Chicago Bulls: 3 free agent targets that help Vooch and Zach win more

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T.J. McConnell Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. McConnell, PG

A vastly underrated role player and two-way point guard that is finally getting more recognition across the NBA landscape this season is the Indiana Pacers’ 29-year-old floor general T.J. McConnell. The 6-foot-1 and 190 pound Pittsburgh, PA, native is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, with no player or team option to worry about.

The Bulls do need to add depth in the backcourt rotation this offseason, especially at the point guard position specifically. If they decide to play second-year point guard Coby White in more of a volume-scoring combo guard role as a sixth man moving forward, then there will be another spot at the one that opens up in this rotation.

There’s also a decision that the front office has to make concerning 29-year-old combo guard Tomas Satoransky, as his deal is only partially guaranteed for next season.

McConnell is definitely having a career year for first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren and the Pacers this season. In a season where the Pacers’ usual starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon dealt with injury issues down the stretch, the importance of McConnell to the backcourt rotation became paramount.

During the regular season, McConnell averaged a career-high 8.6 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks. He led the league in steals per game for much of the regular season. McConnell also led the league in total steals during the regular season.

The Bulls need help both to solidify their backcourt rotation as a whole this offseason and find someone to take the pressure off of their top stars that can play in the second unit. McConnell looks to be a good fit to take on that role.