Chicago Bulls: Matthew Hurt should be a big-time UDFA target

Most of the more significant undrafted free agents from the 2021 NBA Draft class were scooped up by various teams within the last 24 hours, including one by the Chicago Bulls. But there are still some big names out there for the Bulls to pursue. Depending on which impending free agents the Bulls part ways with this summer, there could be another open spot in the rotation ahead of Training Camp and the preseason.

Adding another undrafted free agent signing for the Bulls should likely shy away from targeting the guard positions. The Bulls already picked up the former Illinois Fighting Illini star junior point guard and reigning Consensus First-Team AP All-American Ayo Dosunmu with the 38th pick in the 2021 draft. And the Bulls signed the undrafted free agent and former Oregon State Beavers standout senior combo guard Ethan Thompson.

The Bulls could look at a big man like the former Duke Blue Devils five-star recruit and sophomore power forward Matthew Hurt to add some depth this year. Hurt was originally projected to fall as around a mid-second round pick. But he is shockingly still available among the undrafted free agents from this draft class.

Also, originally looking like an option for the Bulls potentially with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the draft, Hurt would be a solid way for the front office to go to sign one more undrafted free agent. With the potential loss of big men like Lauri Markkanen and Daniel Theis in free agency this summer, it would not hurt (excuse the pun) to add an insurance policy following the draft.

Matthew Hurt could be the final UDFA the Chicago Bulls are looking for

The 6-foot-9 and 235-pound Hurt still has a lot to prove at the next level, but he could also be rather switchable between the three and the four. He’s an improving on-ball defender and an elite shooter at times from the outside. Hurt also greatly improved as a rebounder on both ends of the floor last season.

For his efforts in a real breakthrough campaign last season with Duke, Hurt received the ACC Most Improved Player of the Year honors and was an All-ACC First-Team selection. He posted some outstanding stats last season, including an average of more than 18 points per game, more than six rebounds, and a three-point shooting percentage just shy of 45.

A lot of what Hurt does could help the Bulls replace some of what the team could be losing if Markkanen and/or Theis walks. Markkanen is by no means an elite rebounder, but he was one of the better three-point shooters for head coach Billy Donovan last season. Hurt could replace some of what Markkanen does in that regard, including at least having one more sizable forward that can rebound at the four.

Hurt would not be a solution for the Bulls if both Theis and Markkanen wind up finding new homes this summer. But he is one of the lowest-cost options that the Bulls could get a steal out of following the draft.

And with the Bulls still rounding out the Summer League roster, there will be a number of opportunities for a first-year player like Hurt to prove himself at the next level. Hurt would be a solid addition for the Bulls if Arturas Karnisovas is looking to add at least one more undrafted free agent signing this offseason.