Three takeaways from the Bulls’ preseason loss to the Raptors
The Chicago Bulls played the Toronto Raptors in their final preseason game Thursday night, and I have to admit, the feelings are very strong right now. Despite the close 102-106 loss, we’re seeing numerous positive adjustments in this team’s attitude that might have a significant impact on the Bulls’ win total next year.
Last night’s game saw a couple breakout performances from Bulls players, including newly-signed Torrey Craig. As noted below, he had the highest plus/minus on Chicago’s bench and had an impact on the game at the margins with his rebounding, playmaking, and defensive ability.
But, as much as I’d like to keep gushing about Craig, it’s only the preseason. Before receiving their bouquets, these newcomers must demonstrate that they can assist the Bulls win games during the regular season. With that in mind, let’s look at three critical things I feel the Bulls can learn from yesterday night’s preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Following a painful preseason loss to the Raptors, the Bulls must continue to build on these three lessons.
1. Nikola Vucevic is deserving of being a Bulls focal point.
With Jakob Poeltl ruled out of yesterday’s game due to sickness, Nikola Vucevic had a wonderful opportunity to dominate Toronto’s frontcourt. I wasn’t willing to get my expectations up, though, because the Bulls have all too frequently let comparable chances slide through their fingers by prioritising iso-ball and not using Vooch down low.
Last night, however, this was not the case.
Although Zach LaVine led the Bulls in scoring with 25, Vucevic was not far behind. The big guy scored 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting in just 28 minutes of action. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, with half of them coming on the offensive boards. Vooch made his lone three-point effort, but the most of his offence came from the low block, just where we want him to be. He even shot four free throws, demonstrating that plays run for Vucevic can be efficient possessions. If the Bulls allow Nikola to play like the imposing big man he is, the Montenegrin star might have a tremendous year.
2. The Bulls require Billy Donovan to be tough on them.
It’s all too easy to dismiss preseason basketball as a useless exhibition before the main course, but Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is keeping things tight as if this is a meaningful warm-up for the regular season. But he’s not just talking the talk; he proved he’s prepared to let his actions back up his words by benching Patrick Williams less than three minutes into last night’s game.
In just 165 seconds on the court, Williams committed two atrocious turnovers, a few defensive lapses, and a terrible shot attempt that was stuffed by Chris Boucher. Williams would not return to the floor for the remainder of the first quarter, which Chicago would win 23-19 to reclaim the lead. It may be uncomfortable, but Donovan’s resolve, especially with Chicago’s stars, is required if the Bulls are to be taken seriously as a competitive group this season.
3. The Bulls no longer need to rely on DeMar DeRozan as a crutch.
Despite DeMar DeRozan’s poor effort, the Bulls seemed to hold their own against one of the league’s more rugged teams and stingier defences. DeRozan was better used as a playmaker by getting his teammates involved, as evidenced by his team-high 5 assists while shooting 6-for-15 from the field and scoring 15 points.
As a result, the entire starting lineup appeared to be more involved than ever before. Each of Chicago’s starting five players scored in double figures, which was an incredibly rare event for this group of players last season. The Bulls were held back by a free throw disparity, as Toronto’s 38 attempts out outnumbered Chicago’s 11. It’s conceivable that the Bulls would have won if the controversial whistle hadn’t come into play. And they wouldn’t have needed DeRozan’s help.
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