Chicago Bulls: Daniel Oturu can bring depth, versatility to the frontcourt

There were still a few ways that the Chicago Bulls front office could address some roster holes heading into Training Camp this week. And that’s what the Bulls were partially able to do ahead of the start Training Camp and the preseason with the latest free agent signing.

The Bulls reportedly (per ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Twitter on the night of Sep. 26) added the former Los Angeles Clippers big man Daniel Oturu via free agency on a training camp deal. Oturu was part of a trade deal along with point guard Patrick Beverley and point guard Rajon Rondo, who went to the Memphis Grizzlies for the return of guard Eric Bledsoe.

The Grizzlies would then promptly waive Oturu, which made him available for a team like the Bulls to bring in for Training Camp and the preseason.

Oturu is a former 33rd overall pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. And then, the Timberwolves traded Oturu to the Clippers ahead of the start of last season.

Chicago Bulls get versatility added to frontcourt unit for camp in Daniel Oturu

Although he was assigned to the Clippers G-League affiliate Agua Caliente Clippers last season, he didn’t get to actually play any games at that level. Oturu did get to play with the Clippers Summer League team in Las Vegas this offseason. He also got playing time with the Clippers in each phase of last season, from the preseason through the postseason.

Oturu played in 30 regular season games for the Clippers during his rookie campaign, but barely played in more than five minutes per game. He averaged 12.1 points per 36 minutes, 10.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks. And Oturu shot 42.3 percent from the field, 20.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line.

Oturu also played in eight postseason games with the Clippers last season, which could be good experience that he can bring to Chicago. But he only got around two minutes per game in the eight postseason matchups he appeared in last season.

Where Oturu really showed that he was starting to find his way in the NBA was with the Clippers Summer League team. He was one of the team’s leading scorers, averaging scoring in the double figures per game. And he averaged more than three blocks per game, roughly 10 rebounds, and two assists.

What should be exciting to Bulls fans about the addition of Oturu is the versatility and unique skill set that he brings to this frontcourt unit compared to the other big men in the mix. During his two seasons playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in college, Oturu was a good outside shooter, excellent rim protector, and a solid rebounder.

At 6-foot-8 and 240-pounds, Oturu isn’t the most sizable power forward/center on the Bulls’ camp roster. But he does have a more proven rebounding ability and outside shooting stroke that a multitude of the other bigs in this frontcourt unit.

Here’s a look at the potential big men that the Bulls could have on the roster entering Training Camp with the addition of Oturu now:

• Nikola Vucevic, C
• Tony Bradley, C
• Marko Simonovic, C
• Oturu, PF/C
• Patrick Williams, F
• Tyler Cook, PF
• Alize Johnson, PF

Two of the more intriguing players that the Bulls have signed to non-guaranteed deals (at least that is assumed for Oturu entering camp) are Cook and Oturu. Neither has proven themselves on a consistent basis in the NBA, but both have the potential to fill unique roles deeper down the bench with the Bulls.

It is assumed that the likes of Vucevic, Bradley, Simonovic, Williams, and Johnson are locks to make the roster. That could leave Oturu and Cook to duke it out for potentially the final two-way contract slot heading into next season.

We are now just one day away from the start of Training Camp for the Bulls, beginning on Sep. 28. And then, head coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls open up the preseason slate on Oct. 5 at home at the United Center against the Cleveland Cavaliers.