New Chicago Bulls players that will help elevate the bench: Alize Johnson
Definitely, one of the most underrated signings in the last couple of offseasons for the Bulls should go down as the former Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers 25-year-old power forward Alize Johnson. With Donovan and the Bulls needing help at the power forward position ahead of the start of next season, it was big to get Johnson in the mix.
It’s likely that Johnson could play backup minutes at the four for the Bulls behind either DeRozan or Williams. There are other that could contend for minutes at the four, especially if Donovan wants to play a lot of small ball lineups. Jones, Brown, forward Tyler Cook, and even small forward Stanley Johnson could play at least some minutes at the four.
I personally believe it would be best for the Bulls to potentially keep Cook around on a two-way contract behind Johnson for a third unit role at the four.
Yet, Johnson is a big signing for the Bulls thanks to his improving efficiency, especially on the glass. Johnson is one of the more effective rebounders among forwards of his size. At 6-foot-7, Johnson is still able to put up an insane 35.0 defensive rebounding percentage and more than 17 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Johnson is also a developing rim protector that has shown the ability to space the floor in the past. He’s not the most consistent shooter from beyond 10 feet from the rim, but he can at least be a threat from deep if Donovan can scheme him up to get open from beyond the arc.
Considering the Bulls were able to sign Johnson for a two-year contract worth around just $3.6 million in total, this is a great deal for them.