Chicago Bulls: Individual challenges for each player

Daniel Gafford: Win the backup center position

The center position is a crowded one in Chicago. Wendell Carter is a lock to be the starter, however, the backup spot is completely up in the air. Enter Daniel Gafford, the Bulls’ second round selection in this year’s draft who was taken 38th overall. Gafford, in my opinion, was a first-round talent who GarPax was able to steal in the early second.

Thus, if Gafford is truly a first round talent, it is not absurd for the rookie to be in contention for serious playing time. The veterans on the roster will more than likely get the benefit of the doubt from the coaching staff, but Gafford is more than capable of not only winning the position this season, but excelling at it.

Luke Kornet: Play efficient basketball

In a bit of a puzzling move, the Bulls signed former New York Knick Luke Kornet to a multi-year deal, creating a bit of a logjam at the center position. What Kornet brings to the table is a nice combination of shot blocking and three-point shooting from the five, a bit of a poor man’s Brook Lopez, if you will.

There is no doubt that Kornet’s skillset is a useful one in the NBA, but he will need to look to be more efficient in his offensive game. If he is able to do so, he could be a nice addition to the Chicago bench.