Kris Dunn
After a very promising first season with the Bulls, Kris Dunn has taken a step back each year in almost every category through three seasons. Even outside of his historically sub-par scoring abilities, Dunn regressed as a passer in a big way in 2019-2020, though one should keep in mind that he was not a primary ball-handler as often this past season. In spite of all this, many see this past season as a success for Dunn, due to his defensive abilities.
Dunn finished second in the NBA in steals-per-game, just behind Ben Simmons who played over ten more minutes per game than Kris.
Dunn is a very good perimeter defender- that has never been in question. A decrease in some statistical output would be expected with the additions of Satoransky and White last offseason, along with subpar play in 2018-2019, but Dunn should have played better than he did offensively last year. With a qualifying offer of $7.1 million this summer, the Bulls will more than likely rescind their rights and either look to sign him to a cheaper deal or let him walk.
For the right price, he would be a great piece to retain for Chicago, but his future is certainly up in the air.
Grade: C+
Thaddeus Young
There was a lot of hype surrounding the Bulls’ biggest free agent signing in the summer of 2019 in Thaddeus Young, and although he did not have a poor season, he did not make the impact that many hoped he would.
Coming off of the bench, as opposed to starting for the Indiana Pacers, Young did not see as many minutes as he is used to. This was a bit of an issue for the veteran, as he was held under 30 minutes per-game for the first time since he was twenty three years old. Subsequently, his numbers took a dip, but per-36 he played as well as he has the past few years for the Pacers.
The hope was that Young would be a key part of the development of Chicago’s young core and serve as a strong veteran presence, both on and off of the floor, in order to push them into the playoffs.
Obviously, the Bulls did not receive an invite to the NBA’s bubble down in Orlando, but Young is still a great guy to have from both a production standpoint and a leadership one. The hope is that next season Young will take on the scoring load of the bench unit and help propel the team into the mix in the East.