The Chicago Bulls' roster underwent significant changes during the offseason. It lost the likes of Jimmy Butler, Rajon Rondo, and Dwyane Wade. In the end, the players left are mostly developing prospects. Looking at Chicago's current squad, the only legitimate veteran is Robin Lopez.
Lopez spent only one season in Chicago so far, though he has performed well. In the 2016-17 season, the center averaged 10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.4 blocks per game for the Bulls. To reward him for his hard work, head coach Fred Hoiberg reportedly guaranteed him a spot in the starting lineup.
Lopez was also the team's starting center last season. The move may be beneficial for the younger players since they have an experienced leader to guide them on and off the court.
It is good news for Lopez, because this suggests that his stay in Chicago is going to be extended. In the offseason, there were trade rumors that involved him. However, the Bulls did not pull the trigger on any potential deal that could have seen him leave the Windy City.
Good start
Lopez and the Bulls are off to a good start in the 2017 NBA preseason. On Tuesday, the Bulls defeated the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, 113-109. Leading the charge for the Bulls was Cristiano Felicio, who had 15 points off the bench.
Justin Holiday and Nikola Mirotic. Lopez was one of two players who had 12 points for the Bulls in the game. The 29-year-old big man also contributed four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three rejections. Denzel Valentine (12), Jerian Grant (11), Kris Dunn (11), and Paul Zipser (10) also scored double-digit point totals for Chicago.
Bulls' preseason
The Bulls are among the busiest organizations in the NBA this preseason. After their game against the Pelicans, they have five more outings left on their preseason schedule. Today they are going to take on the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Arena. Following this, they are heading back to Chicago for a two-game homestand.
The Bulls will host the Milwaukee Bucks (October 6) and the Pelicans (October 8) at the United Center.
On October 10th, the Bulls will be back on the road to go against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena. They are closing their preseason campaign in Chicago on October 13th with a matchup with the Toronto Raptors. The 2017-18 season for the Bulls begins on the 19th, when they meet the Raptors again.
