Torrey Craig says the Chicago Bulls must improve their on-court communication

Craig weighs in on what he believes is the biggest deficiency of the Chicago Bulls - their communication.

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The Chicago Bulls were one of the NBA’s elite defensive teams last season, finishing fifth in defensive rating. However, forward Torrey Craig believes they can be a lot better if they’d communicate better on the floor. According to Craig, a new addition to the team who cut his teeth as a reliable “3-and-D” guy for the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns in previous seasons, they have to be more expressive on the floor.

“I’ve played on a lot of teams,” Craig said. “And this is one of the quietest teams I’ve been on.”

Communicate at a high level

Whether it’s calling out a back screen or alerting teammates of a weakside cutter, Craig believes that communication is key in order to stop opposing offenses. NBA offenses are a sophisticated lot, and superstars can burn teams in a blink of an eye if the defense isn’t in sync.

“First thing is communication,” Craig said when talking about how a team can become an elite defensive unit. “I can’t stress it enough. That’s what I’ve learned being on good teams. They communicate at a high level and it makes everything that much easier.”

"TORREY CRAIG SAID ABSOLUTELY NOT" 😯 pic.twitter.com/xKzxlixRFi

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 18, 2023

Develop this trait

Donovan explains that he can’t pinpoint why the Bulls aren’t as vocal as other teams. He adds that the cast of characters he has is fun to be with and talk to, but it doesn’t translate between the lines of a basketball court.

“Every single one of these guys, every single one of them, unbelievable guys,” Donovan said. “Great guys. Love working with them, love being around them. Enjoy their company. Would have a great time with every single one of them at dinner. But in between the lines, it’s just a different situation that you have to have and we need.”

Fortunately for Donovan, he has Craig, who has been a positive influence on the Bulls with his energy and communication.

“[Craig] does not stop talking,” Donovan said. “It’s not like he’s instructing or giving direction, he’s very positive on the bench and he’s constantly communicating on the floor defensively.”

Defense ➡️ Offense@NBCSChicago | @nextlevel_03 pic.twitter.com/IHK9VIf8Su

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 18, 2023

Torrey Craig has taken it upon himself to help Patrick Williams become better