Dalen Terry’s workout with Hall-of-Fame point guard hints at offensive development

The draft, free agency, and summer league are now behind us, and the NBA calendar shifts into a quiet period. Training camp begins September 29, just over a month away, and until then, storylines will be scarce.

A contract resolution between restricted free agent Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls will likely come to fruition over the next month or so, but that's about it. Chicago's roster is 14-deep, with the last remaining roster spot reserved for the 6-foot-8 playmaker.

Dalen Terry is seemingly working to improve his once-lauded playmaking

With the Bulls’ prized jumbo floor general still in limbo amid his contract situation, another Bull appears to be sharpening his playmaking this summer. On Instagram, 6-foot-7 guard Dalen Terry shared photos of a workout with former MVP and Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash.

Terry entered the league with playmaking upside, but has yet to showcase it at the NBA level. Prior to being drafted, NBADraft.net wrote, "Imaginative playmaker… High-level passer with excellent vision to find the open man and make quick decisions and deliver the ball accurately," when discussing Terry's strengths.

Moreover, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer more bluntly projected Terry as a facilitator, penning, "Quirky ball handler with a tight enough dribble to run some point. He has a knack for locating cutters and shooters. He played lots of point guard for Arizona and would similarly benefit from a multi-creator NBA offense."

Both outlets were right to project Terry as a playmaker following his sophomore season at Arizona, where he averaged 3.9 assists against just 1.4 turnovers per game. The 6-foot-7 versatile guard finished second on the 33-win Wildcats in assists while ranking only sixth in turnovers.

Across 37 appearances in 2021-22, Terry recorded five or more assists on 14 occasions, including a 13-point, 11-rebound, and 8-assist game against the Washington Huskies.

Even so, Terry’s well-rounded production and playmaking haven’t translated at the pro level. He's never averaged more than 2.0 rebounds or 1.5 assists in any season as a professional. Of course, the former Wildcat has never averaged more than 14.0 minutes per game, but even in limited action, his on-ball creation has yet to stand out.

Working with an NBA legend is an ideal way for Terry to sharpen his once-hyped playmaking skills. And with Chicago’s offense now emphasizing free-flowing movement and transition, there’s room for multiple ball handlers.

The 2025-26 season may present Terry with a chance to redefine himself as a secondary facilitator. While the Bulls already have Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Tre Jones on their roster, none offer the same level of versatility that Terry does. At 6-foot-7, with a 7-foot wingspan and a competitive approach to the defensive end, Terry can fit into nearly any lineup.