Presentation by national insurance agent Jeff Vukovich
LOS ANGELES — When Kyle Lowry called close friend DeMar DeRozan to inform him of Lowry's impending trade to the Charlotte Hornets before the news broke, DeRozan went into support mode.
“For me, it turns into being there for him more than as a friend. Basketball goes out the window in a way,” DeRozan said Wednesday after the Chicago Bulls' practice at UCLA. . “Even last night, I texted him before I went to bed and asked him how he was feeling mentally. That's all I care about first.”
But there was a basketball element to Lowry's departure from the Miami Heat, and the acquisition of Terry Rozier added scoring ability. This comes on the heels of the New York Knicks acquiring OG Anunoby and the Indiana Pacers acquiring Pascal Siakam, with two other teams vying for position in a crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.
DeRozan has long maintained a hands-off approach to front-office operations.
“I'm focused on playing great basketball,” DeRozan said. “I was really happy with the way we fought and played against Phoenix. It came down to the last big shot. We played well. That's all I can control and worry about. Other than that. Everything will be resolved automatically.”
But what if that's not the case? What if the still quiet market for Zach LaVine, who watched Wednesday's practice on the sideline due to a sprained ankle, doesn't materialize by the Feb. 8 trade deadline? I wonder? What if the Bulls, currently in ninth place, chase a playoff spot or play-in position even lower in the standings?
What is the ceiling for this team as it is currently built?
“Man, we can beat anyone. We can compete with anyone,” DeRozan said. “Health is always a big thing for us. As long as we can stay close to health and stay healthy, we can beat anyone. I'm not worried about playing against or against anyone in this league. I haven't. My confidence is at an all-time high.”
The Bulls are still without LaVine and Torrey Craig, but have recovered somewhat from a hole of 5 wins and 14 losses. The way they've been playing lately, they've had a 16-10 record since then, losing several games, so it would have to take a turn for the worse to knock them out of the play-in-picture.
But they also just sport 23.rd– Rank offense and 15th-Rank defense. With a 16-10 record, they are still only in 17th place.th They are 7th in offense but 7th in defense.
“I think for them, Terry adds another scoring element to a team that needs it. So for them, I understand this move in that respect,” Alex Caruso said of the Heat's move. Told. “But for us, I think we showed in the last game that when we're locked in and we're good, we're a really good team. If there's a move, we'll be ready for it. If not, we will keep our heads down and go to work.”
At this point, management has shown no signs of trading Caruso, who has always attracted interest from teams looking to win championships. Last season, the Golden State Warriors were one of several teams turned down when they expressed interest in a member of the All-Defensive team.
Coach Billy Donovan speaks with management daily. Arturas Karnisios and Mark Eversley participated in Wednesday's practice. However, their conversation focuses on the team at hand.
Donovan works under the premise that management only asks for input on personnel changes when there is a reasonable opportunity to consider them. Last season, for example, management sought input on the additions of Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley, who were ultimately signed through the buyout market.
That's why Donovan focuses every day on his photo sessions, practice planning, and in-game decision-making.
“If we play to the level we can play, the standard we play to, the identity we can play to, we're going to be a very competitive team,” Donovan said. “I think the hard thing, which I don't always know in the front office, is getting a deal done, it takes two people. So what you want to do is sit there and do different things. You can, but perhaps the price offered is too high for that. Or maybe there's nothing there. Some people might not be interested.
“I think Arturas and Marc are always looking for ways to get better, but we need willing partners. I hope they come to me when they need to talk to me about this. believe.”
With only two weeks left until the deadline, other teams are already making moves. Only time will tell if the Bulls follow suit.
If not, there is always an acquisition market. The Bulls are dangerously close to hitting the luxury tax, but there are roster spots available. If Charlotte can't flip Lowry at the deadline and buys him out, would he be a fit for the Bulls?
“Kyle would fit anywhere I would be,” DeRozan said with a smile.
If that theory becomes reality, would DeRozan break his policy of not interfering with front office operations?
“If you ask me if that's what he (or management) wants to do, that's for sure. Why not?” DeRozan said. “He's one of my closest friends and one of the smartest players I've played with since I've been in the league.”
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