The Chicago Bulls added some solid rotational pieces this summer. Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig will help Chicago on the defensive side of the ball as well as behind the three-point line. However, their Big 3 remained the same, as Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic are all still in place.
On top of that, guys like Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Andre Drummond will all receive significant minutes. The starting lineup will probably look like Carter, LaVine, DeRozan, Williams, and Vucevic, but the more intriguing topic is what the Bulls will decide to do for closing lineups.
Buy Bulls TicketsThe Chicago Bulls Central YouTube channel recently discussed this topic.
It’s safe to assume that LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic will all be a part of Chicago’s closing groups. All three are All-Stars, and barring an injury or a weird circumstance, they will be closing games for the Bulls. But the other two spots in the closing lineup are essentially up for grabs.
While Williams and Carter seem like the favorites to start games, they will face some stiff competition for closing minutes.
Carter is more likely to stick in closing groups. Dosunmu is a solid defender, and White can score, but Carter’s blend of hard-nosed defense and three-point shooting make him an ideal fit next to Chicago’s three All-Stars.
For those same reasons, there’s a chance the Bulls choose to look at Craig for closing minutes over Williams. Both are plus defenders, but Craig’s reliable three-point shooting would space the floor for the Bulls, allowing their offense a bit more room to breathe.
