If a supposedly fractured relationship must be repaired between the Chicago Bulls and their best player, two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine, the two sides are heading into the season with momentum on their side.
In preparation for the start of next week’s training camp, LaVine has been a willing participant in team activities, according to team sources. He joined the majority of his teammates in Miami last month for a player-organized minicamp.
The Democratic National Convention took over Chicago and bumped the Bulls out of both the United Center and the Advocate Center, the team’s training facility across the street from the arena. Left with no place to train, players gathered in Miami over the course of a week and turned a swanky hotel gymnasium into their home away from home.
LaVine, who was expected to be traded this summer along with DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, put the past aside. For two days, a team source said, LaVine played pick-up games and began the process of building chemistry in Florida before having to return to his home in California for personal reasons.
One way the team banded together was seen in several veteran players picking up the expenses for their less-established teammates. The NBA prohibits clubs from paying for offseason team gatherings. If nothing else, players paying their own way for offsite team-wide activities showed an encouraging early commitment to this season.
LaVine reported to Chicago earlier this month, along with the majority of the Bulls roster. An unofficial second minicamp ensued inside the Advocate Center. LaVine didn’t have to report until next week, when training camp opens Tuesday, but he again displayed his intention to buy in to what the new-look Bulls are doing.
Trade talks have long included LaVine’s name, and the Bulls aggressively tried finding a trade partner this summer. But rival teams wanted additional compensation for taking on LaVine, and the Bulls refused to attach additional resources to move him.
As the two sides worked together to find a suitable deal, LaVine was noticeably absent from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. A half-dozen players from the Bulls’ main roster sat courtside for the team’s first game. LaVine hadn’t been seen or heard from since the end of the season.
LaVine underwent season-ending surgery on his right foot on Feb. 8., and in his absence, Coby White had a breakout season, finishing second in Most Improved Player voting. Additionally, Ayo Dosunmu enjoyed a bounce-back season in his third year.
Now, there are legitimate questions of how LaVine fits on a team with young talent emerging. But in offseason conversations with Bulls leadership, including coach Billy Donovan, LaVine has vowed not to overstep or stunt the development of younger players, according to a team source.
It could be a tricky balance for a player who likes the ball in his hands and is skilled at creating his own shot. But LaVine has taken the first step by showing up. Now he must show he can play well with others.
Lonzo Ball is back, but how will his body respond?
Cautiously optimistic is the best way to describe the Bulls’ outlook on point guard Lonzo Ball.
Ball is attempting a comeback after 2 1/2 seasons following multiple surgeries on his left knee. The good news is Ball has been a full participant during team activities and remains on schedule to do the same in training camp.
But that’s where optimism takes a backseat to the Bulls’ cautiousness.
It’s one thing for Ball to play in offseason pick-up games alongside fellow NBA players. Making it through his first NBA training camp in three years, however, is a challenge altogether. No one can be sure how Ball’s body will respond, which is why the Bulls still aren’t looking too far ahead. Expect to hear that message at media day next Monday.
Ball has come a long way. But before he and the Bulls can think about the regular season, they’re eagerly waiting to see how Ball responds after camp. Aside from routine soreness, required maintenance and, of all things, a recent bout with COVID, Ball, by all accounts, has looked good so far in his return.
Patrick Williams remains a question mark
Patrick Williams’ health is still in question as camp approaches.
The fifth-year forward appeared in only 43 games last season before requiring season-ending surgery to repair a fractured bone in his left foot. Williams told reporters in July that the bone had healed and he was running and jumping without pain or swelling.
Bulls forward Patrick Williams, who is rehabbing left foot surgery, when asked how he’s feeling physically:
“I’m pretty good. I’m running and jumping now. No pain. No swelling. So it’s just a matter of getting my legs back under me.”
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) July 13, 2024
But Williams experienced discomfort during the team’s minicamp in Miami and required additional rest in recent weeks. His availability is the biggest unknown in the short term. Long-term, the setback forces one to wonder whether Williams will be able to assemble a breakout season given his lengthy layoff. He last appeared in a game on Jan. 25 and hasn’t played much five-on-five since.
The Bulls signed Williams to a five-year, $90 million contract this summer, a show of continued faith in the No. 4 pick in 2020. The departures of DeRozan and Caruso have opened opportunities for players like Williams to absorb more responsibility.
First, Williams has to stay healthy. He appeared in 71 of 72 games as a rookie and in all 82 contests two seasons ago. But a fluke play during the 2021-22 season resulted in a broken wrist and forced Williams to miss the final 65 games.
What’s next for Coby White?
The player most likely to be impacted by this summer’s moves — and the Bulls’ inability to move LaVine — is White, the team’s sharpshooting sixth-year guard.
White proved himself as a starter last season and is expected to remain in the first string this season, sliding between LaVine and new arrival Josh Giddey at point guard. An off-ball role is not the one White coveted. He’s long said he views himself as a point guard.
The Bulls, as evidenced by the Giddey acquisition, see it differently. There is belief within Bulls leadership that White operates best without the added dimension of navigating playmaking responsibilities. In other words, despite his improvement over the years at orchestrating the offense, White is free to be a scorer.
It might not be the role White wants, but it just might be his most clearly defined role to date.
Dribbles: Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis apparently can play. It was one thing for the 11th pick to impress in summer league, but the word out of minicamp sessions is the 19-year-old is holding his own in team activities. Buzelis has impressed with his passing and ability to attack the rim. … Look for the Bulls to unveil a new playing style this season, a more uptempo offense and a twist on the defensive scheme, one that will shift the focus from defending the paint to protecting the 3-point line. The Bulls allowed 39.5 3-point attempts per game last season, which ranked last. Two seasons ago, the Bulls yielded 37.1 3-pointers on average, which ranked 29th.
(Top photo of Zach LaVine: John Jones / USA Today)
