The Bulls completed their 3rd preseason game last night defeating the OKC Thunder 124-103. This gives the Bulls a 2-1 record thus far in the preseason. They have one more game remaining as they will play the Thunder again tomorrow night. After a 275 day hiatus from competitive basketball, we were unsure what the Bulls would look like under their new regime. I am going to preface this article with the following, I know it’s only preseason and these games don’t count. However, there have been some positive things that have been consistent in each game. Let’s take a look at what we have seen so far.
1. Zach LaVine is still the #1 player on the team
In the 3 preseason games so far LaVine has averaged 19.7 PPG while only playing 25 MPG. He appears to have shaken off the rust from the first game and is getting into midseason form already. LaVine is looking like he’s already in a good zone offensively and we haven’t even gotten into the regular season yet.
Zach LaVine was IN THE ZONE.
24 points | 9-14 FG | 5 assists | 25 mins pic.twitter.com/6i2GUmdFoV
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 17, 2020
It’s good to see that LaVine is warming up in the preseason, especially after such a long break. Now we know that the preseason doesn’t count for anything but for a team that had such a long break these games are big for getting them back into the groove of playing. LaVine’s performance over the last two games has fans excited for what this season may hold for him. LaVine has been called out previously about not being able to be that #1 guy. This year he may be taking his game to an entirely new level to prove just how talented he is.
Zach LaVine is about to take it to another level this season. Dear lord.
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 17, 2020
These first four preseason games are big for this team and especially LaVine. It’s going to give him a chance to get back into the rhythm of the game before the games that count begin. One thing is for sure, LaVine looks to pick up right where he left off last year. The good thing is that he’s not having to take over the game like he did last year. According to head coach Billy Donovan, LaVine is scoring within the framework of the offense and isn’t forcing anything.
Billy Donovan just said Zach LaVine is scoring within the framework of the offense.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 17, 2020
2. Coby White Looks to be coming into his own as a PG
Ahead of this season, there was a lot of talk about Coby White and whether he could become a true PG. Three games into the preseason and you can already see a difference in his playstyle compared to last year. You can almost see Coby letting the game come to him and him looking to facilitate. In his 3 preseason games, he has averaged 20.7 PPG & 4.7 APG and he’s done so while averaging 28 minutes per game.
.Year 2 of @CobyWhite is gonna be fun.
20 pts | 5 asts | 4 three-pointers pic.twitter.com/YT3WzNPoD9
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 14, 2020
It’s certainly going to take some time before Coby gets into the true PG playstyle but he’s showing that he can get there. One thing that seems to be continuing on from last season is his scoring. He doesn’t appear that he will have any issues scoring for this team. The next step will be facilitating and making sure the offense keeps moving and it doesn’t become iso basketball. Either way, Coby has looked pretty solid in these first 3 games. Again, we know it’s only preseason but these games are HUGE for letting these young guys warm up.
3. Patrick Williams has been consistent
When the Bulls picked forward Patrick Williams #4 in the draft this year there were a lot of skeptics/critics. A lot of people were unsure about his talent since he never started a game at Florida St. Well so far in the preseason he has averaged 12.7 PPG & 4.3 RPG while averaging 26.7 minutes per game. He has been consistent in each game he has played this season. Keep in mind he’s only 19 years old and just started his first game for the Bulls. Williams hasn’t rushed into his role with the Bulls and he has let the game come to him.
Patrick Williams Game 3 Highlights pic.twitter.com/Gkaon6cVbC
— Chicago Bulls Rumors (@chicagobullsbot) December 17, 2020
Even his teammates have noticed how relaxed he seems to be on the court.
Coby White: “Pat (Williams) is super talented, super poised. I’m not surprised.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 17, 2020
Williams has honestly looked comfortable on the floor so far. He doesn’t look like a frazzled 19-year-old rookie which is good. We will see as the Bulls get into the regular season and the competition gets tougher how he will fair. Thus far he has looked like a solid player. He is taking advantage of his minutes and making an impact on both sides of the ball.
The Bulls have one final preseason game remaining and will begin the regular season on December 23rd. While there’s still a lot of work for this team to do it’s been exciting to see some good Bulls basketball. Let’s hope this carries over into the regular season.
