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Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic: Game Outlook for Tuesday Night in Orlando

By Stephen Coyle

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) is congratulated for scoring by forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center. Chicago won 118-108. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) is congratulated for scoring by forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center. Chicago won 118-108. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Zipser’s fan club is growing

I am the latest to have personally joined the “Paul Zipser Fan Club.”

The 6’8″, 210-pound forward isn’t super athletic or really that flashy, but what the Bulls love is he brings a two-way mentality that allows Hoiberg to leave him out there to learn the NBA game.

"“The thing with Paul is he’s a two-way player,” said Hoiberg. “He plays both ends. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s battling defensively, especially as a rookie coming into this league, against some pretty darn good players. To go up and use his body well, he gets his hands out of the way, defends without fouling, rises up with confidence on the other end, and can put the ball on the floor. He showed that (in Atlanta) with the baseline drive and dunk out of the left corner. And he’s just a really confident, solid basketball player. He deserves these minutes. He got his chance by starting a couple of those games when we had guys out with illness, and he took full advantage of it and showed that he belongs in the rotation.” (NBA.com)"

Take this recent Zipser play against the Atlanta Hawks for example.

Here you can see Zipser ball fake, take two dribbles and finish strong at the rim against the Atlanta Hawks last week.

Zipser is the type of player who will push the ball, run the floor and play within the flow of any lineup he’s paired with. Paul’s length is a major plus, his size and long arms paired with his decent fundamentals has given Hoiberg to the option to insert him in the starting lineup a few times, and it’s paid off for his confidence.

Saturday night against the Kings, Zipser was the first off the bench and responded with 13 points, a new career high. He shot 3-of-6 from deep and pulled down four rebounds on a plus/minus of +11 in 23 minutes.

If I’m the Bulls front office, I think this guy is a mainstay in your rotation for years to come. Cutting the fat on your roster will ensure Zipser will see similar minutes going forward.

Yes, I’m looking at you, Nikola Mirotic.

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