Baby Step

The Bulls ended their losing streak at seven games last night, beating the Hornets 129-126 on the road in Charlotte. It’s a start. Something other than the win is worth noting here—center Nikola Vucevic only played 21 minutes and sat out the entire fourth quarter. And we’re not talking injury. No, Zach Collins and Jalen Smith took over for Vucevic, a combination that generated 21 points and eighteen rebounds. Rumor has it the Timberwolves are interested in guard Coby White, and a trade might be a really good idea. White’s return hasn’t resulted in much of a boost, with the Bulls just 2-5 with him back on the court. Worse, the seven-year guard isn’t playing much, if any, defense. In comparison, Vucevic looks like the second coming of Bill Russell out there. Make a deal, hope for health; Isaac Okoro’s return to the lineup certainly helped. Maybe, just maybe, this ship can be righted, even with Arturas Karnisovas at the helm.