Chicago Bulls Starting Lineup
- Eastern Central
- Stadium
- United Center
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (knee) gave an update on his injury status on his new podcast, "What an Experience." "It's coming along, man. Week by week," Ball said. "It's improving, so that's all I can ask for. Still not where I want it to be. Out of 100 (percent), I'd say I'm about 70 (percent). Good enough to play, but it could still get better. I still got a long summer ahead of me. But definitely looking forward to the future." The talented playmaker hasn't played in an NBA game since January 2022 due to a left knee injury. Ball, who will turn 27 in October, recently picked up a $21.4 million option on his contract for the 2024-25 season.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is "belief around the league" that the Chicago Bulls will re-sign DeMar DeRozan in the offseason. The six-time All-Star is heading to unrestricted free agency, but it looks like he won't leave the Windy City, with the Bulls reportedly ready to offer a big contract to DeRozan. He is finishing off a three-year, $81.9 million deal. The Bulls have gotten plenty of value for their money with DeRozan, who has continued to perform at a high level despite turning 34 last summer. He averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals while playing a league-high 37.8 minutes this season. It was the 11th straight year for DeRozan to average at least 20 points per game.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) exercised his $21.4 million option for the 2024-25 campaign. This was expected, especially since the 2017 No. 2 overall pick has been sidelined by a left knee injury for over two years. During his time away, he's undergone three surgeries to address the issue, including a cartilage transplant. Ball most recently played 35 games for the Bulls after being traded by the Pelicans and posted some of his best numbers, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting a career-high 42.3% from behind the arc. With that said, the 26-year-old doesn't have a return date. But even if he gets back on the floor at some point, it could take him a while to work his way up to full speed. The risk of re-injury and potential decreased production will also be factors for fantasy managers to consider, even if there is a positive update regarding his health at some point in the next few months.
Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso was awarded the NBA's Hustle Award on Thursday afternoon. Always known for his effort and grit, the 30-year-old earned recognition for what he brings to the court consistently. For the season, Caruso averaged 10.1 points per game but made his biggest impact on the defensive end by averaging one block and 1.7 steals per game. He made the All-Defensive first team last season and now has been rewarded for his hustle in 2024. Finishing in second place in the voting was Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, and Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski came in third place.
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 22 points in Friday's Play-In loss to the Miami Heat. Despite the veteran's solid showing, the Bulls lost to a Miami team that didn't have Jimmy Butler (knee) or Terry Rozier (neck). With another season in the books, DeRozan will hit the open market this summer. But he's still productive as ever, ending the 2023-24 campaign with averages of 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. The 34-year-old also played more minutes this season than anyone in the National Basketball Association. However, DeRozan has made it known he wants to win, so he may have played his final game with the Bulls.