Ranking the Chicago Bulls’ 3 biggest offseason needs
By Josh Paredes
2. Upgrades to the Bulls’ bench
An issue Chicago faced all season long, even when healthy, was a letdown when starters took breathers during games. Only the Toronto Raptors enjoyed fewer points per game from their bench unit with 25.7 to Chicago’s 26.7.
Beyond their lack of offensive production, the Bulls’ bench was meager on the glass, averaging just 13.4 rebounds per game, which also was 29th in the league. This undoubtedly could’ve been helped if Patrick Williams didn’t have to miss so much time with his wrist injury, but they’re still big enough problems that the issue goes beyond absences.
The Bulls need to shop for someone who can provide a scoring punch when the starters are resting, and there should be some affordable options in free agency to round out what was a relatively weak second unit all year long.
If Chicago can find someone who can battle on the glass and keep possessions alive, that would also be huge going forward. There’s no better place than June’s NBA Draft, where young energetic hoopers are itching to get their shot, to snag one of those guys at number 18.