The ball has dropped and 2024 is upon us, which means the NBA season is rapidly approaching its halfway point. The Chicago Bulls’ season has been a rollercoaster thus far. What are some things to look out for with this 2024 Chicago Bulls team?
Most Intriguing Storylines for the Chicago Bulls in 2024
Zach LaVine’s Future with the Bulls
The most obvious headline for the Bulls is the ongoing Zach LaVine saga. The Bulls have experienced unexpected success since LaVine’s injury in early December. Young guard Coby White has blossomed into a gifted scorer. Veteran star DeMar DeRozan has taken the mantle as an on-court mentor and facilitator for this team. The Bulls are also witnessing the resurgence of veteran center Andre Drummond (more on him later).
Coby White in December:
22.6 points per game
6.4 rebounds
5.7 assists
47% shooting
40% from three
82% free throws
3.2 made threesVote ➡️ https://t.co/FIqGfhqhk6 pic.twitter.com/wJR0gRVBVY
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 2, 2024
Talks of trading LaVine have been rampant, but no real movement has happened yet. It seems that he’s aiming for a return soon, based on the news of Chicago assigning him to their G-League affiliate to get him in some contact practice. LaVine’s return should be good news, but there are fears that he may stifle the Bulls’ momentum.
Because of his hefty contract, many teams may be hesitant to pull the trigger on trading for LaVine. The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked, but having the contracts of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and LaVine makes things complicated for a team that also needs depth.
LaVine has also been somewhat prone to injury throughout his career. His current right foot inflammation is just one of many injuries that have stifled him in his career. Teams may find it risky to send valuable assets to Chicago for a player who may or may not face more absences in games to come.
Andre Drummond’s Resurgence
Following Nikola Vučević‘s groin injury, it seemed like some of Chicago’s positive momentum would be halted. However, Andre Drummond has filled the starting center role and surprised many with his outstanding numbers through three games.
In his first three games starting in place of Vučević, Drummond has averaged 15.3 points, two steals, 1.7 blocks, and a whopping 21.3 rebounds. Drummond grabbed 64 rebounds through three games, a franchise high in the last 25 years. A two-time All-Star, Drummond is turning back the clock and proving that he’s still capable of providing value to good teams.
Per Bulls PR, Andre Drummond’s 64 rebounds over the last 3 games is the highest 3-game total by a Bull since Dennis Rodman also had 64 in January 1998.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 31, 2023
So when Vučević returns, will Chicago keep Drummond in the starting lineup and move Vuč to the PF to be more of a stretch-four? Or does Drummond get moved to a more elevated bench role? Another factor in Drummond’s resurgence is the fact that other teams may have their eyes on him now. Drummond is currently on the last year of his very reasonable contract of approximately $3.4 million. Contending teams in need of a stronger rebounding presence will likely be aggressively pursuing a Drummond acquisition to add to their depth.
The Bulls have some tough choices to make, but Drummond’s resurgence is an overall positive thing for this Chicago team.
Potential Trade Targets
Chicago currently sits at the 10th seed in the East, an odd middle ground between competitiveness and tanking. It seems, however, that the team is leaning towards the former. With the desire to be competitive, what moves can Chicago make before the trade deadline?
Ziaire Williams
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report floated the idea of Chicago potentially targeting Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams. This season, Williams is averaging 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 38.2% from the field and 31.6% from three.
Williams would provide some depth at the forward position behind Patrick Williams and Torrey Craig for a low cost. Memphis drafted the young forward with high hopes tenth overall in 2021. He hasn’t quite lived up to those hopes yet, but Chicago may be a good change of pace for that turn to happen.
Tyus Jones
Another trade prospect that Buckley mentioned was veteran Wizards point guard Tyus Jones. While his numbers don’t jump off the screen, Jones has had a respectable nine-year career. This season, he’s averaging 12.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3 rebounds on a bad Wizards team.
With the ongoing absence of Lonzo Ball, the Bulls have been in need of another true point guard to fill that role. Coby White’s emergence has been electric, but he’s definitely more of a score-first guard. Having Jones would mean having a true, experienced playmaker to facilitate for White, DeRozan, and Vucevic. Other than defense, this is what the Bulls have been missing with Ball being injured.
Considering the Wizards’ 6-26 record this season, the Bulls may not have to give up much to acquire Jones. Washington will likely be in selling mode heading into the trade deadline as they continue to lose games.
The Last Word – What 2024 Holds for the Chicago Bulls
What started as a seemingly doomed season for Chicago has turned into one with hope for now and for the future. Chicago is poised in a much better position now than before with the development of Coby White and Patrick Williams as well as the resurgence of Drummond. Either way, the Bulls have options to build more of a contender this season or to stock up draft picks for the future.
