1. Derrick Jones Jr.
Derrick Jones Jr. falling out of the rotation the way he did is a head-scratcher. He’s an athletic slasher who has playoff experience. He’s also a defensive stopper and is somehow an elite rebounder as a guard. Not to mention, he has established himself as a shot blocker.
His versatility on the wing is something that Chicago actually needed during their late-season fall from grace … but Jones Jr. was there, on the bench, wasting away. Donovan just chose not to play him.
Odd.
Offensively, Jones Jr. isn’t giving extraordinary outputs. He’s averaging five points for the Bulls this season. In the final seven games in the month of March, Jones Jr. totaled SIX minutes. He’s been dealing with some knee issues, which may have impacted that, but still.
He’s been cleared to play and was suited up. He should be out there. No matter who Chicago plays, Jones Jr. should be in the rotation to defend the other team’s best player. He has the length to defend Khris Middleton and even Giannis Antetokounmpo for stretches. He has had prior success against James Harden and Jayson Tatum. He played for the Heat and was a key contributor during their Finals run. It’s safe to say he knows their tendencies and is used to defending them.
With Lonzo Ball out for the remainder of the year, Donovan will have to become flexible with his rotation to solve their defensive puzzle. Jones Jr. is the easiest solution and can be a difference-maker in the playoffs.
If not, the Bulls’ playoff run could be end up being a rerun of their regular season games against elite teams.