The Chicago Bulls have undergone a shift in identity, and it's quite clear what it has been. A season ago, Chicago finished 28th in the association in pace, only ahead of the notoriously slower-paced Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
Last season, the Bulls ranked second in pace, trailing only Ja Morant’s Grizzlies. Billy Donovan's intention was clear from the beginning of the season. The Bulls’ offensive identity centered on generating transition opportunities and converting them into efficient looks.
The Bulls’ shift in philosophy followed a season in which they led the league in mid-range attempts. Much of that was a byproduct of DeMar DeRozan, an elite mid-range scorer whose style heavily influenced Chicago’s numbers.