Chicago Bulls players with most to prove in preseason

The Chicago Bulls preseason begins Tuesday night when they host the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. The Bulls will be debuting their new look offense under Fred Hoiberg, who said he’s eager to see how the players react to game type situations.

The preseason is going to be important for several reasons and there are a few players who have things to prove before the regular season starts. The new coaching staff for the Bulls will be using the preseason to determine which players and lineups work well within the new offensive system.

The preseason is important for the entire team since the players are running a new scheme, and it will take them time to adjust to it. Getting the players comfortable in the new offense should be Hoiberg’s prime objective, so that when the regular season approaches, the team is ready to go and not working out any kinks.

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Players like Tony Snell and Doug McDermott will need to step up in the absence of Mike Dunleavy, and those two players should use the preseason as building blocks.

Tony Snell is entering his third year with the Bulls, and it is time for him to take his game to the next level. Snell possess the length and defensive IQ to defend NBA players, but shows a passive and timid approach on the offensive end.

Snell shot 37 percent from the three-point line last year which was second on the team. No one is doubting whether he can shoot the ball, which is clearly his biggest strength, but he needs to be more consistent and confident on the court.

Snell has to be hitting the weight room on a consistent basis throughout the year because currently he doesn’t have enough muscle on him to throw his body at defenders when attacking the paint.

He has a chance of thriving in the new offense but will only be successful if he has an aggressive mentality. Snell has to show the Bulls something during preseason.

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Joakim Noah has some things to prove as well during the preseason. He will have to show everyone that his knee is 100 percent and that he’s ready to be the old Joakim that won defensive player of the year and was the heart and soul of the team.

Noah said he’s felt good so far in training camp and feels “bouncier” compared to last season. Preseason should be a good way of seeing if Noah has his agility and lateral movement back, which will be a crucial component for him if he wants to succeed in the new offense.

McDermott is in the same boat as Snell, and needs to be aggressive in the preseason as well to get his confidence up. He, however also needs to prove in preseason that he has improved as a defender. McDermott looked slow and lost on the defensive end last year and opposing players were licking their chops when he was guarding them.

McDermott has to be able to stay in front of his man, otherwise he’s a liability when he’s on the floor. Although he possess a great jump shot, he needs to add more to his game and be more than a jump shooter. With more playing time this year, McDermott could be in line for a strong second season, but needs to prove himself first in the preseason.

The Bulls preseason will be fun to watch as the players seem excited to get started. Derrick Rose will be returning to the team next week which should lift the spirits of the team and create more positive energy heading into the regular season.