The Bulls are sailing aimlessly without a proven point guard.
The Chicago Bulls’ by-committee approach to replacing two-way point guard Lonzo Ball’s production has clearly failed. The Bulls have been unable to find adequate replacements for Lonzo after signing Jevon Carter and re-signing Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu in the offseason. They currently have a 2-3 record and appeared destined to compete in the play-in tournament again this season.
Ball’s absence is clearly felt
Almost two years have passed since that January night in which Ball suffered a knee injury that has kept him from returning to the NBA court. The Bulls looked elite and competed for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with Ball at the forefront of their two-way attack.
However, his absence has led the Bulls down a bleak path from which they have yet to recover. Despite the presence of a guard corps that includes White, Dosunmu, Carter, and Alex Caruso, Chicago’s offense has struggled to score as a result of poor ball movement and inefficient three-point shooting.
“Coby White has struggled to the point of potentially losing the starting gig he secured in training camp, but no one is seriously challenging for the spot. Alex Caruso hasn’t shot well, Jevon Carter hasn’t provided any playmaking and Ayo Dosunmu hasn’t stood out in any facet,” Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote.
Bulls have to try acquiring a proven court general
The Bulls have a solid core of veterans who have been through the ringer. What the team lacks is a proven court general who can direct the offense and keep things under control.
The current starter, Coby White, has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to take the reins and consistently lead the team. Having said that, Chicago’s front office must continue to look for a capable veteran point guard to run the show.
“If the Bulls are going to keep pushing forward with this core, they probably need to take at least one more crack at upgrading this position,” Buckley said.
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