The Chicago Bulls Vet Mob is Coming Through Big in the Second Unit

Garrett Temple, Otto Porter, and Thaddeus Young have a combined 1,241 starts among them. Throw Tomas Satoransky into the mix, and that’s an additional 151 starts to add to the equation. In other words, the Bulls have arguably four qualified starters sitting on their bench this season. That’s (1) not normal and (2) a big part of their recent success.

Over the past two games, both of which proved to be solid close-out victories, the Bulls experienced-bench dominated their opponent’s reserves. Against the Dallas Mavericks, the second unit finished with a 61-22 advantage. On Sunday night, the Bulls won the battle 41-28. Sure, each team had some rotation players on the injury report, but that is an impressive showing, nonetheless. Also, it’s not like those were the only two times this season the Bulls veterans have come through in the clutch. In the Bulls’ 20-point comeback victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Porter (who started due to Markkanen’s absence), Young, and Temple combined for 33 points, 22 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

The three-headed monster (or three-headed old wise wizard?) has been able to help this inexperienced team tighten up defensively towards the end of several games and consistently hunt for higher-percentage shots on the offensive end. Don’t get me wrong, the young scorers deserve plenty of credit for the team’s all-around productive scoring this season (6th-highest EFG% in the league), but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that some of the most efficient scorers happen to be the team’s veterans. Lead by example, right?

Take Garrett Temple, for example, who is currently having a career-season from the floor, shooting an impressive 48.9 percent from the field and 43.1 percent from behind the arc. He currently has a 61.8 effective field goal percentage, which ranks second on the team behind only Daniel Gafford – who’s played considerably fewer minutes than Temple.

Meanwhile, Thaddeus Young has seen his role go from a space-the-floor shooter under Jim Boylen (he shot his second-most 3-point attempts of his career last season), to a consistent paint presence. The strong majority of his shots are happening either at the rim or in short mid-range situations (were talking inside the free-throw line but about 4ft from the rim). He is shooting 71 percent at the basket and 62 percent from those short-mid situations (84th percentile), per Cleaning the Glass.

Considering this area of the court has always been his bread-and-butter, especially that short-midrange section where can use his smooth baby hook, it’s not surprising to see his influence on this team go up this season. However, what does come as a surprise is just how helpful he is facilitating the offense. Young is currently averaging his highest assist-to-usage ratio of his career at .89, which Cleaning the Glass also lists as the best on the Bulls roster.

Otto Porter has technically split his games between the starting lineup and bench due to Lauri Markkanen’s seven-game absence earlier this season. But the expectation is that he will be a mainstay in the Bulls increasingly successful second unit as the season stretches on. Thus far, Porter has shot 46.0 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from downtown with 12.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

The Bulls bench, which has typically been anchored by one or two of these veterans each game, has the 2nd-best field-goal percentage among NBA benches (48.4%). They also happen to dish out the 8th-most assists (9.1) and draw the 12-most personal fouls (6.4) per game. I should stress, however, that they have not only made this kind of positive impact on the offensive end.

While the Bulls defense as a whole isn’t anything special, their second unit records the 5th-most steals per game when compared to fellow NBA benches. Again, neither Young, Temple, nor Porter single-handedly elevates this Bulls defense, but all three play an important role in making them a bit more competent in stressful situations. