Jamal Collier

Jamal Collier is a former sports reporter for the Tribune.

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives on Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Indianapolis.

As Nikola Vucevic puts up his best night with the Chicago Bulls, Zach LaVine is happy to defer: ‘If that means me taking a lesser role some nights … I’m fine with that’

April 7, 2021 at 4:27 a.m.

Now that Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is paired alongside a prolific scorer in center Nikola Vucevic for the first time in his career, he's likely to have more games...

Bulls center Nikola Vucevic drives to the basket for a score as Nets forward Bruce Brown tries to defend in the first quarter on April 4, 2021, at the United Center.

3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls’ 115-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, including Troy Brown Jr.’s role and how Nikola Vucevic has changed the team’s style

April 5, 2021 at 3:20 p.m.

The Chicago Bulls, during their 115-107 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday at the United Center, looked more comfortable together than they had in any game since the March...

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots over Golden State Warriors forward Kelly Oubre Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, March 29, 2021.

Chicago Bulls Q&A: Is the Nikola Vucevic addition failing or just taking time to build chemistry? And who should be their top targets in free agency?

April 3, 2021 at 1:29 p.m.

The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of one of their most challenging stretches of the season. They swapped out five players at the trade deadline last week, reworking their...

Suns guard Devin Booker, right, and Bulls forward Thad Young scramble for the ball during the second half March 31, 2021, in Phoenix.

Chicago Bulls lose their 5th straight, 121-116 to the Phoenix Suns, as Zach LaVine sits out for 1st time this season with an ankle injury

April 1, 2021 at 4:42 a.m.

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine missed a game for the first time this season, a 121-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, resting a right ankle injury that...

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams makes a three-point-shot over San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson during a game at the United Center March 17, 2021 in Chicago.

The Chicago Bulls were sellers at the trade deadline — and so was rookie Patrick Williams. He relinquished his No. 9 jersey to Nikola Vucevic for an ‘undisclosed’ sum.

April 1, 2021 at 3:27 a.m.

Shortly after Nikola Vucevic was traded to the Chicago Bulls, he asked team assistant equipment manager Steve Pankow to contact rookie Patrick Williams. Vucevic, who had worn No. 9 with...

Daniel Theis blocks a shot by Warriors center Kevon Looney during the first half.

3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls’ 4th straight loss, including Lauri Markkanen’s bench reaction and Zach LaVine’s ankle concerns

March 30, 2021 at 9:55 p.m.

The Chicago Bulls changed up their frontcourt Monday before their 116-102 road loss to the Golden State Warriors, inserting Thad Young into the starting lineup at power forward to play...

Wendell Carter Jr. reacts while arguing a technical foul call against him during a Bulls game at the United Center on Dec. 26, 2020.

Once a cornerstone of the rebuild, Wendell Carter Jr.’s stay with the Chicago Bulls ends with a lot of promise — and ultimately not enough return

March 30, 2021 at 1:43 a.m.

Wendell Carter Jr. made his debut for the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. The center had eight points and eight rebounds in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and...

Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen guards Magic center Nikola Vucevic during the first half Dec. 20, 2017, at the United Center. Vucevic was traded to the Bulls in March 2021.

Nikola Vucevic — still emotional about leaving the Orlando Magic — is learning to embrace his new home and believes he can ‘fit right in’ with the Chicago Bulls

March 28, 2021 at 12:58 p.m.

Once Nikola Vucevic found out he had been traded to the Chicago Bulls, his family shared an old photo. In the image, 5-year-old Vucevic stands decked out in Bulls gear...

Magic center Nikola Vucevic shoots over Bulls center Robin Lopez during the second half Jan. 2, 2019, at the United Center. Vucevic was traded to the Bulls in March 2021.

Zach LaVine will play alongside an All-Star for the first time in his career — and he’s excited to see how the Chicago Bulls transform with Nikola Vucevic

March 27, 2021 at 7:20 p.m.

When Zach LaVine learned the Chicago Bulls were completing a trade for center Nikola Vucevic, he let out an excited yell at his home, he later admitted. LaVine and Vucevic...

Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine, left, and his brother Drew Valentine, an assistant men's basketball coach at Loyola, on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017.

Loyola making another NCAA Tournament run? That’s no surprise to Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine, whose brother Drew is a Ramblers assistant coach.

March 27, 2021 at 1:00 a.m.

Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine remembers how crazy it felt four years ago to end up in the same city as his older brother, Drew, who helped guide the Loyola...

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