Disappointing Chicago Bulls players early this season: Alize Johnson
The one player on this list that isn’t necessarily off to the most disappointing start statistically, but is struggling to get off and running in terms of a role in the key part of the rotation, is newly singed power forward Alize Johnson. The former Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers high-energy forward looked to have a lot of potential in the Bulls’ rotation during a solid preseason stint.
But the role for Johnson has really died down at the outset of the regular season. The return of the likes of small forward Derrick Jones Jr. and center Tony Bradley to the rotation early in the regular season could have something to do with that. Yet, with some of the issues that the Bulls had on the glass so far this season, you’d figure there is a place for Johnson in the rotation.
The advanced metrics paint a mixed picture for Johnson at the outset of the regular season. It’s hard to post .164 win shares per 48 minutes and a tragic -4.7 box plus/minus in the same five-game span. That just goes to show how spotty the role, production, and efficiency were from Johnson at the outset of this season.
Johnson has turned the ball over on more than 20 percent of the possessions where he had the ball in his hands. That is way too high of a turnover rate for a lower usage player like Johnson. Johnson also didn’t do as much to make a positive impact on the defensive end of the floor in the regular season compared to what he did in the preseason.
I would like to see Johnson get more minutes in the next few games if the Bulls continue to struggle on the glass against teams with more size. The fact that Bradley is getting more playing time is a good thing, but Johnson can still contribute value in this frontcourt unit.