Chicago Bulls’ Daniel Theis: His addition will be twice as nice
I must admit, when I first heard that the Chicago Bulls traded for third-year center Daniel Theis, I was gleaming with excitement. He is exactly what the Bulls were lacking in the frontcourt. A solid underrated trade. It’s the kind of move that sets organizations up for success without sacrifice.
Some actual, real front office work by first-year executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisivas and general manager Marc Eversley. The vision is clear now, and finding our identity will be the next adventure in store for the young Bulls. Great job to all those involved!
Theis is a very skilled center, he plays with an aggression that becomes contagious. He was a solid defensive presence coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics prior to landing at his new home in the Windy City. His game will transfer over to the Bulls with complete ease.
The Bulls found a diamond in the rough in Theis. He displayed just a glimpse of the impact he is going to have for the Bulls in his first game since the trade on March 29. He adds a huge spark to this team in need of some energy and life in the frontcourt.
Chicago Bulls center Daniel Theis makes his debut
He came in off the bench and was a huge spark for the Bulls in his first game of action since the trade. Unfortunately, the Bulls fell short again to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors by the score of 116-102. But, it’s to be expected that this will take a few games to come to fruition.
His defense alone is well noted, not to mention the instant rim protection he brings to the frontcourt. Theis can track the basketball fast, he also finds himself in a position to make the correct defensive play quite often without fouling, he has the ability to move into position to be that help defender as well.
He can guard multiple positions, most importantly he is physical. He does not back down and on most possession, he is the aggressor, whether on the offensive or defensive end. Theis goes at his opponents with no fear and last night showed he is a perfect fit with the current roster and a fierce competitor.
The awareness he brings to the table allows him to fill the gaping holes that the Bulls have had in the interior all season long. His high energy and explosiveness will be very effective as this process moves forward. Theis can score in multiple ways too, the Bulls will have a feast in the paint with his offensive rebounding talent. Offensive rebounds will become second chance points more often than not, due to his length and ability to box out.
On the season Theis is averaging nine points, five rebounds, and one block per game in just over 20 minutes. That was in Boston, on the Bulls Theis will find a much bigger role and will probably end up as the starting center within the next few games. His instant impact was well noted by fist year head coach Billy Donovan.
Other key Chicago Bulls players that Daniel Theis will impact
The impact that Theis will have on Patrick Williams game is going to be huge. When Williams and Theis are on the floor together they will be a one-two punch of defensive ability. He will allow the rookie to be more aggressive on the offensive end as well as open the door for more dominance in the paint both offensively and defensively.
Not to mention Thaddeus Young is needed more off the bench. The second unit has struggled since Young cracked the starting lineup a few weeks ago. With Theis onboard Young can be more effective as the leader of the second unit.
Moving Theis to the starting lineup may help forward Lauri Markkanen out. Playing with Young and the second unit should help Markkanen strive, and become more instrumental to the flow of the offense.
Whoever shares the court with Markkanen needs to be able to pick up the slack for his defensive shortcomings.
I do not know if Bulls fans are excited as I am to have Theis. He will fill a void that has been plaguing the Bulls so far this season. His presence with be felt when we face the next All-Star center on the schedule, it won’t be as easy as the last time we faced them.
First, we get to see how Theis and the Bulls can rebound the next game. Can they hold up again the Phoenix Suns on April 1? Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton will be a real test of grit for this ever-evolving roster.
Win or lose my gut tells me it will be a site to see. Theis will help on the inside; the question is can our guards keep up with the Suns’ guard duo on the perimeter. After a sample size of the trade outcome, I imaging our best basketball is ahead of us.
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The Bulls need to snap this four-game losing streak. With the play-in-tournament in our grasps, every win is more important than ever. At 19-26 on the season, the Bulls hope to shift this second half of the season into another gear.