3 most underrated Bulls players nearing the halfway mark

Underrated Chicago Bulls players nearing the halfway mark: Derrick Jones Jr.

While he does get more recognition for his contributions on both ends of the floor for the Bulls compared to the likes of Dotson and Green, forward Derrick Jones Jr. still feels like one of the more underappreciated players at this position in the Eastern Conference this season. Jones has essentially completely transformed his game to fill whatever role the Bulls need him to at different times.

In fact, Jones has played the first minutes he ever has at the five in his career to date. Jones has played roughly 15 percent of his minutes on the floor this season at the center position. The bulk of the rest of his minutes came playing at the four.

Jones is leading this new wave of small-ball lineups for the Bulls that are actually extremely effective when done right. That shows in the fact that Jones has registered a career-best 1.2 box plus/minus, .188 win shares per 48 minutes, 16.5 player efficiency rating, and a sparkling 69.7 true shooting percentage.

It’s hard to find many other traditional forwards around the NBA that are 6-foot-7 with a wirey frame like Jones that can mold their game the way he has this season. He’s essentially doing everything well that is asked of him by the Bulls.

Jones is one of the best shot-blockers of any forward in the NBA (evident with a block percentage north of 4.0). He is also shooting the three-ball really well so far this season, at a clip of 40 percent.

All in all, Jones tends to get more attention for his insane athleticism that has made him a two-time Slam Dunk Contest Champion in the past. But the contributions he’s making in almost every area of his game this season and the way he’s transformed his skill set to fit a completely new role should also get more recognition and respect league-wide.