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Chicago Bulls: 3 veteran free agents worth pursuing

By Austin Carroll

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Joakim Noah #55 and CJ Miles #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 27: Joakim Noah #55 and CJ Miles #6 of the Memphis Grizzlies high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 27, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Darren Collison. 11 PPG. Point Guard. 3. player. 100. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Darren Collison to the Chicago Bulls doesn’t sound sexy. He doesn’t have the captivating comeback story like Rose. He doesn’t generate hype like college phenom Ja Morant. But he’s absolutely a player who Chicago should have on their free agency radar, and here’s why.

Currently projected with a lowly 12.2 percent chance at landing the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Chicago has to come to grips with the fact Morant may not be donning a Bulls cap on draft night. If it comes to that, Collison would be a perfect addition to the roster.

As Joe Cowley of the Chicago-Sun Times reports, “[The Bulls] are focusing on veteran point guards who are going to be free agents this offseason and deemed fiscally responsible for some summer shopping, headlined by Ricky Rubio and Darren Collison.”

Collison showed the Bulls what he’s capable of on Tuesday as he exploded for 22 points on just 10 shots. Looks like he’s building up a hot streak, as this came right after his domination of the Orlando Magic last week, take a look:

With the biggest criticisms of incumbent Chicago Bulls point guard Kris Dunn being his playmaking and shooting abilities, Collison presents the perfect remedy.

  • Kris Dunn: 48.9 true shooting percentage, on a usage rate of 20 percent
  • Ricky Rubio: 51.9 true shooting percentage, on a usage rate of 22.7 percent
  • Darren Collison: 57.7 true shooting percentage, on a usage rate of 17.1 percent

Collison stands a cut above the rest as a shot-creator. He’s very efficient, a legitimate threat from deep, and capable of playing off-ball. He possesses the perfect skill set as a complementary player next to the Bulls young stars. Not only is he an efficient scoring machine and marksman from deep, he’s also a great playmaker and gets his teammates involved.

  • Kris Dunn: 9.7 assists and 3.7 turnovers per 100 possessions
  • Ricky Rubio: 9.9 assists and 4.7 turnovers per 100 possessions
  • Darren Collison: 10.5 assists and 2.8 turnovers per 100 possessions

Collison even seems to be a better defender than Dunn, posting a better defensive rating and defensive box plus/minus on the year.

The 32-year old point guard could likely be had for relatively cheap, as age will play a factor in free agent negotiation for all the aforementioned players. Working out a short-term deal with Collison would be ideal, as the Bulls add a strong complementary piece in hopes of 2020 playoff contention.