Chandler Hutchison
Very similar to Wendell Carter Jr.’s situation, Chandler Hutchison had a quiet rookie season due to nagging injuries and the fact that the team went into full-on tank mode at the end of the year. Many Bulls fans seem to have forgotten about Hutchison when talking about this young core, as if the fact that he was a first-round selection just one year ago has slipped their minds.
Don’t expect Hutchison to develop into a high-level player, but his rebounding and defense could bolster the Chicago bench this season and for years to come. Hutchison is certainly capable of putting the ball in the bucket, as he did in his college days at Boise State. However, efficiency will be key for the 23-year-old wing. Hopefully good health can help him to take the next step in his short career in developing into a useful depth piece.
2019-2020 predictions: 8.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals, .8 blocks, 43% FG, 33% 3pt
Ryan Arcidiacono
Ryan Arcidiacono had a great first full NBA season, earning himself a well-deserved three-year contract to remain a Chicago Bull. With the outrageous amount of point guards on the roster, the Villanova product will likely see a decline in his number of minutes.
This does not change Arcidiacono’s greatest quality, however: consistency. Ryan is the type of player to come out each and every time he steps on the floor and give consistent, high-energy minutes. No matter how many men are in front of him this year, he certainly will be ready to take the floor and play his heart out for his coaches, teammates, and city.
2019-2020 predictions: 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 47% FG, 38% 3pt
Daniel Gafford
Daniel Gafford may be the best pick of the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft. A first-round talent, the Bulls were lucky enough to have him fall all the way to 38th overall. Gafford’s stats are quite low due to the fact that second round picks simply don’t get much playing time in their rookie seasons. However, with Cristiano Felicio and Luke Kornet being the only other options at backup center, it would not be shocking if Gafford were to win the position by the season’s end.
His season will likely look very similar to that of Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks: a second-round gem who can play above the rim and block shots. He will excel in these two areas as a rookie when given the playing time, and if he fails to find significant minutes this season, he should be destined to get them in 2020-2021.
2019-2020 predictions: 6.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, .8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.3 blocks, 48% FG
Luke Kornet
An interesting free agent signing by Jon Paxson and Gar Forman, Luke Kornet has been added to the mix of the battle for the backup center position in Chicago. Kornet will likely begin the season in this role, but the position is really up for grabs if somehow Cristiano Felicio plays decent or if Gafford turns as many heads as I expect him to.
Kornet’s selling points are his three point shooting and his shot blocking, both of which are attractive in a modern center. He will certainly be able to do these things, but he should look to improve his rebounding and efficiency as a scorer. Never having played more than 17 minutes per contest in his short two-year career, Kornet could find more success than expected as a Bull.
2019-2020 predictions: 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, .4 steals, .8 blocks, 40% FG, 35% 3pt