With less than a month until the NBA preseason tip-off, teams are turning their focus to finalizing training camp rosters, potentially finding players who could make a significant impact on the roster once the regular season begins. The Chicago Bulls’ camp roster has already reached the maximum of 21 players following the signing of Mouhamadou Gueye to an Exhibit-10 deal, but that doesn’t mean the front office won’t continue monitoring the free agents who remain unsigned.
Training camp deals give teams a low-risk opportunity to evaluate talent and help uncover potential contributors. Some of the remaining free agents could provide depth at the wing, bring versatility to the lineup, or even earn a spot in the regular season rotation. With the right fit, these five overlooked players might be able to make a meaningful impact on the Bulls’ regular-season squad if given the chance:
5. Dalano Banton
At 6-foot-8, Banton has the size and length to be a defensive pest against opposing guards, along with the versatility to fill in at the wing. He’s coming off a solid season in Portland, where he showed his ability to contribute off the bench as a secondary playmaker and defender. After joining the Trail Blazers at the 2023-24 trade deadline, he took a noticeable step forward as a scorer, averaging 10.3 points per game with the team. Still just 25 years old, Banton’s youth and versatility would be valuable in camp, giving the Bulls another big guard behind Josh Giddey who can defend multiple positions and push the pace in transition.
4. Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker has built a reputation as an instant scoring punch off the bench. Last season, he spent the final fourth of the year with the Philadelphia 76ers after a stint overseas to sharpen his game, and he quickly made an impact by averaging 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. The concern with Walker has always been efficiency and decision-making, as he shot just 42 percent from the field. Still, the Bulls could always use more scoring depth on the wing, and Walker’s ability to create his own shot makes him a name worth considering for camp.
3. MarJon Beauchamp
Still only 24 years old, MarJon Beauchamp is early in his career and has yet to receive a real opportunity to prove himself. In his first three seasons, he’s already spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and New York Knicks, who are all contending teams in which minutes were hard to come by. A former 24th overall pick with defensive potential and slashing ability, Beauchamp could bring a young and fresh energy to the Bulls’ training camp and possibly carve out a role on a roster that is built on youth with experience.
2. Precious Achiuwa
Precious Achiuwa is arguably the most surprising free agent still on the market. Last season with the Knicks, he appeared in 57 games (starting in 10) and stepped in as the primary backup to Karl-Anthony Towns while Mitchell Robinson dealt with injuries. He’s a strong rebounder and versatile defender who can switch across multiple positions, and has proven he can handle a bigger role when needed. The Bulls could greatly benefit from his strength, physicality, and presence in the paint, making him one of the more intriguing free agents to consider for camp.
1. Bol Bol
Bol Bol remains one of the most intriguing wild cards on the free agent market. At 7-foot-3, he brings guard-like skills and the ability to score at all three levels, creating instant mismatches whenever he’s on the floor. The concerns with Bol have revolved around his lack of physicality and his struggles defending stronger NBA bigs at just 220 pounds. Still, if the Bulls are looking for a high-upside gamble in training camp, Bol is the exact player who could give their frontcourt a unique look.