Chicago Bulls: 5 players who have exceeded preseason expectations

Chicago Bulls players who have exceeded preseason expectations: Javonte Green

Entering the season, not much was expected of Javonte Green besides being a high-energy spark plug off the bench. With Coby White sidelined due to injury, Green was going to have ample opportunity to make a positive impression.

He quickly captured the adoration of fans and the coaching staff alike, as his hustle made him an integral part of the Bulls’ gameplan on the boards and the fast break. It feels like Green is everywhere on the court, as he tends to grab a handful of clutch offensive rebounds each game.

When Patrick Williams also fell to injury, many fans were surprised to see Green get the call up to the starting lineup but he has made the most of his expanded role ever since. Despite not being considered much more than a reserve player before this season, the Chicago Bulls are outscoring opponents by 4.9 points per 100 possessions when Javonte is on the court.

Flexible enough to play three different positions, Green supports the notion of positionless basketball the modern NBA has been shifting towards. While Chicago’s starting lineup may be stacked with heavy hitters, the bench unit has been significantly improved thanks to the presence of Green.

Unlike fellow forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and Troy Brown Jr., Green is still on contract with the Bulls on a team-friendly deal through next season. Making the investment in Green is paying off in a big way, as the Bulls will be in desperate need of affordable bench depth with LaVine set to receive a max contract extension this summer.