Chicago Bulls fans got very excited about the potential that the former KK Mega Bemax big man Marko Simonovic brings to the table during his showing in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. Simonovic was the lone Bulls player in Summer League to both play in all five games and score in double figures in each of them. He also showed some flashes of being a true threat as a big man running in transition.
There is one area of Simonovic’s game, though, that really stood out during Summer League. Simonovic had some highlight-worthy passes and a solid stat line showing the true potential of his court vision. The ability of Simonovic to run the floor well, find his teammates, and just effectively move around off-ball was put on display in Vegas.
While Simonovic only averaged two assists per game in Summer League, he did post an assist percentage north of 20. Combine that with an average of 12 points per game, 2 offensive rebounds, a 113 offensive rating, and a free-throw attempt rate north of .520, and you get a big man that was very effective in multiple respects on offense for the Bulls in Summer League.
There were also particular situations where Simonovic really showed off his versatility and basketball IQ. Simonovic excelled in finding room off-ball with good movement and was also able to effectively find his teammates with passes off screens within the two-point arc.
Marko Simonovic doing things for the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/6Kwsn9x4of
— Pippen Ain't Easy (@BullsBeatBlog) August 16, 2021
Marko Simonovic showed a natural feel for the game for the Chicago Bulls in Vegas
Simonovic showed the natural feel for the game that can take a player years in a situation where they’re just coming into the NBA from overseas, like he is. The level of consistency and efficiency that he put on display in all five games in Vegas is a very encouraging sign of where his game is headed for next season.
Head coach Billy Donovan will also be afforded the time and opportunity to develop Simonovic at a patient rate heading into next season. Adding star center Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline last season, along with signing former Oklahoma City Thunder big man Tony Bradley, gives the Bulls enough depth at the five to take their time with Simonovic.
This excellent court vision that Simonovic brings to the table should have ample time to help him transition the rest of his game to the NBA. And given some of the progress he showed in his ability to distribute the ball in the past few years with KK Mega Bemax, he’s not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Simonovic averaged a career-best two assists per game and an assist percentage around 12 in league play with KK Mega Bemax last season. Combine that with his showing in Vegas with the Bulls Summer League team, and there should be a lot of optimism about the direction of Simonovic’s game.
There is the real potential, though, for Simonovic to make an immediate impact during his rookie campaign for the Bulls. He showed a lot of polish and maturity to his game already in Summer League. Especially if the Bulls need someone like Simonovic or Troy Brown Jr. to switch and play more minutes at the four next season, he will be given a big opportunity to make an early impact.
The Bulls are drawing close to one month away from the start of Training Camp (Sep. 28). Then, the preseason slate is set to tip-off at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. The regular season slate begins on the road on Oct. 20 against the Detroit Pistons.