5 Takeaways from Chicago Bulls exit interviews

Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) and Chicago Bulls center Joffrey Lauvergne (77) battle for the ball during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) and Chicago Bulls center Joffrey Lauvergne (77) battle for the ball during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) reacts after making a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) reacts after making a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Zipser keeps winning

I was surprised by the young German baller. The second-round afterthought turned into a serviceable wing player that showed both obvious limitations and more ability to stay competitive than I anticipated. It was sink or swim and, at the very least, he’s been treading water just fine.

He just won the exit interview lottery.

First, there is no player that is more beloved to me in the entire league than Kawhi Leonard. He is the actualization of a nearly perfect player, if I were putting one together. His shot is starting to look more and more like that of Michael Jordan. He doesn’t talk much, he just beats you. Over and over. He’s still driving his same truck that he’s had since high school.

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I could go on and on about all the virtues of Leonard, but you don’t want to hear about that right now. Except, that is kind of the point. I’m gushing about one of the very best in the game. And Zipser clearly sees him as that, too. He’s going to learn. He’s going to watch. He’s going to study.

He’s not talking about cashing checks like some other rookie. He’s talking about learning from the Boston Celtics that just sent the Bulls crashing out of the playoffs.

I’m willing to acknowledge that I’m biased because I want Zipser to be good, because he’s talking about learning from the players that just shot down the Bulls in the playoffs, and because he referenced the king of all two-way wing players.