Finding the Right Role Players, Gearing Up for a Trade-Heavy Summer, and Other Bulls Bullets

Derrick Jones Jr. with Chicago Bulls
Derrick Jones Jr. with Chicago Bulls

We are potentially one game away from the end of the 2022-23 NBA season.

On one hand, that’s remarkably exciting because it means the 2023 NBA Draft and a likely chaotic free agency are right around the corner! On the other hand, it means we could be only a few short weeks away from the Bulls making zero picks in the 2023 NBA Draft and trying to pitch JaMychal Green as their marquee free-agent signing.

CAN’T WAIT! *begins to sweat profusely*

  • The Denver Nuggets took a 3-1 lead with their second consecutive double-digit victory. They stole the game by claiming the 3rd quarter 31-22 and went on to shoot a highly efficient 14-28 from behind the arc. If Game 3 will go down in Nuggets’ history as the “dynamic duo” game (Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray became the first teammates to each have a 30+ point triple-double), Game 4 will go down as the “role player” game.
  • Jokic finished with just 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Murray finished with 15 points and 12 assists. I know those are still two very solid performances, but it’s mortal compared to their other box scores from this postseason. Instead, it was Aaron Gordon who led the way with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a dominant +29 showing. Bruce Brown also played tremendously off the bench, scoring 21 points on a highly-efficient 8-11 from the field. In fact, Gordon and Brown became the first set of teammates to score 20 points while each shooting 70 percent or better from the field since MJ and Horace Grant in 1991, per ESPN Stats. It always goes back to the 90s Bulls!
  • Of course, you need the fear that star players like Murray and Jokic put on an opposing defense to open the door for guys like Gordon and Brown in the first place. But you also need the kind of role players who are fully capable of taking advantage of that opportunity when it presents itself. Indeed, it was the perfect example of how important finding the right supporting cast can be. Gordon went 7/9 at the rim knowing exactly when to cut to the basket, rise for the lob, or bulldoze a smaller defender like Gabe Vincent on his way into the paint. Meanwhile, Brown made the most of his catch-and-shoot looks behind the rim and didn’t hesitate to take defenders off the dribble when Murray and Jokic were in a jam.
  • Finding those role players who fit around your stars is arguably as important as finding the stars themselves. I hope this game – and a disappointing season – reminded the Chicago Bulls of that. I know I’ve screamed it from the rooftop until my throat has bled, but the lack of shooting on Chicago’s roster has been laughable. Not to mention, the lack of traditional size/length has been a major concern around three subpar defenders. While the Bulls’ defense still rose to the occasion at the end of the year, we all remember the times were they were dominated on the offensive glass. Anyway, roster building isn’t just about building a core, it’s about building a coherent rotation. We’re still waiting to see that in Chicago.
  • The Bulls are likely hoping that White can become one of those go-to supporting cast members. To his credit, he showed signs of it in the second half of last season, especially with his improved ball-handling and defensive IQ.
  • I got to admit, though, I’m a little worried about the Bulls overextending White’s role next season. They’ll likely try to internally justify giving him a new contract by making him the starting point guard. While I think the experiment would net better results than the first time they tried it, I don’t think it would be putting him in the best position to succeed. White started to thrive as the sixth man last year. It’s his play in that position that will ultimately earn him this next deal. You can still increase his workload/role, but I’d keep him as a go-to option in the second unit.
  • Keith Smith of Spotrac predicts a “trade-heavy” offseason across the NBA. And that’s music to my ears!
  • If this does turn on to be true, I’m going to be even more upset if the Chicago Bulls roster doesn’t look significantly different in October. The more deals and conversations, the more avenues to get creative and find solutions. Karnisovas said at the deadline that there weren’t any trades he believed would make the team better. If he says that again on 2023-24 Media Day, I’m calling complete B.S.
  • Toronto sounds ready to take advantage of a busy summer.
  • One of the best moments of the season. Sorry not sorry, John Collins!
  • This is absolutely awesome stuff …
  • This idea that Nikola Jokic isn’t a marketable star is ridiculous. The guy seems super genuine and really funny. Not to mention … he’s a basketball wizard.
  • THE HYPE IS REAL!!
  • Blackhawks win the draft!
  • written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

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