NFL
By: Stephen Garner
The Bulls, in the dog days of the NBA off-season where news is extremely slow, training camp is still weeks away, and nearly all talking points have been exhausted (or even worse, recycled), made a solid splash.
Not only have they solidified what their likely identity will be, but they’ve also fortified their bench with three things and specifically on defense: versatility, youth, and athleticism.
Last season, the Bulls were one of the least athletic teams in the league.
In response to that, they’ve compiled arguably the most athletic roster in the entire NBA.
After acquiring Lonzo Ball, I wrote about Chicago striking first in free agency but how they still had a riddle to solve in regards to fit and addressing their defense.
They went on to add the likes of Derrick Jones Jr. shortly thereafter.
As versatile as they come on defense, wiry in stature, DJJ is rather sound fundamentally on defense and has a knack for getting his quick hands on the ball whether that’s via a live dribble, in transition from a dribble to a layup or dunk, or to protect the rim.
Speaking to how versatile and effective he is on defense, he’s averaging 1.2 SPG as well as 1.2 BPG on his career per 36 minutes.
Even more, to aid said efforts, the Bulls would make two more sensical acquisitions to address their defense.
Free agent forward Stanley Johnson has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 6, 2021
In Stanley, at 6’7 242lbs, they now have an athletic, rough, rugged, and capable defender to task with guarding bigger-bodied wings and frontcourt players. He can also hold his own defending against more perimeter-oriented wings or even guards.
Look at his defense vs Kawhi Leonard in a 4th quarter from two years ago.
He has the prerequisite physique to be effective on defense versus the more dynamic scorers. In tandem with the new collection of bodies the Bulls have to serve a similar purpose as his, he should be an effective piece off the bench.
Last season, per 36, he averaged a career-high 1.9 steals. He is also a career +0.9 IN DBPM, and was +1.0 on that end in a season where his team was not good on that end.
Two of his last three seasons, including playing for two different teams in 2018-2019 (Detroit and New Orleans), his impact on the defensive end has ranked in the 76th percentile or higher.
He’s solid.
They’d also add another piece with great potential.
Free agent F Alize Johnson has agreed on a two-year, $3.6M deal with the Chicago Bulls, his agent @GeorgeLangberg tells ESPN. The Bulls had a need for power forward depth and roster offers some real opportunity for Johnson.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2021
Alize Johnson is a strong and athletic combo forward, with plenty of upside to tap into regarding his potential.
As gritty as they come, Bulls fans will likely get glimpses from the Missouri State alum that are reminiscent of what Jimmy Butler brought in his time there.
Alize has a motor that can grow contagious for stretches of a game, especially on defense.
The biggest thing with these three acquisitions specifically, is that it’ll allow for the Bulls to fully embrace the open floor.
Each of these three can be a threat vertically via alley-oops, can get a stop and fill the lane in transition, and can even receive early hit-ahead passes to the finish on their own at the rim.
The Bulls should be league tops in pace this upcoming season, establishing their identity as a gritty and athletic team on the defensive end, able to take away many passing lanes with their length, looking to change ends early and often for easy conversions while defenses are rendered most vulnerable.
For the latter two of this post, minutes could be hard to come by. However, Coach Donovan will find solace in knowing he has viable defenders to deploy whenever he feels a need for their skill, giving him plenty of lineups to explore throughout the season.
Following this strategic and detail-oriented roster compilation, stamp the Chicago Bulls for a playoff spot this upcoming season.
*All stats and information used come directly from basketball-reference or cleaningtheglass unless stated otherwise*
