Thanks to DeMar DeRozan’s daughter Diar’s winning performance during the Bulls’ play-in game versus the Raptors a few weeks back, the season literally ended on a high note. While Diar’s screams whenever the Raptors took a free throw seemed to lead in part to the Bulls’ victory, we likely also need to give Zach LaVine some credit, with his 39 points, what some are calling a “signature moment” and “best game as a Bull.”
The come-from-behind victory against Toronto, where they erased the 19-point deficit is a highlight, and a game to be remembered.
Unfortunately, two days later, the Miami Heat and the pesky Jimmy Butler – beloved Bull turned not so well-loved foe proved to be just too much for our Bulls.
While this was not the season any of us had hoped for, especially following last year’s unexpected appearance in the NBA Playoffs (and season-long appearance somewhere in the top half of the Eastern Conference standings), there were some bright spots in 2022-2023.
To me, it was critical for Zach and DeMar DeRozan not only to co-exist, but to play well together, and most importantly – that they like one another. This was not always evident throughout the season, but by the end, they seemed to have figured it out.
The question for next season will be about Nikola Vučević (Vooch). Will he stay or will he go? Is this core trio enough to enable the Bulls to win a championship?
Short answer. Well, with two full seasons playing together, and everyone starting their summer vacations in April versus June, it seems like we do not have “more than enough” to win with. The construction of the Bulls roster would even be questions by the likes of Thibs.
What I really liked about this season was the Bulls’ defense. I’ve heard it said that “defense wins championships,” and while the Bulls have more to improve upon, with the addition of Patrick Beverley, it felt like the Bulls amped up their defensive focus. For those smarter than me, you can dive into the details of the defensive ratings here: NBA Defense Team Rankings – 2023 Defensive Rankings (lineups.com). The Bulls are ranked seventh for the regular season.
Two younger players showed improvement this season – Patrick Williams and Coby White. In fact, according to Wikipedia, Coby White became the fastest player (237 games) in Bulls history to make 500 career three-point baskets. Here’s a rhetorical question – do the Bulls need someone who can make three-pointers?
And the Bulls were just more fun to watch. It looks like fans rather enjoyed taking in the games at the United Center. According to a Forbes article titled The 2022-23 NBA Season In Review And A Look Ahead, the Bulls were one of three teams to average attendance over 20,000, with a total of 20,527, ahead of the 76ers (20,469) and the Mavericks (20,177).
You know what I like most about my Bulls? They’re all just good guys. From Zach and DeMar to our UConn friend Andre Drummond to Alex Caruso to the ultimate cheerleader, the rookie Dalen Terry.
So, we shall see what the 2023-2024 season brings.
And I’ll make you, my loyal readers and fans a promise. I’m going to spend my Bulls playoff ticket money on playoff tickets next season, versus this season’s backup spending plan, which involved purchasing new outfits to wear later this week when I take my talents to South Beach in Miami for a few days of much-needed sun and fun.
See Red!
Go Bulls!
bullsbanter 
Leave a comment