5 best free agent options for Bulls after 2022 NBA Draft

2. Mitchell Robinson

Mitchell Robinson has been the rumored darling of Chicago’s front office for quite some time. First reported back in February after the trade deadline, the Bulls had been posturing for a Robinson trade, but ultimately couldn’t get the deal done. Now as we enter free agency, the front office will get a second crack at the big man, this time without having to give up assets in return.

You may remember Robinson as the player who knocked Patrick Williams out for the rest of 2021 in just the fifth game of the season. While this contact was completely incidental and just bad luck, there was a lesson to be learned here ⁠— don’t try taking it to the rack when Robinson is in your vicinity.

Robinson has made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s best shot blockers and interior defenders, exactly what the Chicago Bulls have been searching for. Robinson has averaged 3 blocks per 36 minutes throughout his career, ranking 2nd, 5th, 11th, and 4th in blocks per game in each respective season. This stat is particularly impressive when you consider the fact Mitchell has only played an average of 23.8 minutes per game since coming into the league.

Granted, there’s a lot more to playing good defense than generating. That’s something Mitchell has been actively attempting to improve as his game progresses. Mitchell has brought his fouls committed per game down every season in the league, a sign of his dedication to improving his craft.

Mitchell’s offensive game is extremely limited, but he’s efficient at what he does. In fact, he led the NBA in true shooting percentage in 2020 as a rim-running threat on offense. While it would be great to see him open up his offensive game, that’s not necessarily something Chicago even needs from him right now.