The Bulls have positioned themselves as the league’s preeminent “second draft” team, Fred Katz writes for The Athletic, referencing recent moves for young players in need of a change of scenery.
One such player is the newly acquired Jaden Ivey, who came to Chicago in a three-team trade involving Kevin Huerter. Like Josh Giddey when he was acquired by the Bulls, Ivey is nearing restricted free agency and had lost clarity in his role with the highly successful team that drafted him — though in Ivey’s case, that was due in large part to the broken leg that sidelined him for much of last season.
Ivey is not in a position where he’ll be handed control of the Bulls’ offense, Katz writes, especially with the number of guards on the roster, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in a position to excel.
Katz notes that Ivey has shot the three exceptionally well since the start of last season, and the Bulls, who traded two free agent-to-be point guards at the deadline, will have ample cap space this summer. If Ivey can return to his physical form while continuing to shoot at a high level, there could be a spot for him next to Giddey in the backcourt.
We have more from the Bulls:
- Another new addition to the Bulls’ backcourt is second-year guard Rob Dillingham. Head coach Billy Donovan has been impressed by Dillingham’s speed and ability to penetrate the defense but wants much more from him as a processor of the game. “The decision-making, the shots that he’s taking, are not sustainable. And I told him that,” Donovan said, per The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi (Twitter link). “His job and responsibility is to generate shots for guys when he gets there… it’s not like I’m giving him free rein. We need him downhill, but he also can’t be jumping off of two feet, getting caught in the air, shooting over guys, trying to throw passes that aren’t there. He’s gotta clean that up, and we’ve gotta help him do it.” Donovan added that he wants Dillingham to maintain his level of aggression and that he believes the young guard will find that balance with time.
- Chicago recently signed three-time Dunk Contest champion Mac McClung to a two-way deal, which represents the latest step towards McClung reaching his dream of carving out a role for himself in the NBA. The 27-year-old guard turned down highly lucrative offers overseas to play in the G League and stay ready for his call-up, Anthony Olivieri writes for ESPN. “This [NBA quest] is where my heart’s at,” McClung said. “… You can’t keep telling me no forever.”
- The Bulls players know that the team they’re on is strangely constructed and not built for longevity, Lorenzi writes, but that just makes the challenge for players like Anfernee Simons more interesting. “This not a normal situation,” Simons said earlier in the week, shaking his head. “Seven new guys, six of them are playing heavy minutes and we have to just learn on the fly like that. It’s just gonna take tons of communication. Experience. Just going through it together with mistakes and everything… Obviously, we want to win. That’s the end goal. Right now is the time that we learn each other and learn from our mistakes and just try to build something from there.” With Simons, the maniacally competitive Collin Sexton, and Ivey all in contract years, the team is loaded with new guards who will be motivated to perform at a high level in the next couple months. The team will likely lose many games, but it won’t be for lack of trying on the part of the players.
Wait we gave up a FRP swap w Detroit in the Ivey trade ??
Dear lord. What a depressing article top to bottom. Yeah thanks for your thoughts on Dillingham Billy great to hear two cents from a coach with such an impeccable development history as yours
The pick swap Detroit got is from MInnesota in the trade.
Oh okay thank god . At least it could be worse
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Billy Donovan.
If it ain’t broke you aren’t trying hard enough
– Red Green
A weird classic Canadian TV show for all those not in know. Highly recommend if you like odd humor.
“ The Bulls players know that the team they’re on is strangely constructed and not built for longevity, Lorenzi writes, but that just makes the challenge for players like Anfernee Simons more interesting. “This not a normal situation,” Simons said, shaking his head.”
—— After six years this is the story of Billy Donovan.
He will change it up again to see if it works.
I don’t see Sexton or Simons here next year. Giddey and Ivey should be the starting backcourt. With Dillingham backing them up. There is potential there imo. The biggest addition will be next years pick. I would be looking for a Big, 4 or 5.
With all due respect, duh!
Billy’s head scout, right here 🫣
Yes. However AK we’ll just get another lanky skinny wing that can’t shoot.
Chk out Cenac during the tournament. He’s perfect for Bulls imo.
Still need a true Center.
“… You can’t keep telling me no forever.”
Uhhh yeah they can!!
Josh Giddey, Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, Colin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, Tre Jones.
I think they need more guards.
Guards that also can play as Center.
don’t forget McClung!
Billy is emulating Kerr lol …. still looking for the next Curry. Only been six yrs.
Bulls drafted Noah Essengue at 12 last year, who will probably never be good. Derik Queen was the next pick….
Hard to believe the Bulls passed on Queen. 🤦♂️
I agree there is a good chance Noah doesn’t work out, but when you draft a “project” you have to give it time. He has a very low floor, but if he figures it out, there is upside there.
He’s considered a 2Way talent. An athletic 4 for today’s game. He really does need minimum three yrs. Bulls should do it right. Not like they handled Williams. Two yrs in G-league. Add some weight and muscle. Could become a starter.
I really hope Dilly ends up having a good career. He seems like a good kid. I wish we would have sent him to the G league while he was with us so he could have developed more,
Calling Sexting is a maniacal freak
Mc Clung shld have joined the dunking contest as it was boring. He cld have won.
That was the worst dunk contest in years.