The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2018 season with a fresh new look. The starting lineup will be healthy to start the season (hopefully) and the team has added some young talent to their bench.
So, why not do a preview of the Chicago Bulls bench for the upcoming season? Let's get to it.
Bobby Portis (6th Man)
Portis is coming off a pretty impressive 2017-2018 campaign for the Chicago Bulls. Though last year did come with drama involving Bobby and former Bull Niko Mirotic. Before the season started, Bobby and Niko got physical during a practice and Bobby ended up knocking Niko's lights out. Bobby would be suspended for the first eight games to start the season, but when he came back, he inserted himself as the team's 6th man.
Bobby played a career-high in MPG and also had career highs in PPG and RPG.
| Season | Age | Tm | Lg | Pos | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 22 | CHI | NBA | PF | 73 | 4 | 22.5 | 5.2 | 11.1 | .471 | 1.1 | 3.1 | .359 | 4.1 | 8.1 | .514 | .520 | 1.6 | 2.1 | .769 | 2.2 | 4.6 | 6.8 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 13.2 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/3/2018.
Going into the 2018-2019 season it seems Bobby has embraced his role and is looking forward to being the leader of what is hopefully the Bench Mob 3.0.
Denzel Valentine Denzel Valentine is another player who will play a key part in coming off the bench next year. Denzel is a three-point shooter with an unorthodox offense. Valentine always looks to get his teammates involved and likes to play a fast-paced style of basketball. Last year, Denzel posted career highs across the board. One thing is for sure, Denzel and Bobby will be the leaders coming off the bench this season, and if last year is any indicator, those two play well together. Cameron Payne Now, if Cameron Payne could just settle down and get out of his own head he can be a very solid backup PG for the Bulls. Last year Cam came off of foot surgery and only appeared in 25 games. Payne likes to also play a fast style of offense which fits "Hoiball" perfectly. Cam is also good at getting his teammates involved averaging 4.5 assists in only 23.3MPG. Also shooting at a 38% clip from downtown Cam has the talent to really help stretch the floor.
| Season | Age | Tm | Lg | Pos | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 23 | CHI | NBA | PG | 25 | 14 | 23.3 | 3.5 | 8.6 | .405 | 1.4 | 3.6 | .385 | 2.1 | 5.0 | .419 | .486 | 0.5 | 0.6 | .750 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Career | NBA | 113 | 15 | 15.4 | 2.3 | 6.1 | .386 | 0.9 | 2.5 | .340 | 1.5 | 3.5 | .420 | .458 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .750 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 5.9 | |||
| 2 seasons | OKC | NBA | 77 | 1 | 13.2 | 2.0 | 5.3 | .385 | 0.7 | 2.1 | .319 | 1.4 | 3.2 | .429 | .449 | 0.3 | 0.4 | .821 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 5.1 | ||
| 2 seasons | CHI | NBA | 36 | 14 | 20.1 | 3.0 | 7.7 | .388 | 1.3 | 3.5 | .368 | 1.7 | 4.3 | .405 | .471 | 0.4 | 0.6 | .650 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 7.6 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/3/2018.
Antonio Blakeney
This will be the last Bull we talk about here. This kid in the G league was an absolute beast averaging over 32PPG. The question is though, can he do it in the NBA? Antonio was offered and accepted a contract from the Chicago Bulls this offseason and teammates, fans, and even Kevin Durant sang his praise by saying he deserves it. Obviously, time will tell if Antonio can be the guy to get points quick and in bunches, but with his work ethic, it's not far fetched he can be that guy.
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