Could the Chicago Bulls finally get out of NBA purgatory this year?
While it is just the preseason, Chicago is 2-1 in the exhibition slate despite being shorthanded. The most promising development of the early going for the Bulls is that they may be deeper this year — Chicago’s bench ranked in the bottom third in efficiency last year, and the play of their youngsters is promising.
Bulls Set Roster While Star Guard Expected To Be Ready By Opening Night, Others Trending In The Right Direction?
Chicago defeated Cleveland in its first two preseason games before falling to Milwaukee 127-121 last night. Ayo Dosunmu, who produced his most efficient preseason, led the way with 22 points, while their budding star Matas Buzelis has shown improvement in his shooting early on. Josh Giddey, a late signee, also had his most efficient game of the preseason against the Bucks.
“Ayo has delivered some seriously good mins here in the preseason, “ Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic tweeted during the Bulls game against the Bucks. “Tonight especially. Lot of his offense feels unforced, and he’s putting so much pressure on the rim. 22 pts on just three missed shots going into the fourth.”
All totaled, 18 Bulls have seen action this preseason, with the lone exception being Coby White. White, who has said he plans to test free agency next summer, is dealing with a calf injury that he sustained in August. While White is expected to be ready by opening night, he will likely not play this preseason.
“Billy Donovan says the likelihood of Coby White making his debut this preseason is “probably” unlikely. Lorenzi reported today. “Says that his calf likely feels good to the point he *could* play, but that the sense is medical doesn’t feel comfortable with the amount of ramp-up time he has.”
Bulls Have Other Injury Concerns
White is not the only Bull dealing with an injury. According to K.C. Johnson of CHSN, Tre Jones (foot), Kevin Huerter (groin), and Julian Phillips (knee soreness) are dealing with ailments. Huerter and Phillips have missed the last two preseason games.
Johnson said Huerter is trending in the right direction and participated in practice today. He added that Huerter, who played well after coming over from Sacramento at the NBA trade deadline, won’t play against Denver tomorrow but could play in the team’s final preseason contest against Minnesota (Thursday).
Meanwhile, Jones (foot) and Phillips missed practice, though both could play tomorrow night. There was no word that Yuki Kawamura didn’t practice after sitting out Sunday’s contest due to a lower leg injury. Kawamura, on a two-way deal, has averaged 10 minutes in his two preseason affairs.
Bulls Set 18-Man Roster.
Coming into the preseason, Chicago knew who they were going to roll. That is why Mouhamadou Gueye was the only player in camp who was not on a standard or two-way deal. The Bulls officially set their 18-man Roster after waiving Guye earlier today.
Guye will likely head to the G League with the Windy City Bulls, as he has signed an Exhibit 10 deal. The 27-year-old forward, known for his hustle and defense, totaled four points and two rebounds in eight minutes of action this preseason.
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