After finding their way into the 2023 NBA draft, and selecting F Julian Phillips from Tennessee, the Bulls remained busy solidifying the roster for next season. Let’s catch up with the busy Bulls.
The day before the draft actually, Derrick Jones Jr declined his player option, so I’m guessing that means that ship has sailed? Too bad. I know he was hurt on and off, but I kind of liked his game; he didn’t get enough tick IMO, but certainly won’t sink us if/when he doesn’t return. The biggest news thus far was the resigning of Vooch for 3 years 60M; what do you think about that one? Well, I guess I’m OK with it; sign and trade would be OK too, but… who else do we have at the C position? Sure, Drummond exercised his player option the next day, but certainly he couldn’t be the starter; I do like him coming off the bench. So, back to Vooch… we had to do it; there is no other viable alternative, at least not at this point. I don’t think Vooch is the biggest problem on our roster. The 20M per doesn’t kill us, considering the going rate nowadays. He did play every game last year. You can pencil him in for 15 and 10 pretty much every game. We know he won’t play very good defense; we know he’ll shoot way too many treys, at least for my liking. We know who Vooch is, and although that may not be the player we thought we were getting when we acquired him, he’s still a more than serviceable dude. He’s not a #1, that’s OK. Maybe he could be a #2, but more like the 3rd best player on a team, just like he is here. For that role, Vooch is just fine.
Next, the Bulls resigned Coby White for 3/33M; I really like that move. I have been up and down with Coby over the years, kind of like his consistency on the court, but once the dust settles, I’m definitely for Coby being here. Talking about running the same team back, and the disaster that would be… one thing that could make it better, is if Coby takes that next step. Is he best suited coming off the bench, serving as one of the primary scorers? Or maybe, we just hand him the keys at the point guard position, although he’s not a true PG IMO. Honestly, if the Bulls were to make another move, moving Zach and/or DD, then maybe he could start at the SG? Giving the keys to Coby and Patrick Williams (and whoever else they would acquire for Zach/DD) may be the way to go; if they can step up their games, maybe the result at the end of the season is different.
Two new players on the roster next year will be Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig. I liked Carter’s game with Milwaukee; definitely like his addition. Is HE the starting PG? We know Beverley won’t be back, but we still have Caruso. Didn’t know much about Craig, but a quick search, shows AKME may be trying to address our 3 point shooting by bringing him into the fold; nothing wrong with that. Does this mean Ayo is gone? After his rookie season, I was pumped; didn’t really pan out in his 2nd year, but still like him… We do know at this point that Rose will not be making a return; if you read last week, you know I’m perfectly fine with it. Seeing him in Memphis w/Ja, seeing people say he will help him, and then remembering where DRose came from and some of the pictures of his younger days… not sure about the whole mentoring thing, but hey, why not? Rose did make it out of the hood, and unlike Ja, has shown no signs of looking up to the street side of life, so that perspective could help. Good luck to him.
I’m trying to be positive, still hopefully waiting for Lavine to be a part of a trade. If Zach does return, we’ll make the best of it I guess; I’ll still root for him and still hope he can be that guy one day… Until the next move… Go Bulls!
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