Chicago Bulls: Jim Boylen given the tools to succeed?

After the Chicago Bulls added 5 players to complement Lavine, Markkenen and Carter Jr., what is next for them to return to their once winning ways?

A short time after the Chicago Bulls fired Fred Hoiberg and replaced him with Jim Boylen, the current head coach was interviewed by Mully and Haugh on 670 The Score. During that discussion, Boylen shared his 3-point checklist to describe his vision of what type of players the Bulls are looking for.

1)      He stressed that he would challenge the players to be in better shape and play harder.

2)      The Bulls would target guys that want to be a Bull and will respect what the jersey represents.

3)      He wants his team to buy into playing for each other more than for themselves.

Since Boylen has taken over the reins, the Bulls seem to have added the type of players that meet the three points above. Let’s take a short look at what each of them brings to the table.

Otto Porter Jr. – The former Big East Player of the Year, came with a reputation as a 3-and-D small forward,  a classic team player that immediately provided a third scoring option, especially from 3, thus allowing Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen more space and open looks. Since he is under contract through the 20/21 season (his option in 20/21), his starting job is his to lose.

After an injury-shortened year, he needs a couple good seasons to set up his next contract. Otto Porter is experienced, hungry, and after the Wizards limited him to standing in the corner waiting for a pass, wants to contribute with all his skill sets. Though acquired by trade, he essentially was the Bulls first free-agent signing.

Thaddeus Young – He finished the 2018/19 NBA season ranked #19 in offensive rebounds and #9 in steals.  Obviously, he brings it at both ends of the floor. Young also started 81 games for a very talented Indiana team. He is a hard-nosed, team-first player, who will mentor Lauri Markkanen on what it means to compete. He is a great value signing for the Bulls.

Tomas Satoransky – At 27 he will be an elder Bull. Last year in 27.1 minutes per game he put up 8.9 points, 5 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Those aren’t exactly eye-popping numbers. So why sign him?

Because, Satoransky, who is listed as a 6-foot-7 point guard can also switch to shooting guard or small forward. He is versatile, very fundamental (only 1.5 turnovers a game!) and plays European style “team” basketball. He is also a former teammate of Otto Porter Jr. which makes him not only a great fit for today’s NBA game but also a great fit for the young Bulls.

Now the draftees:

Coby White: The team and the fans wanted a point guard and could not have been happier when White fell to No. 7 in the June NBA draft. To become what we all hope will be the eventual starting point guard, White will have to earn his minutes, as early projections are Satoransky will start at the point. However coming from a program like UNC, the feeling is that this is one player who understands what the letters on their uniform means.

The Bulls have done well drafting from UNC in the past. White brings an electric offensive game based on shooting, driving and passing. It will be interesting to watch how he blends with Zach Lavine.

Daniel Gafford – I must admit I was somewhat giddy watching Gafford, the 38th pick in the draft, in Summer League. It will be interesting to see who is first to develop a 3-point shot, him or Jaxson Hayes, chosen No. 8 by the Hawks. In the meantime, he brings the energy Boylen loves.

At Arkansas, he posted a career field goal percentage of .635, second-best in school history and totaled 141 blocked shots, sixth-best all time. 43 percent of his field goals were dunks. He, like Satoransky, Young and Porter is another player who plays on both ends and within his skill set.

Conclusion:

Boylen has added to his core 5 key additions that bring hustle, teamwork and pride to their craft. The Bulls also resigned Ryan Arcidiacono and Shaq Harrison, two players from last year who have already earned Boylen’s trust. The checklist is completed.

Boylen will have all the tools and personality types he wanted. Seven hard-nosed, team-oriented players, with high-level skill sets, though not elite, will be added to the young core of Markkanen, LaVine and Carter Jr. The only question is will they learn to be winners?

The only player mentioned in this article who has ever won a championship at the college or NBA level is Ryan Arcidiacono at Villanova. If the young core does not learn how to win, look for Boylen to start saying we need players “who know how to win”. Somehow that wasn’t on Boylen’s checklist after last season.