
The Bulls have a wealth of playmaking acumen on the roster, a departure from recent years. And whatever they think that is, that’s what I go out and try to do.” So I don’t want to be, you know, just caged in. “I’m a basketball player at the end of the day. “Whatever coach asks me, that’s what I’m going to do,” Ball said. “It was the first time I (have) really done that.”īecause of his IQ, two-way versatility and improved outside shot, Ball was pretty good in that role, averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 dimes and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.8 percent from 3-point range on a high volume of attempts (8.3 per game). “It was different,” Ball said during his introductory press conference with the Bulls. But for the Pelicans in 2020-21, even as he averaged nearly six assists per game, he was largely confined to what he called a “3-and-D” role while Zion Williamson - in rather fruitful fashion - evolved into the team’s de facto point guard. But to what extent?īall is a brilliant playmaker. In Lonzo Ball, the specter of a solution exists. The Bulls’ need for a playmaking point guard has been a cloud hanging over the franchise for a half-decade. Either that or he could find his name in trade rumors given his affordable contract and past production. But with long-term money committed to Ball and Caruso, White needs to prove he can flourish in this role. They also included him as one of seven “core” players while touting their new Twitter header. In a formality, the Bulls picked up the fourth-year option on White’s rookie contract. When he returns, he likely will do so in a role he played more his rookie season than last season - scoring sparkplug. If that holds - and, again, all rehabilitation processes take their own route - White will miss roughly 10 to 12 regular-season games. The source estimated a mid-November return. So, of course, questions about his rehabilitation progress will surface early in training camp.Īccording to a team source, White has been dribbling with his left hand and is progressing well in what is indeed a fluid recovery.
#Coby media manager download update#
The Bulls haven’t provided an official update on the third-year guard’s status since issuing a statement on June 10 stating he would be re-evaluated in four months following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. But it’s a dynamic that adds to the pressurized nature of this season. No doubt LaVine was consulted on their dealings, and no doubt his preseason outlook will be rosy. The front office made a calculated gamble this offseason by shelling out cash and draft capital to externally improve the roster instead of sacrificing depth to carve out cap space and renegotiate-and-extend LaVine’s contract at a higher number. Especially for a player in LaVine whose focus is squarely on winning. But a lot can change in the next nine months, particularly if the Bulls underwhelm and established, deep-pocketed suitors arise. In fact, he has been steadfast in his devotion to the franchise at every turn. LaVine has said nothing to indicate his commitment to Chicago is wavering - or even that it could.
#Coby media manager download free#
He’s the team’s best player, a top-flight offensive talent coming off a historically prolific age-26 season, and is due for unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2022. Make no mistake: As much as this season is about the Bulls’ spirited effort to return to relevance - and the playoffs - it’s about proving that this organization’s direction is desirable enough to keep Zach LaVine enticed long-term. Zach LaVine addressing the Bulls’ offseason moves But that conclusion came on the eve of the regular season, not training camp. When the league performed its investigation into the Bucks’ sign-and-trade acquisition of Bogdan Bogdanović, it took just over a month for officials to find Milwaukee guilty and dock the franchise a 2022 second-round pick. I was told some people were still being interviewed as of mid-September. No t is left uncrossed or i left undotted. These investigations take time and are lawyered-up. If there is guilt, expect fines and or draft pick penalties. And at this point, which has been reported all along, there is no chance either the Ball or the Kyle Lowry cases conclude with the new team having to return the player to his former employer. Possibly by the time you’re reading this? It’s fluid. When will the Lonzo Ball investigation conclude? Here are eight to follow closely, from NBC Sports Chicago Bulls Insider K.C. There will be a plethora of pressing storylines to monitor as the team begins its quest to snap a four-season playoff drought. Then, after a four-game preseason slate, the true games begin.
