New Chicago Bulls players that will help elevate the bench: Derrick Jones Jr.
One of the most exciting new additions for the Bulls this offseason that will help to upgrade the bench is the former Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers small forward Derrick Jones Jr. It’s hard to believe how much athleticism and vertical ability the Bulls will have in this rotation between players like Jones and LaVine.
The Bulls have maybe the two best in-game dunkers in the NBA on one team. And that will surely deliver a level of energy and excitement that is hard to match otherwise next season.
But it’s more than just thundering dunks that Jones can bring to the table for the Bulls. He’s a good scorer from inside the arc off-the-dribble, and he’s a good on-ball defender. Jones is also one of the best shot blockers that you can get in a wing defender in this day and age.
Considering one of the major weaknesses that the Bulls could have in the starting unit lies on the defensive end of the floor, having wings like Troy Brown Jr. and Jones that can be situationally mixed in with the starters can be very valuable. Jones can defend really anyone from the one through the four. His length and athleticism allows that type of versatility on defense.
The Bulls landed Jones by way of the sign-and-trade deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Blazers that sent power forward Lauri Markkanen away. Markkanen landed in Cleveland, and the Bulls got Jones by way of the Blazers.