Chicago Bulls: Predicting player stats in 2019-2020
Tomas Satoransky
Acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Washington Wizards, Tomas Satoransky is the likely candidate for the starting point guard position for game one of the 2019-2020 season. This position is likely to fall into the lap of Coby White in the not too distant future, but Satoransky will get veteran’s priority to start things off.As a solid all-around player, Satoransky will be expected to do a little bit of everything as a Bull, but taking a backseat role behind the rest of the starters.
His top task will be to get the ball into the hands of the team’s talented young scorers. His three point shooting will also help give players like Zach LaVine and Wendell Carter Jr. be able to score inside. Even if Satoransky does end up as the starting point guard for a large amount of time (which is unlikely), his minutes will be restrained in a crowded backcourt with White and Ryan Arcidiacono.
2019-2020 predictions: 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 51% FG, 42% 3pt
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine put up All-Star numbers in 2018-2019, proving that he was well worth the $19.5 million he is owed annually over the next few years. Although he did not receive an All-Star bid, Chicago had to be more than happy with the way LaVine played. In order to take the next step into true stardom, three things must happen: the Bulls must start winning games, his defense must improve, and his playmaking has to get better.
LaVine definitely has the athleticism to be a lockdown defender, and he has recognized the fact that this is something he needs to work on. His ability as a passer is there as well, as Zach was considered a combo guard in his early years in Minnesota. As for the winning aspect of the equation, there is no reason why the Bulls should not be at least a fringe playoff team this year.
In whole, I expect Zach to be named to his first NBA All-Star team this season. His defense may not improve, but I expect both his passing and the Bulls’ win total to improve this season, which should be enough for him to establish himself as one of the top players in the Eastern Conference.
2019-2020 predictions: 24.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.4 steals, 47% FG, 38% 3pt
Otto Porter Jr.
Otto Porter Jr. came out of the gates rolling upon arriving in Chicago after the trade deadline, averaging over 17 points per game while shooting the ball at an unbelievably efficient mark. Although Porter should find continued success in 2019-2020, don’t expect it to be at quite the clip he finished last season on.
Porter is a phenomenal fit on the Bulls or any modern NBA team. As a player who excels off the ball, plays very solid defense, and can space the floor, he slides in very nicely in the young Chicago lineup. Just having turned 26 years old, Porter appears to be in for the long haul as a Bull. He will never be worth the near-max money he is making now, but he still serves a crucial role in the small forward spot for the Bulls.
Look for Otto to continue to play efficient basketball and stifling perimeter defense. As a floor spacer, he can help other inside scorers and slashers to get to the basket with more ease. On top of this, he will directly help players like Zach LaVine in increasing their assist numbers with a full season of a legitimate off-ball scoring option.
2019-2020 predictions: 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 49% FG, 39% 3pt