Joe Cowley

Ball completed Step 1 on Wednesday — getting back on the court — and that was a doozy. But if he can stay healthy and increase his minutes, both big ifs, could the Bulls have another piece they can try to move?

The first-round pick played with a fearlessness in Summer League, and that doesn't seem to be going away. All Buzelis did Wednesday was try to go head-to-head with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The point guard undoubtedly will look good on the stat sheet, but the Bulls must see more before extending his contract.

Coach Billy Donovan might have to get creative with his reserves. Using Ayo Dosunmu to help with the defense earlier in games might be an option.

The Bulls certainly want to be cautious with Ball's left knee, but a nasty bout with COVID slowed him down just before camp began and left him trying to regain strength.

DeMar DeRozan may be long gone, off to the Kings as part of an offseason sign-and-trade, but that doesn't mean he's still not White's own version of a jedi master.

Led by vice president Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' coaches and players have been saying all the right things about the 2024-25 season. But it's just not really the direction they're headed.

Before any questions about his future with the Bulls could be asked, LaVine got in front of the trade speculation that has been going on since he last met with the media in February.

There are still three years and nearly $138 million left on his contract.

While they obviously still are searching for that elite player, it’s fair to ask: Have they even put the right pieces in place when, and if, they do hit gold?