fanbase but not for the reasons people think. Despite the reported disconnect, the duo had improved their offensive statistics compared to the 2021-22 season. DeRozan and LaVine have shared the floor in 31 contests this season for 23.8 minutes per game.
During these minutes, Chicago averages 56.1 points, shooting 49.5 % on 42.6 attempts per game. These statistics are a slight improvement over last season. The Bulls averaged 55.3 points, shooting 47.6% on 42.5 shots per game last season during the 23.5 minutes that DeRozan and LaVine shared the court before 2022.
The statistical improvement indicates that the Bulls organization has yet to pinpoint the real culprit behind the team’s struggles, even though it is pretty obvious. The team’s struggles are related to Lonzo Ball’s absence. Ball’s absence has exposed the defensive holes within the Bulls roster.
Why Zach LaVine is not responsible for Chicago Bulls struggles
Chicago had him guard the best offensive wing in the opponent’s starting lineup, as he had the lateral quickness and defensive awareness to keep up with them. For example, Damian Lillard brought the ball up the court with about 40 seconds in the second quarter vs. Chicago on November 17th, 2021. After he passed half court, Lillard turned to the right attempting to drive toward the basket.
Consequently, Ball turned to the left to block a lane towards the basket. Ball was successful as Lillard stopped near the free throw line and turned to the left to get separation from Ball. Lillard’s second move didn’t work as Ball kept up with him and blocked his shot out of bounds.
Ball held Lillard to 11.1% shooting on nine shots in 40.8 partial possessions. Ball’s defensive skills helped Chicago in multiple areas.
1. Chicago held opponents to 45.7% shooting on 63.1 attempts, 3rd best behind Tony Bradley and Alex Caruso.
2. Ball’s presence allowed Chicago to use Caruso as the defensive anchor for the second unit.
3. Teammates could focus on the other opposing players as they rarely had to help him.
How Lonzo Ball’s absence impacted Chicago’s defense
Ball’s absence this season has severely hurt the starting lineup defense. The Bulls didn’t have a wing in the starting lineup to start the season who could keep up with opposing guards. Patrick Williams was assigned to guard Devin Booker on November 30th, 2022 but needed help to keep up with him.
For example, Booker had the ball on the left wing early in the first quarter and immediately turned right to go over a DeAndre Ayton screen. Booker immediately got a step on the defender as Williams wasted a few seconds figuring out how to avoid the screen.
Consequently, Nikola Vučević decided to help, leaving Ayton unguarded with an open path to the basket. Booker shot 88.9% against Williams on nine shots in 25.7 partial possessions. Williams gave up 18 of Booker’s 54 points.
Opponents shot 48.5% before December 2nd on 54.9 attempts per game, the 8th highest in the league. Opponents were averaging 73.3 points per game, 11 highest in the league. Consequently, Chicago decided to elevate Caruso into the starting lineup on December 2nd.
Caruso has helped the starters slightly in one area as they hold opponents to 48.1% shooting on 60.5 attempts per game, the 12 highest in the league. However, they are giving up more points as opponents are averaging 79.8 points per game, the second highest in the league.
In conclusion, Chicago should be focused on fixing their defensive issues.
Leave a ReplyCancel reply