A Fresh Approach for the Bulls: How Embracing the 3-Point Shot Could Transform their Offense
Over the past couple of years, if you’ve tuned into a Chicago Bulls game, you might have noticed a recurring trend – their reluctance to embrace the three-point shot. In both of the last two seasons, the Bulls stood alone in the NBA as the only team that failed to average at least 30 three-point attempts per game. While this may have once been considered a point of pride in an era when paint battles and mid-range jumpers dominated, it now appears as a hesitation to adapt to the evolving landscape of basketball.
However, during media day on Monday, it became evident that the Bulls are ready to fully embrace the three-ball, a shift that could bolster their efforts to return to the postseason. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas expressed his desire to alter the team’s shot profile, placing a greater emphasis on increasing three-point attempts compared to the past two seasons. Head coach Billy Donovan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of not just taking more threes for the sake of it but generating better-quality three-point opportunities.
According to Donovan, “Our biggest challenge with this group is going to be we’ve got to get into the paint… We’ve got to do a better job spacing, and we’ve got to do a better job attacking the paint because about 85% of your fouls are taking place in the paint. It’s the best opportunity to offensive rebound, is on those shots. And then the third thing is those are where you get kick-out 3s, and I think that’s got to be a real focus for us.”
The Bulls have already taken steps towards this shift with the addition of Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig in the offseason, both of whom would have ranked first and second in three-point percentage on the Bulls’ roster last season. However, the key isn’t merely adding new players but altering how the Bulls generate their three-point attempts.
This transformation hinges on improved ball movement, an area where the Bulls struggled last season, ranking 20th in assists per game with 24.5. Too often, the offense relied on DeMar DeRozan to create mid-range shots. While DeRozan’s mid-range game is highly effective, it can underutilize other facets of his and Zach LaVine’s abilities.
Both DeRozan and LaVine excel at finishing near the rim, and when they draw attention while driving, it creates open corner three-point opportunities. DeRozan has also demonstrated playmaking skills, averaging 6.2 assists per game during his tenure in San Antonio. Nikola Vucevic’s underrated passing ability adds another dimension to the Bulls’ offense.
This newfound awareness within the Bulls organization should enhance their offensive versatility, making them a more potent force this season. The transition will not happen overnight, but there appears to be a collective commitment among the players to change their offensive approach.
As DeRozan stated, “I know there’s a big deal about it, like, I don’t shoot enough [3s], but it’ll come, I’m not even going to think about it… It’s something that I’ve worked on, I know I can do it, I just never made a conscious effort to do it. But the style of play, understanding how we want to play, whatever is needed from me, I’m going to be ready for it and do it, no problem.”
DeRozan, who has averaged 1.5 three-point attempts throughout his 14-year career, has showcased the ability to shoot at a consistent rate, such as when he shot 35.2% on nearly two attempts per game two seasons ago. He need not dramatically increase his volume, but a slight uptick in three-point attempts would provide the Bulls with better spacing, opening up opportunities for drive-and-kick plays, and granting high-flying players like LaVine more freedom to attack the rim.
If the Bulls can successfully shift their shot profile to include more three-point attempts and conversions, they should be well-positioned to compete for a top-six playoff spot this season. The talent is certainly there, and it appears the game plan will better leverage their strengths.
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