Despite a high defensive rating last season, the Chicago Bulls are aware that stats don’t always reveal the full picture of their defensive effectiveness. While they ended the 2022-23 season with a strong defensive rating of 111.5, placing fifth in the NBA, they sometimes struggled with fundamental issues like rebounding, fouling, and second-chance points that cost them in tight games. This season, players like Alex Caruso and new additions Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig are helping the Bulls attempt to maintain their defensive edge, but the team is still refining their approach, particularly in closing out games and boxing out on key rebounds【13†source】【14†source】.
The Bulls’ strong defensive stats last year were driven by consistent steals, defensive rebounds, and limiting opponents’ fast-break points, with Caruso emerging as a defensive anchor. His intensity has helped energize the team, but injuries to key defenders and challenges in managing transition play have highlighted the need for ongoing adjustments. Chicago aims to stay within the top defensive rankings, knowing they need to convert strong defensive efforts into wins【13†source】【14†source】.
While the Bulls aim for defensive consistency, the challenge remains: maintaining high energy and defensive discipline for all four quarters and tightening up in transition defense. The team hopes to refine these areas to turn their defensive stats into real impact on the court.