Isaiah Canaan
Isaiah Canaan had been quiet during the Bulls three-game losing streak, tallying just ten points combined in those three games. Against Orlando, Canaan matched that total, and he was a crucial part of the Bulls impressive end to the first quarter.
Canaan entered the game earlier than normal, and that was because Fred Hoiberg needed his defense. After the game, Fred Hoiberg stated that Rondo got the hook early because he wanted the Bulls to, “start guarding.” And start guarding the Bulls did: Chicago surrendered just four points during the final 6:39 of the first quarter. That was when Canaan entered the game.
Not only did he provide value on the defensive end, but he showed flashes of being the next in line of the Bulls backup point guards that get buckets. This dates back all the way to C.J. Watson and the likes of John Lucas III, D.J. Augustine, Nate Robinson, and Aaron Brooks have assumed this role.
Canaan might not be able to fill it up the way the others did, but he can be a valuable piece for the Bulls on certain nights.