After being held out of the Bulls‘ first two games, Derrick Jones Jr. is trying to prove he deserves regular playing time, writes Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. Jones helped change the course of Monday’s win over the Celtics, scoring 10 points in the second quarter during his eight minutes on the court as Chicago turned a nine-point deficit into a seven-point lead. He also made an impact on defense as Boston managed just 15 points in the quarter.
Schaefer notes that Jones might not still be with the Bulls if their offseason pursuit of free agent Danilo Gallinari had been successful. Instead, Gallinari signed with the Celtics and Jones returned to Chicago on a one-year, $3.3MM contract that could turn into a bargain.
“I’ve been through this many times throughout my career,” Jones said of having to fight for a rotation role. “It’s not the first time. I’m good. … Always working. We stay in the gym, even the guys that get low minutes, we stay in the gym.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- Jones wasn’t the only Bulls reserve who played well Monday, notes Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. The team also got contributions from Goran Dragic, Alex Caruso, Javonte Green and Andre Drummond as Chicago’s bench has been an early-season bright spot. “We dug ourselves a hole in that second quarter, but I give our second unit a lot of credit,” coach Billy Donovan said. “I thought those guys came in and really played with great energy and great enthusiasm and kind of turned the game.”
- Caruso isn’t on an official minutes restriction, but Donovan is closely monitoring his playing time, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Last season, Caruso averaged more minutes in losses than in wins, and the coaching staff wants to make sure he doesn’t burn himself out with his aggressive style of play.
- Patrick Williams‘ frustrating start to the season continued Monday, but he’s not in any immediate danger of losing his starting spot, according to Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. Williams played just 15 minutes against Boston, contributing four points and three rebounds, but Donovan offered support after the game. “Since he’s gotten into the league, he’s been always guarding the team’s best players and he’s always taken it on,” Donovan said. “He’s never batted an eye. I think he has really incredible potential in the future and we all believe in him. This is a process where the more that keeps getting thrown at him competitively, he has to respond.”
Been the biggest Patrick supporter and still believe in his talent, but man at some point you gotta grab the bull by the horns and get a move on, this passive p sh!+ has got to stop
I wholeheartedly agree…I was on the same boat with Wendell Carter Jr. until he got traded. Donovan offerring praise does nothing for me, what is he supposed to say?? Unfortunately, if Patrick Williams doesn’t step it up soon, he will be out the door just like WCJ..
Idk why they refuse to move him to the second unit. Yes, he’s seemingly their best fit defensively in their starting unit, but he’s way too passive and stagnant in that role. He’s shown flashes of being capable of so much more offensively, albeit in the summer league, but until he can take that same confidence and at least TRY to make plays and TRY to be more aggressive and assert hisself, we will never know what kind of player he can be….
At this point you have to at least look around to see what you could get for him. The PF position is one where you need a big body to defend. The Bulls got into trouble last year when all their undersized people got hurt after Williams got hurt. Green and Caruso are crazy men who throw themselves around like bowling balls and invite injury. Jones is undersized also weight wise. If Simonovic isn’t the answer, Then they really need to start shopping. It’s obvious Donovan doesn’t like him so deal him also. You can’t trade White until you see if Ball makes it all the way back. They need to do something before bodies start dropping.
They can trade White seeing Ayo is fine and they can find someone to replace White… Heck, give the rookie a chance in White spot.
Williams and White for a PF and let get going.
I think the Bulls have bigger issues when they signed a guy with past knee issues to a max deal, then immediately start holding said player out of games due to ‘knee management’. This after they have had nothing but issues with a key player in Ball being out since middle of last season with still unresolved knee issues. If the Bulls do not see their luck change soon, this is going to have ramifications not just this season, but many seasons to come.