Bulls Pay Tribute to Boseman, Robinson’s Legacy, Okongwu vs. Carter Jr., and Other Bulls Bits

You’ve probably seen people write this across social media more times than you can count, but 2020 – and I can’t stress this enough – absolutely SUCKS.

Every day feels like walking around in wet socks with a finger-tip paper-cut and eventually noticing your fly has been down for god knows how long. Oh, and when you look down to quickly fix it, you stub your toe.

Seriously, what an impressively horrible year. I have to try to remind myself to stay optimistic on the daily. All of us should strive to promote equality and better our community, as well as to put a smile on someone’s face. I think more than every, little gestures don’t go unnoticed. Maybe that’s just ignorant hope.

I do want to thank the NBA, though. Those athletes have been excellent role models. They continue to motivate change and stand up for what’s right. The work they’ve done has at least shined some light on the darkness.

•   Let’s stay on the topic of perfect role models. Yesterday, we learned actor Chadwick Boseman passed away from colon cancer at 43-years-old. Boseman fought for his life for four years, and the news never made it past his immediate family. From Black Panther to 42 to Marshall, he leaves behind an outstanding and important catalog – one that will surely be remembered within the sports universe. Over the past several years, Boseman found his way into NBA circles numerous times. He not only served as a Dunk Contest judge in Chicago for All-Star Weekend, but he also served as Wendell Carter Jr.’s inspiration for his popular 2018 NBA Draft outfit. The Bulls big man shared a message on Instagram last night in honor of Boseman.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEdOUfVJNyG/?igshid=h4ve0tiuuwzu

•   Zach LaVine followed suite:

View this post on Instagram

Gone too soon! But Legends never die… RIP KING

A post shared by Zach LaVine (@zachlavine8) on

•   To add to the depressing circumstances, the Portland Trail Blazers’ Cliff Robinson has also passed away.

•   Robinson played 18 years in the NBA, and he helped the Trail Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances – one of which came against Jordan’s Bulls. The man played a lot of basketball and lived a lot of life in his 53 years, which included a legendary Survivor appearance (where he tried to pretend he wasn’t a famous basketball player and was totally figured out), a trip to North Korea with Dennis Rodman, and a Cannabis business. He also allowed Jordan to hit his sixth 3-pointer of the first half so the GOAT could provide us with his famous shrug, how kind.

•   Robinson left behind quite the legacy, and his talent as a basketball player should never go unrecognized. A former All-Star, Sixth Man of the Year, and two-time All-Defensive Second Team member, Robinson helped lay the groundwork for today’s modern big man. In the early 90s, he proved to be far more athletic than your average 6’10” player. The video shared above does a great job of displaying that versatile skill set, and it also makes you ask: what if he played today?

•   Sam Smith of Bulls.com dives a bit deeper into the 2020 draft in his latest mailbag. Toward the beginning, he talks about Onyeka Okongwu, who has yet to really land on the Bulls radar (at least, according to most mock drafts). Okongwu is a one-and-done USC standout who holds plenty of upside. Expected to go somewhere in the top-5 by many analysts, much-like Wendell Carter Jr., Okongwu is your more modern, undersized NBA big. The problem for the Bulls is they already have that untraditional center as one of their (potential) cornerstone pieces. If the Bulls were to draft Okongwu, they would probably have to punt on Carter Jr. since it’s pretty unlikely the two could coexist in a starting lineup together.

•   Now, a case could be made for Okongwu over Carter Jr., though.  The guy possesses a level of physicality the Bulls lack, and he seems far more like a potential Bam Adebayo than he does a Carter Jr. (for what it’s worth, NBADraft.com compares him to John Collins or Montrezl Harrell … for Bulls fans, I’d say he’s a more nimble and elusive Taj Gibson). With that said, Carter Jr.’s ceiling still feels higher than Okongwu’s. With a much bigger wingspan, a more versatile offensive game, and a lesser reliance on raw instinct, the future looks brighter for Carter Jr. (if he can stay healthy, of course). Remember, though, Arturas Karnisovas is all about drafting the best player available, so if he likes what he sees in Okongwu at No. 4, there will be quite the frontcourt competition at training camp.

written by

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

What Would be the Best Draw for the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament?

Nine games stand between the Chicago Bulls and the Play-In Tournament. I know ... yippie! Practically locked into the No. 9 seed, this puts them in line to host the No. 10 seed at the United Center in Round 1....

Best Defense of the Season, Playing Big, Javonte Green’s Instant Impact, and Other Bulls Bullets

Lose to the 14-win Wizards one game and hold the Pacers' elite offense to their worst performance of the season the next. Your 2023-24 Chicago Bulls, everyone! As I said in last night's Enhanced Box Score, I'm now even more...

WOW: Minnesota Timberwolves Sale to Alex Rodriguez Falls Through

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a bomb on Thursday morning. According to a statement released by the Timberwolves and Lynx ownership group, the franchise is no longer for sale. A transition of power was thought to be in place over the...

Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 125, Pacers 99 – March 27, 2024

I got to be honest, I'm even more upset about the Washington Wizards' loss. If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the...

Javonte Green Makes Bulls Return… Immediately Does Awesome Stuff

Javonte Green has officially made his Chicago Bulls debut ... again. The 30-year-old signed with the organization via a 10-day hardship deal on March 22. Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Julian Phillips paved the way for...

WATCH: Alex Caruso Snatches Rookie Ben Sheppard’s Ankles

Alex Caruso will always be known for his defense capabilities, but he's showing a lot more than that this season. The veteran guard is averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career. A big part of that has...

Draymond Green Ejected Less Than 4 Minutes Into Game Against Orlando

Draymond Green was at it again on Wednesday night. Out East to take on the Orlando Magic, the Golden State Warriors watched Paolo Banchero bulldoze Andrew Wiggins to the rim early in the first quarter. As Banchero high-fived his teammates...

Pre-Gamin’: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Everything was awful on Tuesday. Be Better. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1772971933161705610?s=20 Game Info Indiana Pacers (41-32) at Chicago Bulls (34-38) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Alex Caruso Ayo Dosunmu...

Around the Association: Caitlin Clark Gets Big(3) Offer, Knicks Getting Help, Lakers OT Thriller, More

It's hard to believe we have less than three weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, and we should be in for some real drama down the stretch. The Knicks have plenty to play for in their remaining 11 games...

WHOA: NCAA Looking to Ban Prop Betting on All College Athletes

As the NCAA men's basketball tournament gears up for the Sweet Sixteen, the college sports world received some big news. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to officially ban prop betting on college...

Latest News

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...

DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

more bulls news