Chicago Bulls: 3 Keys to a playoff push

3 Keys to a Chicago Bulls playoff push: Veteran contributions

The Chicago Bulls are going to need to count on their veteran players at a number of different times in the coming weeks. That is a welcomed development for a few reasons. First, it is a big part of why some veterans are on the roster in the first place. Second, the experienced players in Chicago will be able to help younger players through situations they have no reason to be comfortable in. That becomes even more valued as the Bulls will be learning on the fly but also very interested in picking up wins in the short term.

These veteran players will be crucial in getting the Bulls into the playoffs this season.

• Thaddeus Young
• Garrett Temple
• Tomas Satoransky

Young and Sato both will be crucial in regards to what they are asked to do on the court for the team. The veterans are two of the Bulls best facilitators and will each see their fair share of playing time down the stretch. In seven starts so far this season, Sato has averaged 6.1 assists while Young is averaging 4.6 assists of his own in his seven starts.

Temple may see a fair number of minutes as well but even if that doesn’t prove to be the case he will be a valuable player in the ear of those in the rotation. His I.Q. and ability to see the game defensively will have value in being communicated to any of the players on the court for the Bulls moving forward.

You likely noticed two players missing from the list of veterans but that will soon make sense. An honorable mention as a veteran presence goes to Al-Farouq Aminu, who was part of the Vucevic trade at the deadline. It isn’t clear what he is capable of on the court right now but he has been a very good role player at different points in his career.

If healthy he will be a great option for the Bulls as a defender and veteran teacher to players like rookie Patrick Williams. It is very possible he earns his way into the rotation in the coming weeks.