Chicago Bulls get first chance to show off new roster vs. Cavs

It seems hard to believe that the NBA is almost back, but here we are. The Chicago Bulls kick off their 2021 preseason tonight at the United Center when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

All offseason, the Bulls worked hard at tailoring their team to a contender. Now, we get to see first hand just what these guys can accomplish together.

The summer was dominated by Chicago’s pursuit of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom they ultimately landed.

While there have been critics in regards to the team’s fit together, DeRozan and company believe they will be just fine. After all, several star players have teamed up over the years and made it work. Tonight, we get a glimpse at the Bulls’ starting five which features three All Stars.

DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and other Chicago Bulls newcomers will get their first chance to impress the home crowd.

So far during training camp, it’s been DeRozan whose comments have been the most powerful and excited fans more than others. This is a 12-year veteran who says he is now in the best place, mentally and physically, that he’s been over his entire career.

"“The talent is there. I don’t think I’ve played with as talented a team as I have since coming here.“"

DeRozan has been the most vocal of the guys over the past month or two, mostly because his coming to Chicago has been the one move that was criticized by many outlets. Most of those critics have stated that DeRozan won’t fit well with the Bulls, but as the man has said himself, they’re professionals. They will make it work, because it’s all about winning.

Going up against Cleveland tonight should give these guys a fairly easy matchup to get their feet wet with. Last season, Cleveland was the NBA’s sixth-worst defensive team overall.

The Bulls, meanwhile, boast a trio of players who averaged 20 or more points last season in DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.

The Bulls will play the Cavs once more during the preseason, along with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. Ultimately, Chicago will tip off against the Detroit Pistons on October 20 to open the regular season.

It’s coming fast, Bulls fans. Pretty soon, we’ll see all the offseason work pay off. Bulls basketball is back, and it should be an exciting campaign. Here’s to an Eastern Conference playoff run this season.