Should Kris Dunn remain as the main point guard for the Bulls?

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Last season’s return of Zach LaVine—this time donning a Bulls uniform—was undeniably most-welcome for the struggling Chicago team. While a lot of NBA critics believed that the Bulls got the raw end of the deal when they traded away Jimmy Butler for the then-injured LaVine, the former Wolves star is now 100 percent recovered and ready to gain more playing time for the Bulls.

However, LaVine’s play has evolved in that he has now become a full-fledged playmaker and ball distributor. And giving him the point-guard duties will relegate the team’s true point Kris Dunn to the background. The question therefore is, should Dunn now become the secondary option?

Coach Fred Hoiberg believes otherwise. He understands that Dunn has proven to be both steady and clutch for the Bulls these past seasons. And even though the Bulls are now technically on rebuild mode, Dunn is an essential piece for the Bulls’ own process. It makes sense to instead pair Dunn up with LaVine, as the latter also has good outside shooting to complement his explosive drives. LaVine needs to embrace his new role as a shooting guard and play more team basketball going forward.

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With the arrival of Jabari Parker and the improved play of Bobby Portis, Dunn, LaVine and celebrated shooter Lauri Markkanen, the Bulls should reach new heights this coming season. We can expect fast-paced basketball now that most of the old veterans have moved on. Again, play development anchored on Kris Dunn is a wise move. If anything, he has already earned his coach’s respect.

Richard Ohlhaberis currently based in the DFW Metroplex. But he was born and raised in Chicago and continues to be a devout Chicago Bulls fan. For similar posts, check out this website.

Why LeBron will never replace Michael Jordan as the G.O.A.T.

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Generating wins and improving the probability of getting championships seem to be the new mantra of many NBA managers.  This is often the argument they offer when another round of the LeBron-Michael greatest-of-all-time debate comes up.  In many ways, this kind of reasoning favors LeBron.  But it is, ultimately, flawed.

Crunching the numbers is one thing; gauging the overall impact a player has had on the game is another.  Jordan came into the league and single-handedly changed the way pro basketball is played.  He entered the NBA at a time when physicality had been more tolerated and had to contend with in-your-face defense throughout his career, with some of the most rugged players in history.  The list includes a younger Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and the rest of the Pistons. 

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He also arrived when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were still in their prime.  Not to mention played in the presence of big-man superstars like Olajuwon, Barkley, and Ewing, and Malone.  Moreover, even if we do look at the statistics, Jordan will still trump James’ accolades.  Jordan led the Bulls to six championship titles, twice a three-peat, and never lost in the NBA’s biggest stage.  MJ was likewise always the best player, getting Finals MVP honors in all of them.

LeBron has had a total of three championships, losing five in his nine tries so far.  And James has already gone to three teams in his quest to win more, winning twice during his stint with Miami and one recently in his hometown Cleveland.  Now he hopes to gain more as he begins his career-twilight run with the Lakers.  Jordan never needed to leave Chicago to get his wins.  He trusted his teammates and worked with them, not looking for super teams to get it done.  This fact alone trumps any advanced metrics LeBron supporters can offer.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. More on Richard and his interests here.