Bulls Season Predictions: Point Guards |
Don't look now, but the NBA is right around the corner as the Bulls will kick off their preseason slate on Sunday. In the meantime, Chicago is going through the motions of training camp as they prep for what they hope to be a great 2023-24 season.
Unlike most teams who go through a drastic roster shift, the Bulls knew they were tight on funds, so they had to make do with what they had and are essentially running it back with the same roster again. Sure, they did some pieces, but with virtually everyone back again this season, it is now or never for this group. As we creep toward the start of the regular season, this is the perfect time to break down this Bulls roster and give our season prediction previews for each position. These are just projections, and the numbers are not based on a specific formula or anything like that. Today, it is all about the PG position, which the Bulls are still trying to figure out.
Arguably, the team MVP down the stretch in 2021-22 was Alex Caruso, who was brought in for one reason: DEFENSE. His ability to wreak havoc on a defender is a big reason why this team was a top-five defensive team, but he is also someone who dealt with a ton of injuries. If healthy, he is a treasured piece, and someone will be making calls on him should the Bulls struggle again this season. Caruso is in an interesting spot as the Bulls would love for him to start knowing his defensive ability, but they also like him to come off the bench and ignite that second unit. There could be a situation where Billy Donovan uses his as both a starter and a bench player, depending on the matchup, knowing how versatile and valuable he can be. Prediction: 69 games, 7.8 PPG, 3.2 APG, 3.1 RPG, and 2.7 SPG Caruso is a massive part of the Bulls team, but not for the reasons you would expect. He is what you call a bulldog and someone who doesn't shy away from the dirty work to get things done. He plays hard and will miss games because of it, as he will have minor nagging injuries. Look for him to be more consistent next season, even if the numbers don't show it.
One of the bigger offseason stories surrounding the Bulls this offseason was whether or not Ayo Dosunmu would be back. The former second-round pick and Illinois native, Dosunmu, has seen time as both a starter and bench player but has been much better off the bench. Like Caruso, Dosunmu is a better defensive player at this point in his career, but he did take a little step back in year two. Knowing that other teams wanted Dosunmu this offseason, the Bulls made him an offer he couldn't refuse, as they have decided to bring him back on a three-year deal. Dosunmu is happy to be back and has worked extremely hard on his offensive game in an effort to improve and prove to the Bulls they made the right call to bring him back. Prediction: 76 games, 10.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.7 SPG Dosunmu isn't going to wow you with any part of his game, but he is someone who does a lot of things well. Like Carusu, he is a great defender, which helps him come away with plenty of steals on the defensive end. Look for him to be counted on a ton off the bench this season, where he should put up more consistent numbers across the board.
With Lonzo Ball missing his second straight season and practically a third consecutive year with a nagging knee injury, the Bulls have had a desperate need at PG. They have tried to fill that void from within, but without a true PG on the roster, it never seemed to work in their favor, so they went out and grabbed Patrick Beverley last season. Now that he is gone, Chicago was again back at square one regarding their PG position and thus decided to bring in the former Milwaukee Bucks guard Jevon Carter on a three-year deal. Primarily a bench player for the Bucks, Carter is the odds-on favorite to enter the season as the starting PG, which may not be bad. Carter is not only a good shooter, which the Bulls need, but he also knows how to distribute the basketball to the open shooters in transition. For the Bulls to do anything this season, they need better PG play, and Carter will be the one they lean on for that. Prediction: 73 games, 11.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.8 APG No one on this roster is facing more pressure than Carter this season, knowing the role he is taking on. Pressure or not, Carter is going to be a great addition to this team as he brings with him the experience at the PG position that they need and the outside shooting that they lack. Don't get it twisted; he may not be Ball in terms of the complete player, but he is more than capable of leading this offense to good things this season. Carlik Jones is another PG on this roster who will see playing time this season, but he will be one of the last options coming off the bench.Alex Caruso
Ayo Dosunmu
Jevon Carter
