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Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game Outlook

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Chicago Bulls begin their preseason slate at the United Center against the Milwaukee Bucks. Let’s take a look at what to watch for in the prison opener.

Finally, the Bulls are back. Of course it’s only preseason, but at least there is real basketball to watch.

There isn’t much to takeaway from a preseason basketball game, but it is important to watch the little things coaches tinker with.

For example, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Doug McDermott get some extended minutes at the four. He won’t have much opportunity to do that during the regular season with the back court being as crowded as it is.

The preseason is the time to try those kind of things.

Nobody takes preseason seriously expect for maybe Tom Thibodeau. Scratch that, Thibs definitely takes the preseason seriously.

Perhaps the new “coaching harder” Fred Hoiberg will be screaming up and down the sidelines as the clock is winding down in a preseason blow out. Alright, let’s be honest that’s never going to happen. Although, don’t tell me you wouldn’t want to see that either.

Anyways, as Chicago opens up the preseason against the Bucks, there are a couple of storylines to pay attention to.

Sep 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Dwayne Wade (3) pose for a photo during Bulls media day at The Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Three Alphas

The Bulls made more noise in the offseason than perhaps any other team, save for the Golden State Warriors.

They went out and signed Rajon Rondo, and then the Bulls shocked the entire league by landing Dwyane Wade.

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Together those two and Jimmy Butler make up the three alphas.

Chicago may have won the offseason from a publicity standpoint, but is that going to equate to winning games?

We will get our first look at how the three alphas will look on the court. The naysayers (myself included) have been crowing all offseason long about the spacing issues these three will present.

It’s doubtful that these three will get much playing time during the preseason, but we will at least get a better feel about how the offense will opperate with Butler, Rondo, and Wade on the court.

Is the spacing going to be the downfall of this team? Will these three ball-dominant players be able to coexist? Will Rajon Rondo turn into one of the pirates from Captain Phillips and tell Fred Hoiberg that he’s the captain now?

Tonight will give us our first glimpse into all of that.

Jul 18, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) holds the NBA Summer League championship trophy after helping Chicago defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 84-82 in overtime at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Second Unit

Gar Forman has been widely criticized for straying away from his plan of making the Bulls “younger and more athletic.”

Despite that, the Bulls do feature a collection of younger players. There are only four players 27-years-of-age or older on the roster (Rondo, Wade, Butler, and Lopez).

Now, the question becomes are any of the young guys franchise-altering talents? Tonight will give fans a look at what the young guys are made of.

Moreover, the second unit should be a ton of fun to watch this season. Fred Holberg ideally wants to run a pace-and-space offense. The bench should be able to push the pace, and they have a couple of guys who can stretch the floor.

Doug McDermott has gained a reputation as one of the best three-point shooters in the league, Bobby Portis has supposedly been working on his extending his jump shot throughout the offseason, and Denzel Valentine shot 40%3FG in college.

Not to mention, Taj Gibson should get his fair share of minutes at backup center. He has a solid mid-range jumper which is a big plus for a center.

The spacing on the second unit should be beautiful. Plus, the bench guys should play the majority of the preseason games. It’s going to be exciting to see how these guys fit into Fred Hoiberg’s system.

Oct 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Point Giannis

Giannis Antetokounpo, better known as the Greek Freak, has become one of the most exciting young players in the NBA.

Standing at 6’11”, the guy is a terror barreling down the lane and is one of the most athletic players in the entire league.

Now, NBA fans will get the pleasure to watch this physical specimen play point guard for an entire season. Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd, spoke to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters back in March telling them:

The experiment began back in February last season, and the Greek Freak went nuts.

After the All-Star break, Antetokounpo averaged 18.8/8.6/7.2. Not to mention, he was also shooting 50% from the field.

It’s going to be incredible watching this play out over the course of an entire season.

The Bulls will have the privilege of experiencing Point Giannis first-hand in their preseason opener.

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