Season preview: LaVine, Bulls hope to sneak up on NBA
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Coby White #0, Josh Giddey #3, Ayo Dosunmu #12, Zach LaVine #8 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls pose for a photo during Chicago Bulls Media Day in September. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Bulls start their regular season Wednesday night versus the Pelicans in New Orleans.
The big picture: With offseason trades and no notable additions, it's hard to predict if the Bulls will improve over the last few mediocre seasons.
- Since you can't watch Bulls games on Comcast, YouTube TV or elsewhere due to ongoing contract negotiations, you may find yourself watching the game at a friend's house (if they have DirecTV).
Here's how to fake being an expert on the upcoming season:
This is Zach LaVine's team
The Bulls made it very clear this offseason that Zach LaVine is the star. The rumors swirled that he was actively shopped as a trade candidate, and then rumors also suggested nobody else was interested. The Bulls instead traded stars DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso.
- If you wanted to show solidarity with Caruso, wearing a red headband to the party wouldn't be the worst idea.
- Also, a well-timed "You wanted to be the alpha" when LaVine misses a layup will elicit chuckles from fellow party-goers.
Lonzo Ball is back
After being sidelined for almost three years, star point guard Lonzo Ball is set to return to the floor this season. His knee should hold up, although expect heavy load management (i.e., skipping regular season games).
- A simple "Great to see him out there" will work.
- But if you want to get creative, shower them with a "Lonzo Ball? The 2010s called and want your Big Baller sneakers back."
Matas Buzelis could be fun to watch
The Bulls chose the local product Matas Buzelis in the draft; so far, the forward is fun to watch. He's also very active on social media, or at least his fans are.
- When Buzelis makes a play on Wednesday, throw out a "Wow, nice job rookie! I can't wait to see that play a hundred times when scrolling Instagram."
- Or play on his local roots. "He's from Hinsdale? The Winnetka of the western suburbs? I hope he gets some breakfast tomorrow at (insert Hinsdale restaurant here)." The party will not only laugh but be impressed by your handle on local geography.
Zoom out: After those three storylines, the Bulls haven't done much else to improve. Josh Giddey comes over from Oklahoma City in the Caruso trade; Coby White returns to score points and Chicagoan Ayo Dosunmu is back to provide a spark off the bench.
The bottom line: It's unclear if the Bulls are trying to make the playoffs or tank the season for draft picks.
- If the Bulls lose the opener, a "luckily, I have Comcast" will get the exit laugh you need to call this party a success.
What's next: The Bulls tip-off against the Pelicans in New Orleans at 7pm.