Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls awards for the 2016-17 season

By Daniel Coughlin

Jan 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts while sitting on the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts while sitting on the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the 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 /

Rookie of the Year

Hey, it’s Paul Zipser!

This is the only correct answer. He’s one of two rookies on this team, the other being Denzel Valentine.

I think we all wanted to see Valentine get more playing time, but it just never materialized. Even in the playoffs with Rajon Rondo out of service, Fred Hoiberg opted to go with the previously non-existent Canaan.

Maybe this award is more about the poor drafting history of Forman and the lackluster display from Valentine than it is about the surprisingly good showing from the No. 48 pick from Germany who wasn’t expected to do much of anything.

After his first year with the team, he’s emerged not just as being a better rookie than Valentine, but he’s got a better outlook right now than more experienced guys like Michael Carter-Williams, Jerian Grant and Cameron Payne.

Zipser averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per 36 minutes during his rookie season. He played 44 games, getting 18 starts. He also shot 33 percent from 3-point range, which is a pretty good number when it comes to Chicago.

His plus is that he isn’t lazy, keeps himself alert with or without the ball and on both ends of the floor. It’s a really bad sign for Valentine that as a four-year college guy and player of the year at the NCAA level, he’s looking completely flat next to his German counterpart.

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