Is Lonzo Ball A Long-Term Fit With The Chicago Bulls?

The Bulls were interested in Ball for some time now.

They were rumored to be in talks with the Pelicans to make a deal for Ball around the trade deadline.

However, they were not able to get a deal done until free agency opened.

For Ball, it is a very good sign that he is going somewhere he is wanted.

On the Pelicans, he was forced to play third fiddle behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

While he will not be the first option by any means on the Bulls, he is set up in a system where his style of play fits perfectly.

Style Fit

As previously mentioned, Ball’s style of play fits perfectly with the Bulls.

He and Zach LaVine make for an incredible backcourt duo in terms of style.

LaVine is the definition of a pure scorer.

He averaged 27.4 points per game with the Bulls last season, however, he only averaged 4.9 assists per game.

While this was a career-high, there was still a lot of room to grow as a facilitator.

However, with the addition of Ball, LaVine will only have to focus on scoring.

Ball will likely handle most of the ball-handling responsibilities.

Along with this, he will be the main facilitator on the Bulls while LaVine will be able to focus on just scoring.

On the defensive end, LaVine is one of the worst defenders in the league.

He is forced to focus all of his energy on carrying the Bulls offense and as a result of this, he oftentimes took possessions off on defense.

However, Ball is an incredible on-ball and perimeter defender.

He will be able to guard the best opposing perimeter player while LaVine takes the weaker assignment similar to what the Golden State Warriors did with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Roster Fit

Ball also fits the window of the Bulls.

They are a relatively young team on the last stages of their rebuild.

This is the season that they will see what they truly have and make a real push for the playoffs.

Ball still has not made the playoffs in his short NBA career, however, the way he plays translates extremely well to playoff basketball.

With Ball on the team, it is likely the Bulls have their point guard of the future for years to come.

While he will not be the first option, he will be the perfect facilitator who can create shots for players like LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

This is a make-or-break season for the Bulls.

If these new faces fall flat in Chicago, it is likely LaVine will be onto a new team next season or at the trade deadline.

However, even if this happens, Ball is someone that the Bulls can build around for the future.