3 ways in which Chicago Bulls can line up in the 2021-22 NBA season

#2 Defensive focused

New Chicago Bulls Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball meet at the rim

It's difficult to envision the Chicago Bulls being a top-15 defensive team, but a lineup of Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr., Patrick Williams and Nikola Vucevic is probably one of their best options.

Including Vucevic in a defensive-focused lineup seems counterproductive, but the offense has got to come from somewhere. Tony Bradley also isn't the most inspiring backup center in the association.

Lonzo Ball has proven to be an off-ball playmaker, as evident by his 1.5 steals per night last season. Sufficient lateral speed at his size of 6'6 is also exceptional for a point and gives him a leg up on containing smaller guards.

Alex Caruso is just one of those guys that you'd love to have on your team, just ask any Los Angeles Lakers fan. His energy is contagious and 50/50 balls are turned into 60/40s in Chicago's favor.

Derrick Jones Jr. has his own offensive limitations, but his 7'0" wingspan and well known athletic ability make him a defensive difference maker. Jones is another player I would expect to enjoy playing alongside Lonzo, as will the highlight reel makers.

Rookies are scarcely positive defenders, even if that is what they are drafted for. While Patrick Williams is certainly more than a defensive specialist, his impressive frame should lead to him being excellent in that aspect. While they are too kind for my liking, there's reasons that the lazy comparison for him is Kawhi Leonard.

To find some competence and consistency on offense, Vucevic was thrown in there. Again, I am just not too motivated by the idea of Tony Bradley either. Throughout his time in Orlando, Vucevic primarily functioned as the centerpiece of an offense and while that isn't exactly ideal, he certainly has proven to be capable in that role.

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#1 The High-Flyers

Miami Heat v Charlotte Hornets

Highlight reels will be coming out of the Chicago Bulls game on the regular. Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, Derrick Jones Jr., and Patrick Williams sharing the floor feels like it should be must-see television.

To address the obvious, Patrick Williams played zero minutes as a five last season. That is something that I would be very intrigued to see attempted in stretches throughout his career as he has the strength to battle down low with bigger bodies. Maybe Vucevic would be more ideal here to spread the floor and open driving lines, but I went with Williams to fit the athletic theme.

Obviously every play finisher and dunker is going to love to play alongside someone with Lonzo Ball's vision and passing ability. People forget the bounce that Alex Caruso possesses and he isn't afraid to throw it down on someone's head.

The obvious stars here though are the former dunk champions, Zach LaVine and Derrick Jones Jr. Imagine trying to defend a fastbreak with Lonzo coming down the middle with the rock while LaVine and Jones sprint down the lanes. Like I said, I must watch television for Chicago Bulls' fans.