How well the Bulls defend likely will define their season.
After trading guard Alex Caruso, who was their best defender, to the Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, who is regarded as a poor defender, getting stops will be a big challenge.
The Bulls finished 22nd in defensive efficiency last season, and their shot profile was concerning. They allowed the highest percentage of three-pointers and ranked 20th in shots allowed at the rim, according to Cleaning the Glass. Those stats indicate a team that wasn’t taking away the most-sought-after shots in the NBA.
If the Bulls want to play a fast-paced style, they’ll have to show they can get stops.
‘‘We did a heck of a job protecting the paint, but sometimes [it came] at the expense of the three-point line,’’ said assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr., who coached the preseason game Friday against the Cavaliers in place of Billy Donovan (illness). ‘‘We’ve still got to make sure we’re containing the ball. We’ve got to do a better job of rebounding overall.
‘‘Once again, it’s a mindset. Once we kind of get that part under our belt as part of our identity, it gets us out and gets us the ability to run, which is obviously a strength of ours.’’
Forward Patrick Williams will be key if the Bulls have any hope of holding up defensively. He already has defended some of the premier wing players in the league. But with the Bulls likely to start three guards in Giddey, Coby White and Zach LaVine, it’s imperative that Williams is locked in nightly.
Donovan has experimented with playing Williams at center, which would give the Bulls some versatility. But for such a lineup to be effective, it starts with Williams being a force.
‘‘Hopefully, if I’m at [center], we don’t have to run too many plays,’’ Williams said. ‘‘We should be getting stops and getting out and running.’’
The Bulls still are getting used to their coverages. The terminology is new, and everyone still is learning.
One point of emphasis this season is forcing turnovers. The Bulls finished ninth in opponents’ turnover percentage last season and have players in Williams, guard Ayo Dosunmu and forward Julian Phillips who can use their athleticism to create havoc.
‘‘It’s important that we have to junk it up at times, just play a little different,’’ Unseld said. ‘‘It ties into how we’re trying to play offensively. We want to play faster. We’re shooting a ton more threes. We’re playing at a great pace, which suits this group.’’
Unseld said has been pleased with the Bulls’ defensive effort, despite having players who aren’t regarded as good defenders. For the team to improve defensively, it’ll take every player giving his best effort, including LaVine.
‘‘[We’re] challenging him to do more on the defensive end; he’s open to it,’’ Unseld said. ‘‘I think he craves it. He did a heck of a job the other night against Minnesota. I get it’s preseason, but he played with a level of purpose, discipline and overall effort.’’
Injury update
Giddey didn’t play Friday, getting a rest after appearing in the Bulls’ first four preseason games. Dosunmu returned after missing two games with a shoulder stinger.