Chicago Bulls player reviews: Cristiano Felicio

We continue our season player reviews for the Chicago Bulls here at PAE with a look at center Cristiano Felicio.

As LeBron James maintains his hold on the Eastern Conference, the Bulls haven’t determined a path forward towards contention, despite trading Derrick Rose, passing on Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol in free agency and seemingly transitioning to a new era. The Bulls, as currently constructed, are nearly absent of young talent who can contribute in meaningful ways in the future. The roster is predominately consisting of players on the downside of their career arc and recent draft picks whom many are ready to give up on already.

One of the very few exceptions is Cristano Felicio.

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Felicio’s cult following developed late last season, as the Bulls were struck by injury and apathy in a season we would wish to forget. Fans took solace in the rookie’s cool dunks and activity defensively and on the glass.

The now 24-year-old found himself in an expanded role this season, as the Bulls vacated the center rotation, traded for Robin Lopez and promoted Felicio to back-up. And as the year progressed, the second unit proved to be the right fit for him, particularly while playing with Rajon Rondo.

A high percentage of the Bulls’ offense this season was repugnant and infuriating, making me dizzy with rage, but the all-bench lineup, managed by Rondo’s playmaking, was aesthetically pleasing and effective. And Cristiano’s screens and dives were the genesis of its success. It opened the floor for Rajon to start quick series of ball movement, ending up with a decent look.

Cristiano’s offensive game is fairly simple for the time being. He doesn’t excel in creating his own shots, and when he stepped out to take jumpers, they often missed their mark. But when given a creative playmaker as a running mate, Felicio could prance down the lane on his own accord for a few buckets a night. His brilliant timing on cuts to the basket, paired with quickness and an explosive jump, left pick-and-roll defenses helpless. Last year, he may have dashed to the basket immediately after setting a pick, but now he’s developed a patience, waiting for ball-handlers to draw defenders before he strikes.

There’s a balance to be struck between self-restraint and unrelenting aggressiveness, a balance that Cristiano seems to be realizing. The way he’ll gallop down the floor in seconds, stutter-step while Michael Carter-Williams takes an errant layup and leap, grabbing the ball in the air to put it back is a beautiful thing. For a man as large as he is, he’s surprisingly nimble and light on his feet. Felicio’s liveliness is what endeared him to Bulls’ fans and harnessing it will only make him all the more powerful.

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His energy has lent itself to success rebounding the basketball as well, allowing Cristiano to spring off the floor multiple times in short bursts. However, Felicio fails to block out the opposing center frequently. His shortcomings in his two years in the league seem to sprout from technicalities, things that can be fixed. Although he’ll miss assignments from time-to-time defensively, he has a grasp on his role and how to maintain focus and maneuver through the commotion of NBA offenses.

Sep 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) poses for a photo during Bulls media day at The Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Cristiano is a restricted free agent this summer, and there will likely be interest around the league. The front office’s decision when it comes to retaining Felicio will reflect how progressive they’ll be in rebuilding. He isn’t a known commodity right now, but there’s clearly something more to be discovered from a player with his size and mobility. He’s a good goddamn basketball player, and letting him go would mean more than on the surface.

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