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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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

11.1 PPG. Demarre Carroll. Pick Analysis. Small Forward. 2. player. 147. Scouting Report

With 57 playoff games under his belt, there aren’t many players with more experience available in this offseason free agent market than DeMarre Carroll. He has made it to the conference finals twice in his career– both times as a starter– before being cut down by the LeBron James led Cavaliers.

Coming to Chicago would be a familiar situation for Carroll, considering he joined the struggling Brooklyn Nets through trade in 2017. The same Nets team, that is now on the rise and blossoming into a very promising contender. His positive locker room presence has been well documented while in Brooklyn, and he could prove to be a great influence for the young Bulls as well.

Recognized throughout his career as a plus defender and posting a solid 36.2 percent from deep, the 33-year old Carroll would be a great spark plug off the bench. DeMarre is liable to go off on any given night, seen here by his 22 point performance, hitting 5 threes against Dallas on Monday.

Carroll could also prove to be a less risky move if tied up for a few years. He does not have nearly as many miles on his legs as other prominent and similarly aged wings set to hit free agency.

  • DeMarre Carroll: 33 years old, 540 games played, 24.1 minutes per game
  • Rudy Gay: 33 years old, 864 games played, 34.1 minutes per game
  • Jeff Green: 33 years old, 844 games played, 30.1 minutes per game
  • Trevor Ariza: 34 years old, 1001 games played, 29.9 minutes per game

Similar to Bulls alum Jimmy Butler, Carroll was drafted late in the first round and not granted much playing time early in his career. After bouncing around the league for five years, Carroll’s incredible work ethic paid off when he earned the starting job in Atlanta. He went on to prove the league was wrong about him, even earning Player of the Month honors in January 2015.

That level of tenacity is exactly what the Chicago Bulls are looking for in a veteran addition. Someone who will elevate his teammate’s play and demonstrate what it takes to reach the next level. Carroll fits the bill perfectly.