It’s only the preseason but the writing seems to be on the wall that the Chicago Bulls are in for an arduous 82-game campaign. During the Bulls’ first preseason game Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago gave up 46 first-quarter points to Anthony Davis and company.
The Bulls were one of the best defensive teams last season, as they ranked sixth overall in scoring defense, but the departure of Taj Gibson appears to be a big loss for the Bulls’ interior based on the way the Pelicans are carving out Chicago inside the paint. The Pelicans even had 36 points in the paint in only three quarters of play. The Bulls are also surely missing a lockdown wing defender in Jimmy Butler and a ballhawk in Rajon Rondo, both players leaving Windy City in the offseason.
Still, surrendering 46 points in the first quarter is unacceptable for an NBA team regardless if it’s fielding sub-par talents. Fred Hoiberg’s seat is already warming up and we’re not even in the regular season yet.
That said, the Bulls have seemingly tightened up their defense in the second half, allowing only 13 third-quarter points en route to a spirited comeback win. Eight Bulls scored in double-figures led by Cristiano Felicio's 15 markers.
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