Free agents to save the bench
Three names stuck in my mind after researching the upcoming free agent class, as pertinent to the bench. Shaun Livingston, Marresse Speights and James Young are all guys who give the Bulls a volt in relief of starters.
Peaking the list of these three is clearly Shaun Livingston of the Golden State Warriors. Livingston, in relief of Stephen Curry, has been a major contributor since signing with the Warriors in 2014. Averaging 18.7 minutes a night over the last three seasons, Livingston averages 5.8 points and 2.7 assists a night.
His professionalism and demeanor make him a strong option in relief of an occasionally hot-headed Rajon Rondo. Livingston will command a good amount of change, but it would be worth the dough.
Marressee Speights is likely to see a veteran’s minimum salary in 2017, despite appearing in all 82 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Speights would be a veteran replacement for Felicio and a highly-affordable one at that juncture. Speights also brings a proven toughness, represented by his 2015 NBA Championship ring. Averaging 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds makes him an overall win if GarPax can get him on the books.
Next: Jimmy Butler meets with the Bulls on Monday about his future in Chicago
Rounding out the bunch is a 21-year-old James Young, a former Kentucky product who’s had an unimpressive career thus far. Averaging 2.3 points and 0.9 boards last season is unimpressive, I know, but Young is, well, young. Getting minutes in a Bulls uniform could help get the young man’s motor started, even if it hasn’t shown much quite yet.