Big Men The Bulls Need To Target
The Bulls Have A BIG Problem
The Bulls have a big problem. They are too small. This article takes a thorough look at the power forwards and centers the Bulls could realistically add this season.
Why We Need A Big Man
The "big" problem is a big problem. As we have already seen in some of the Bulls' losses, it is difficult to sustain winning when you are so undersized. While Nikola Vucevic's extended absence hurt, the Bulls have been getting pounded on the boards and inside the paint even when he has been in the lineup.
Currently (as of December 3), the Bulls are dead last in rebounds per game. They also rank 21st in blocks per game because they lack a true center or power forward who can be impactful on the defensive end. Meanwhile, opposing big men (think Nurkic or Randle, or even LaMarcus Aldridge or Aaron Gordon) have consistently popped off against Chicago.
Vucevic, Tony Bradley (who is out of the rotation), Alize Johnson (out of the rotation), and G-league teammates Marko Simonovic and Tyler Cook are the only ones on the roster measuring 6'8" or better. Another way to express just how small the Bulls are? Vucevic is the only guy on the roster over 6'6" who gets regular minutes. Meaning, PG Lonzo Ball is tied for their second biggest player most nights.
As we know, things only get more physical in the playoffs, and shooting percentages come down as guys lock in on defense. That means more rebounds. These physical slogs will not favor a small team like the Bulls who already get punished on the glass.
So how far can we expect the Bulls to go this season without more of an inside presence outside of Vucevic?
I see the best case scenario as a second round exit. If they make a move for a quality big man to start at power forward or play behind Vucevic, however, the ceiling could be raised significantly. And since Chicago has clearly invested heavily in the present, it makes a lot of sense to go all-in.
How A Move Would Happen
While it would be nice to dream of Anthony Davis coming to the Bulls, we have to be realistic. The Bulls are limited in what they can do for a few reasons:
- They are winning. You don't typically want to mess too much with a winning formula. Less splashy changes are therefore more likely.
- They are over the cap, so salaries have to match up pretty closely in any potential trade (no greater than 25% difference between salaries).
- There are few players on the Bulls with substantial contracts (greater than $8 million). And for the most part, you wouldn't want to trade the guys who are being paid that much (Lavine, DeRozan, Vucevic, Ball, Caruso). That pretty much leaves Derrick Jones Jr. ($9.7 million), Patrick Williams ($7.4 million), Coby White ($5.8 million) and Troy Brown Jr. ($5.2 million) as the only valuable trade pieces.
- The Bulls have very few draft assets to trade in the near- and mid-term future; plus, after the tampering investigation concluded, the Bulls lost another 2nd round pick. Therefore, they are especially unlikely to involve draft assets in any potential trade, meaning Chicago would have to subtract from the current roster to initiate a trade.
With that said, here is a list of the most exciting players the Bulls should target through either trade, free agency, or the buy-out market.
The Big Names
#1 Christian Wood - 6'9" - Rockets
Pros: Scoring, Rebounding, Outside Shooting, Shot-blocking, Upside
Christian Wood started putting up big stats once he got bigger minutes beginning a couple seasons ago, but he has always offered great per minute production. Unfortunately, injuries have slowed him down. When healthy, he is the most capable player on this list. He scored 21 points per game for the Rockets last year while pulling down almost 10 rebounds per game. He also shot over 37% from distance each of the last two seasons, and has averaged a block per game each of the past 4 seasons. He gives the Bulls a lot of what they are missing: size, shooting, rebounding, and scoring. What's NOT to like?
Cons: He would be costly
You can't get a guy like this for free. He makes $13.6 million this year and $14.3 next year for a young Rockets team that probably isn't going anywhere this or next while Wood is under contract. If the Rockets don't expect to hold onto him, they could make to look a deal for other pieces that fit into the development of their young guys. For the Bulls to acquire him, though, they would need to give up some quality guys. You would probably have to say goodbye to Patrick Williams AND another asset to pry him from Houston.Career Stats:
Most Recent Season Stats: This season, Wood has yet to match the type of stats he was putting up the previous year. As of this writing, he is averaging 15.5 points and 11 rebounds per game on 44% shooting.
What would it take: A package of 2 out of these 4, at least: Patrick Williams, Coby White, Derrick Jones Jr., and Troy Brown Jr.
Would I pull the trigger: I think I would. Christian Wood checks off so many boxes in areas of need for the Bulls. I think that's better than banking on Patrick Williams being worth it next season, or hoping Coby White finally gets consistent. Since Williams is out for the season, you don't sacrifice anything THIS year by trading him away. It's tempting.
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#2 Myles Turner - 6'11" - Pacers
Pros: Size, Shot-Blocking, and supplemental Scoring, Rebounding, and Outside Shooting
Myles Turner would help on the defensive end first and foremost. At over 3 blocks per game across the last 2 seasons, Turner is the elite rim protector that the Bulls sorely lack. Mix in his ability to score, rebound, and shoot from range, and Turner is an ideal fit. In fact, his career numbers are eerily similar to Woods', with the biggest difference being Turner's uncanny knack for shot-blocking.
Cons: He would be costly
Everything I wrote under Christian Woods' cons!
