NEWSLETTER
The Bulls have a number of needs entering this offseason, as one does when they win at just a .268 clip as a team. But no positional need stands out more than the one for a lead guard. So brace yourselves for waves of point guard related offseason rumors that are coming so quickly, we don’t even have to wait for the NBA Finals come to an end.
Darnell Mayberry (The Athletic) reports the Bulls have an interest in the Celtics’ Terry Rozier, as well as the Clippers’ Patrick Beverley. Both players would figure to represent upgrades from what the team currently has in starter Kris Dunn, so let’s briefly discuss why the Bulls would be interested in either.
Mayberry writes that there’s a “genuine belief” that Rozier is the type of player the Bulls need to add to its young roster. Rozier is just 25 and Chicago is reportedly attracted to his “fearless play and hard-nosed defensive effort.” That makes sense. The Bulls were a poor defensive team last season and a bunch of their problems were rooted in poor play against opposing ball-handlers and perimeter shooters. Between Rozier’s age, skill set, and the Bulls’ need at the position, it’s easy to see what makes this fit work.
Of course, netting Rozier isn’t a straight-line process. Rozier is a restricted free agent. So for the Bulls to bring him into the fold, they’ll need to sign him to an offer sheet and the Celtics would have to refuse to match it. Boston’s decision-making here will depend on what happens with starting point guard Kyrie Irving.
Another option Mayberry offers up is Patrick Beverley, a seasoned veteran whose profile fits what the Bulls want moving forward.
Beverley is one of the league’s best perimeter defenders who is a nuisance when he is playing against you and an absolute treasure when he is on your side. On the other side of the ball, isn’t a ball-dominant guard, which would benefit the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Wendell Carter Jr., and Otto Porter. Instead, Beverley is a respectable 3-point shooter who has connected on 39.8 percent of his 3-pointers (3.8 attempts per game) in 89 games over the last two years. Adding a 3-and-D guy would be a nice addition, especially since the Bulls lacked both of those things last season. Tack on Beverley’s Chicago ties and it makes him that much more enticing as a potential target.
Between the draft and free agency, the Bulls should have no shortage of options to fix the point guard spot. They could go all-in on Rozier, give him the starting job he desires, and add the presence of a playoff-tested young guard to a young and growing roster. Or they could link up with Beverley, an experienced guard who could help the team’s short-term future, while bringing along a younger player at the position should the Bulls decide to double-dip and use the No. 7 pick on a prospect with upside.
