Chicago Bulls PF targets with Paul Millsap gone: Jarred Vanderbilt
A common underrated free agent power forward target for Karnisovas and the Bulls that was a good option for much of the offseason thus far is the 22-year-old former Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets big man Jarred Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-9 and 215-pound former second-round pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2018 NBA Draft is a great value free agent remaining on the open market at the moment.
It would make a lot of sense for both Karnisovas and Vanderbilt to come to an agreement here. Vanderbilt would bring more longevity to the bench at the four if he continues his upward trend in production for the next few years. While the Bulls might not want to sign a power forward at this point of the offseason to a longer-term deal, but Vanderbilt could be an exception.
Vanderbilt was one of the more under-the-radar young reserve power forwards that progressed in a back way over the course of the last two seasons. Last season with the Timberwolves, he registered a career-best -0.6 box plus/minus, .132 win shares per 48 minutes, more than three total win shares, and a 16.2 player efficiency rating.
The production and efficiency of Vanderbilt continue to improve just three years into his NBA career. He is a good rebounder that could help out the Bulls on the glass in the second unit, and an improving facilitator and rim protector. Last season, Vanderbilt posted a career-best 3.5 block percentage and 9.3 assist percentage. He should only get better next season too.