Bulls emphasize adaptability — and ‘randomness’ — in their offense after a sluggish start to the preseason

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls entered this season focused on playing fast and fluid. But their first preseason game Tuesday signaled a disconnect between this game plan and the team’s offensive reality without starting point guard Lonzo Ball.

One preseason loss can’t be cause for panic, but the Bulls showed significant stagnancy in offensive creation. This was severely aggravated by the Pelicans’ 70% shooting in the first half, which forced the Bulls to advance the ball in half-court offense.

“The pace of play across our court was way too slow,” coach Billy Donovan said. “The timing was not good. It was very, very slow. I think this group understands what it’s going to look like if we play like that this year.”