Three key Bulls players to watch when the 2023-24 season begins

The limited moments of Lonzo Ball's tenure showed the Bulls operating with a top-five-rated offense and top-10-rated defense. His dynamic impact was felt throughout the roster.

Zo's absence, however, created a void at point guard. Enter Coby White. As much as fans lamented his up and down years, his biggest sin seemed to be an inability to develop under Jim Boylen and Billy Donovan; something he shouldn't necessarily be faulted for.

White's decision-making, ball handling and defense improved greatly as his playing time increased. His speed, rim-finishing ability and chemistry with Patrick Williams could prove deadly against opposing defenses. 

According to NBA.com, the Chicago Bull's offensive rating with the original projected lineup, minus Ball, was the highest when White was on the floor.

 2. Nikola Vucevic

Many outside media critics questioned why the Bulls offered a soon-to-be 33-year-old center $60M over three years to play on a team that isn't championship-caliber ready. 

But the logic is simple. Vucevic is one of the top five players at his position and one of the better skilled bigs in the league. He rebounds the ball very well for a team with limited interior options.

He often gets criticized for everything the Bulls gave up to sign him. No one, though, can make a valid argument that having the oft-injured Wendell Carter, Franz Wagner or whatever draft picks that have failed in Orlando thus far, were something the Bulls should have held on to.

 1. Zach LaVine

Whether or not outsiders believe that Zach LaVine is a No. 1 option on a championship team is irrelevant.

The Bulls believe that LaVine can be that option, which is why they maxed him out as a player in the first place. And they were right to do so.

He has averaged 25.7 points, 4.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds in his last few years in Chicago. He is arguably the most efficient player that the team has, capable of joining the 50-40-90 club. 

It's telling that when Patrick Beverley joined the team late last year, his first objective was making sure that LaVine got more scoring opportunities. 

The question shouldn't be if LaVine is a No. 1 option for the Bulls, but rather why they don't lean into his scoring abilities more.