The Chicago Bulls have won a disappointing 25.5 games on average over the past 4 seasons. However, things look very promising for the Bulls so far.

The Bulls are boasting their highest Pace Factor (An estimate of possessions per 48 minutes) since the 1980-81 season resulting in a quicker more exciting style of basketball. At the same time, the bull are also the best defensive team in the NBA according to their defensive rating, I know it has been only 3 games, but this is surely something worth noticing. They are also top 5 in 3P%, FT% and blocks while being top 10 in steals. Although their schedule has been relatively easy so far, there is a lot to be excited for here.

This early success can certainly be attributed to their off-season pick ups of Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso and their current stars Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams. Lonzo Ball provides this team with some much-needed perimeter defense with a high basketball IQ as the team’s main facilitator.

Zach LaVine has been elite boasting 26.7 PTS, 5.7 REB and 4.7 AST on 52%-45%-94% shooting splits. DeMar DeRozan has been a great 2nd option for LaVine and can always step up when LaVine gets cold. While Nikola Vucevic has had a bad shooting start, his defense is what has made the most noise and lastly, all the bulls other supporting cast of Alex Caruso, Patrick Williams and Javonte Green have all been efficient from the field and 3PT range.

I know that it is very early on in the season and all this noise could be attributed to hot shooting nights and a relatively easier schedule early evidence surely is promising, and I think the Chicago Bulls will be an exciting team to watch this year.

Picture Courtesy: Kyle Daubs (Fadeaway World)