Seeing red: Chicago Bulls players that raised eyebrows during the preseason opener

Despite the loss, three guys impressed the Bulls Nation

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans didn't go as planned. The Bulls lost 129-125, and several players didn't impress. Some, though, did more than expected and raised eyebrows. 

Sure, DeMar DeRozan did his usual thing, while All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic looked ready for the brand new season. However, different guys caught the attention of many during the preseason opener.

Scary Terry

Entering the Bulls' first preseason game, there were a lot of questions about which guards would step up and fill the void left by the injured Lonzo Ball. There were plenty of candidates, but the one that took the baton and ran with it was the team's first-round pick, Dalen Terry.

Terry, a 6-foot-7 guard from Arizona, had a sensational debut as he tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, a couple of assists, and steals in just 18 minutes of playing time, energizing the United Center with plays like this:

DALEN TERRY IS HIM. 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/McoUJDVyVV

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) October 5, 2022

Another player that earned his minutes on the floor was energetic forward Javonte Green. With the ball expected to be in the hands of either DeRozan, Zach LaVine, or Vucevic, there would only be a little room for Green to operate. That didn't stop him from making the most of his opportunity, as he scored 18 points in 21 minutes. As impressive as his point total was, what was even more impressive was Green's ability to finish around the basket and get to the free-throw line, where he went a perfect 7-for-7.

GREEN energy 🔋@2Xtremebounce | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/VPQlvR6G0M

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 5, 2022

Ball replacement

Being the starting point guard on a team with high aspirations is a tall task, especially when you're a young player. That's the situation that hometown kid Ayo Dosumnmu finds himself in as he takes over the starting point guard duties for the injured Ball.

In his debut, Dosumnmu looked more than up to the challenge as he scattered 10 points, three assists, and two rebounds. More than the production, the composure he played with was most impressive. He didn't try to do too much, instead letting the game come to him and making the smart play. That's something that will endear him to his teammates and coaches as the season goes on.