Drew
@drew-h-stevens.bsky.social
Writer. Basketball. Chicago. Still asking questions.
Matas Buzelis' shot diet was a frequent topic of conversation this summer. Caleb Wilson's is worth monitoring, too. He was excellent at the rim in Vegas, but took plenty of jumpers. That continued Wednesday, with Dillon Brooks often checking him. Something to watch.
Bulls preseason opener in the books. Matas Buzelis explored his new freedom. Dailyn Swain got tested as a primary ballhandler. Tobe Awaka made an impact on the offensive glass. Caleb Wilson found the sledding tougher against NBA defenders. That's what stress tests are for.
Drew@drew-h-stevens.bsky.social · 2d agoThe shot hasn't been there for Matas tonight, but I've liked the way he's tried to get downhill. He's created opportunities at the rim for himself, gotten into the paint to create for others and drawn a foul with a cut. That's the part of his first half that's stood out to me.
The shot hasn't been there for Matas tonight, but I've liked the way he's tried to get downhill. He's created opportunities at the rim for himself, gotten into the paint to create for others and drawn a foul with a cut. That's the part of his first half that's stood out to me.
Drew@drew-h-stevens.bsky.social · 2d agoWe've spent a lot of time talking about what Matas Buzelis has said about last season and what's ahead. Fortunately, we're finally at the point where what Matas does matters more than what he says.
We've spent a lot of time talking about what Matas Buzelis has said about last season and what's ahead. Fortunately, we're finally at the point where what Matas does matters more than what he says.
The Bulls aren't going to have a talent advantage every night. So where can Tiago Splitter find advantages elsewhere? “Tagging up” is one place I'll be watching.
CHGO Bulls@chgo-bulls.bsky.social · 5d agoThe Bulls may have to find advantages in unconventional places this season. One area to watch: Coach Splitter’s “tagging up” principle. 🗣️ @drew-h-stevens.bsky.social explains what it is, how it works and how the Bulls could use it this season.
Matas Buzelis has never lacked confidence. In Year 3, I want to see whether he can do more with more — more freedom, more responsibility and more opportunities to create.
CHGO Bulls@chgo-bulls.bsky.social · 6d agoMatas Buzelis has always spoken with confidence. Will his play this year be able to back up those words? 🗣️ @drew-h-stevens.bsky.social breaks it down 📣 @bigdavechgo.bsky.social sums it up
A completely unscientific Caleb Wilson shooting extrapolation: He went 13-of-31 (41.9%) from three in four Summer League games. Over 82 games, that’s 267 makes on 636 attempts. Forget the percentage for a second. How many threes is he actually going to take?
Matas Buzelis talked a lot about freedom yesterday. He expects “a little more leeway” and “more freedom to play how I want.” He even mentioned “not over-coaching” when asked about Caleb Wilson. Like Bryson Graham’s flexibility, Buzelis’s freedom will only be as good as what he makes of it.
I thought the hardest part about stepping away from covering the Bulls and Sky would be losing access. I was wrong. One last piece for @thebigs.bsky.social. www.thebigs.us/single-post/...
The Best Part Was Never the Access
As I step away, I find myself thinking less about the games than the people who made covering them such a rewarding experience.
thebigs.us
Bryson Graham traded a young guard whose developmental minutes weren't assured for a veteran whose specific skill makes the developmental environment better for the young players he does appear to prioritize.
Shams Charania Tweets@shamsbot.bsky.social · 2w agoThe Chicago Bulls are trading Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets for Buddy Hield and cash, sources tell ESPN.
Michael Reinsdorf said Bryson Graham “understands what it's going to take to build a winning organization.” As Graham brings former New Orleans colleagues into the Bulls' front office, I'm interested in what he believes they got right there despite the results.
These aren’t power rankings. I’m grouping teams by how plausible I think their path to a championship is this season. The further down I go, the more subjective it gets, especially when seemingly half the league can talk itself into a postseason spot.