5 more players the Bulls could sign via the hardship exemption if needed

More free agents the Chicago Bulls could sign in the wake of COVID-19 issues: Patrick Patterson

One of the free agents that I was a huge advocate for the Bulls signing during the offseason that was is the veteran power forward Patrick Patterson. The former Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder veteran big man Patterson did get a shot to make a roster during Training Camp and the preseason with the Portland Trail Blazers, but he didn’t stick past October.

Patterson could still be an option for the Bulls if there are some health and safety protocol issues that the team faces soon. But it feels like the Bulls are likely out of the gutter in terms of the health and safety protocol issues. Yet, it isn’t bad to be prepared for what could be to come.

Moreover, Patterson is a proven option that could help the Bulls on both ends of the floor. He’s a decent rebounder, a good floor spacer, and an aware player off-ball. Patterson also could be a more effective fit coming off the bench in this frontcourt unit even compared to someone like Alize.

The trade-off for the Bulls, if they get short in the frontcourt unit again, could be deciding between Patterson and two-way forward Tyler Cook. While Cook’s minutes were limited through the outset of the regular season so far, he’s still played well when given the opportunity.

Yet, Patterson would obviously be a more proven and experienced option for the Bulls to turn to playing at the four.