Career Stats:
Most Recent Season Stats: Turner has been remarkably consistent over his career, and this year is no different. His numbers this season do not vary greatly from his career lines.
What would it take: A package of 2 out of these 4, at least: Patrick Williams, Coby White, Derrick Jones Jr., and Troy Brown Jr.
Would I pull the trigger: Yes. And this one might make more sense for Indiana than it does for Houston with Christian Wood. Turner shares the frontcourt with Sabonis. If they are lagging behind rival Eastern Conference teams come the trade deadline, why not take on a young power forward with potential in Williams, and a quality scoring guard like Coby White for a redundant big man?
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#3 Marvin Bagley III - 6'11" - Kings
Pros: Scoring and Rebounding, Something to Prove, Upside
Marvin is a mixed... bag. He was great at Duke, and his best (and healthiest) year in the NBA was his rookie campaign in 2018. He would bring sorely needed scoring and rebounding off the bench. He could also start, although I'd like him coming off the bench better for the sake of a balanced rotation. Now Bagley knows the rap sheet he's earned, rightfully or not. He knows about the trade value he's lost. I'm sure he has pride, and like many of the other Bulls coming into this season, I'm sure he would have a chip on his shoulder with something to prove. He might fit right in.
Cons: Defense, Team Chemistry Risk, Costly Assets(?)
On the other hand, maybe he wouldn't fit right in. With team chemistry working so well in Chicago, you hate to do anything that might disrupt it. You have to take into account that Bagley and his agent have created a bit of a toxic situation in Sacramento right now. Aside from complaining publicly about being out of the rotation, Bagley refused to check into a game during garbage time. That's a red flag. Additionally, Bagley would be yet another soft interior defender. He does not protect the paint well from penetrating guards, nor has he ever seemed to take the challenge of stopping his opponent from scoring too personally. He's always been a great scorer at every level of play, but even back to his high school days, he has a history of letting the guy he's matched up with go off.
Career Stats:
Most Recent Season Stats: Currently, Bagley is averaging 5 points and 5 rebounds per game in 14 minutes of action after notably starting the season out of the rotation.
What would it take: DJJ OR Coby White + Troy Brown Jr.
Would I pull the trigger: DJJ? That's tough. But... yes? Coby White + Troy Brown Jr.? Also tough but yes.
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#4 Tristan Thompson - 6'9" - Kings
Pros: Rebounding, Veteran Leadership, On-Court Steadiness
We're sticking with the Kings (dis)organization for the next big man prospect! Tristan Thompson is still one of the best offensive rebounders in the game. He would help the Bulls where they are the most vulnerable. Furthermore, he would bring a steady calmness on the court as he does not make many mistakes and he is not a hesitant player like Tony Bradley has been for most of his minutes. He has also experienced winning and played a big role in it. One would think that would help him be a positive influence in the locker room.
Cons: Age = declining ability/defense/upside, Lack of Scoring
Somehow Thompson, despite playing in the NBA for approximately 43 years, is only 30 years old. But reports and statistics suggest that he is slowing down a touch. He was slow to begin with and isn't getting any quicker. This is especially problematic on the defensive end, as Thompson has never been relied on to produce much in the way of scoring anyway. On that note, Thompson would not help the Bulls' bench in the scoring department where they could really use the punch.
Career Stats:
Most Recent Season Stats: Currently, Thompson is averaging 5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 13 minutes of action.
What would it take: He makes 9.2 million this year. The best means of acquiring him would be if the Kings bought him out, which at least a couple reports have indicated could happen. If it requires a trade, I don't think the Bulls can pull it off in a way that makes sense for the team unless you're giving up DJJ or Patrick Williams straight up. Dealing Williams would be mortgaging too much of the future for too little return on investment to even consider. And would sending DJJ out for Thompson really make them better? I don't think so.
Would I pull the trigger: Unless he gets bought out and nabbed by the Bulls, no.
Watch the highlight reel
#5 - 5 Free Agents
Matthew Hurt - The former Dukie is a deadly outside shooter and stands 6'9" tall. He is also obscenely slow and therefore a defensive liability. He wasn't drafted and hasn't been able to stick with a team even as a two-way player just yet. But the Bulls could use more size and more shooting, both of which Hurt offers.
Jahlil Okafor - Okafor is out of the NBA at the moment for some of the same reasons as his Duke compatriot, Matthew Hurt. He is slow afoot and lacks the shooting of Hurt, but he has proven that he can score and rebound during his time in the league, averaging 10.5 points and 5 rebounds per game over his career while shooting 54 percent from the field and getting nearly a block per game in 20 minutes of floor time. At 6'11" he gives the Bulls a big body to bang around with opposing slow-footed centers.
Luke Kornet - Currently on an exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics while playing in the G League, Kornet is a name that is familiar to Bulls fans. He is the tallest player on this list at 7'2" and he can use that height to block shots. We know from experience that Kornet is slow and not a + defender all things considered, nor is he a potent scoring threat. But he does help spread the floor as a willing 33% 3pt shooting threat, and he offers some protection against penetration averaging nearly a block per game in only 15 minutes of action over his career.
Thon Maker - A 7'0" big man capable of knocking down threes, he is currently trying to restart his NBA career in Jerusalem.
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