There are fewer interesting NBA talking points in August than a Dwyane Wade jersey at the United Center, but the Bulls have done a good job of giving us interesting stories this offseason! We’ve reevaluated the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade, discussed Matas Buzelis’ rookie role, and debated Patrick Williams’ contract. If you need a good refresher on where the organization stands as we prepare for training camp, tune in to Wednesday’s show!
One of the big discussions on yesterday’s podcast was the overall philosophy of the Chicago Bulls’ management. While they may have done the right thing this summer by taking a step back, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing it the right way. In other words, as important as it is to add more young talent and focus on player development, it’s not the right move to make. only Successful organizations rebuild. Equally important is valuing draft capital and future financial flexibility. The Bulls haven’t shown us they’re willing to do just that.
Indeed, one of the major flaws in management’s previous roster build was a lack of aggression. They quickly added an All-Star core and then locked themselves in a bunker with a two-year supply of food and water. The NBA is an ever-changing organism. If you want to be truly competitive, you have to be dedicated and adaptable. You can’t sit through multiple trade deadlines and refuse to pay the luxury tax. Again, you have to be aggressive. And if you want to build for the future in any meaningful way, you have to be equally aggressive! It’s not easy to hit rock bottom, folks, especially with a strong draft coming up. By not trying to hoard draft picks or take on unwanted salary, the Bulls aren’t going to give it their all. Whether you’re building a contender for now or down the road, the key is to do it hard. Otherwise, you’re just setting yourself up to be stuck in the middle.
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We can all agree that this upcoming season for Patrick Williams is his most important yet. Not only will this be his first year of a five-year, $90 million contract, but the door has opened for him to contribute much more on both ends of the floor. DeMar DeRozan’s departure creates a lot extra baskets. Meanwhile, the departure of Alex Caruso means the Bulls have lost their defensive stalwart. The Bulls re-signed Williams to fill those two holes. Can he do it?
I remain fairly optimistic about Williams’ ability to become an above-average player. Whether it’s his incredibly efficient three-point shot or his solid defensive foundation, there’s still a lot to like about the kind of player he can become. The fact that he was asked to make an almost immediate impact on winning upon entering the league may have done him a disservice. He was the youngest NCAA prospect drafted and therefore one of the rawest players entering the league. Williams likely came from a rebuilding environment where he could have a long leash and make mistakes. In some ways, he’ll finally get that opportunity this season. I understand that expectations remain pretty high for him personally, but I think the lack of expectations for the roster as a whole could help him finally blossom.
One of the most beautiful basketball cards in NBA history is about to go up for auction. Estimated at $1 million by Fanatics and Sotheby’s, the card is signed by Michael Jordan and Julius Irving. Oh, and it includes a jersey patch from both players! Learn more here.
His career didn’t turn out the way we all hoped, but I thank Tyrus Thomas for the many jams!
We got some footage of Lonzo Ball shooting hoops for the first time in a while this week…
