BULLS TRADE FOR FORMER CHAMP, HOT PROSPECT
Chicago, IL:Heading into the 2034-2035 CSL season, your Chicago Bulls decided against major changes this time. That doesn’t mean they’ll look exactly the same from the same team that lost to the Knicks 2-4 in Eastern Conference first round postseason last time around.The Bulls decided to use their collection of assets (picks #12, #16 in the draft) and much praised interior depth in Princepal Singh, one of the team’s best performers in postseason and overall, and Olivier Sarr, the versatile scorer who was supposed to see a minute increment this season, to strengthen a position of need both offensive and defensively in the figure of Miles Bridges.
Miles, who spent his whole pro career in Boston and managed to win a championship with his partner DeAaron Fox there, comes is very mature at 30 years old. In his absolute prime, he’ll be a force for the Bulls as a versatile player able to score, rebound and create on offense, and guard 1-4 defensively without major concerns. He’s expected to start along RJ Barrett in the wings, with Moses Moody being pushed back to a lead guard role (even if he’s likely getting playing time off the ball as well) and Yago dos Santos coming off the bench.
This allows Chicago to deploy a much more defensive oriented lineup with above average to good defenders from 1-5. Offensively, Tillman and Barrett will still command the ball more often but Bridges comes is as a very competent 3rd wheel along them in what should be a seamless fit, at least on paper.
Neemias Queta, a 27 year old career Celtic as well, comes in ready to fight for the primary backup big role, with shades of rebounding and rim protection. His efficiency so far has brought some doubts on if he can be counted for the role, but Bulls’ staff believes he can improve over time with better coaching as his strong ratings around the rim suggests.
Least but far from last, Chicago took a HUGE gamble after trading up from #12 to #10 and selected Terrence Clarke out of Kentucky in hopes of developing him into the next star of this league. Clarke, a 19 year old wing who shows incredible upside on both sides of the ball, will likely be buried in the D-League for a season or more, depending on his development, but has the chance to become something special if his development is good enough. The Bulls were in position to swing for the fences and draft a player who may as well develop into one of the best players in the class instead of opting for more polished players who would struggle to find court time with the team looking to win in the present. What is funny enough is Chicago reportedly has already received interest calls from several franchises on Clarke, which shows how talented the young swingman can be with the right guidance.
The Bulls released a press conference thanking both Singh and Sarr for their time there and wishing both bigs and forward Ade Murkey, another piece moving to Boston along draft rights to defensive stalwarts Dillon Jones and Damion Baugh, nothing but the best in their future. Everyone in the organization felt happy for Murkey specially, who after spending the last two years developing in the D-League affiliate will finally have the chance of making a name for himself in the pro league in Boston, as they embrace the youth movement aiming towards a brighter future than a place in the lottery for such a traditional, competitive franchise.
The Windy City franchise also announced today that they have selected big man Trey Jemison III with the 19th pick of the draft. Known as a tough, no nonsense big with not much technique but lots of strength and power, Jemison excels as an interior finisher, rebounder and weak side rim protector, and he loves to draw contact and put opposing bigs in foul trouble, something he’s been doing all year long at college level. Joining the pro league at 23 years of age, he comes in ready to play some minutes but with room to grow. Struggles with shooting and defense, specially at the free throw line, made him available later in the first round, but the Bulls are confident they drafted a player who’s capable of becoming a long term contributor and starter on a good team.
)
2020, 2023, 2027, 2035
