File Bismack Biyombo to the Chicago Bulls under, “Meh, I suppose it makes sense?” for me, please. It’s not the most attractive of moves, nor would it hardly constitute being a real ‘Woj Bomb’, but of all the established veteran bigs on the market, Bismack is my favorite. Thinking practically and addressing any glaring holes instead of star-chasing is how Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are going to build the Chicago Bulls into a winning team.
Biyombo’s not going to go out there and get you buckets, you just have to accept that. In fact, his career-high in points scored over the course of a whole season is just 7.4 per game. But he brings versatility and defensive stopping power that other free agents like Aron Baynes, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Niccolo Melli just can’t.
Besides, Chicago has more than enough offensive threats in their starting lineup and with Coby White off the bench. What the Bulls lack, however, is a rim protector that offsets what Williams lacks in size and Vucevic lacks in speed. Biyombo is defensive effort personified and is liable to give you a big block or two on any given night.
Best of all, Biyombo could likely be had on a veteran’s minimum deal. This saves the Bulls from having to use their $5 million trade exception until they find someone they feel comfortable cashing it out on. With so many roster spots left to fill and being just $6 million under the luxury tax, affordability is going to be a big issue moving forward.
Also, I think he’d look really cool in a Chicago Bulls jersey.