Bulls G League standout gets another shot at NBA in training camp

Although we’re less than three weeks away from the start of NBA training camp, the Chicago Bulls aren’t quite done making moves just yet. After adding Wizards guard Quenton Jackson and former UCSB standout Max Heidegger on training camp deals, the Bulls have added yet another player on an Exhibit 10 contract to bring the roster to a total of 21 players.

This time, Henri Drell of the Windy City Bulls will be joining the team to showcase his skills and potentially work toward securing a two-way contract spot of his own. Averaging 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last year in the G League, Drell has proven to be an effective role player who could thrive in the right system.

This Exhibit 10 contract will grant Drell the opportunity to join the team in training camp on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. If Henri makes a big impression, his deal can be converted into a two-way contract spot, otherwise, he’ll return to the G League to remain with the Windy City Bulls.

Henri Drell will be one of many Bulls players looking to make a statement in training camp.

When Drell first joined up with the Bulls in last year’s Summer League, I had the opportunity to interview the Estonian talent. He had a lot to say about the work he was putting in to continue working through the ranks.

“Coming from Europe and being a 40 percent three-point shooter, the hardest part at the beginning was the three-point line in America. It’s a bit further and you need more legs for the shot,” Drell said, “My first two weeks in the G-League, I remember all of my shots were short, so with the best coaches in the Windy City team, we started to drill the ark of my shot and got it consistent.”

Although Drell had a bit of an issue translating his shot last year, I wouldn’t put an overwhelming amount of stock into a small sample size of 30 games. If he can continue honing his defense and playmaking ability, he’s exactly the type of well-rounded and unselfish role player who could earn a lengthy career in the league.

Fortunately, he won’t have to wait long for the chance to prove he deserves that shot. The Bulls are set to depart for training camp in Tennesse on Oct. 2, before preseason action kicks off a week later. Stay tuned here for more updates regarding the Chicago Bulls’ training camp and final roster decisions.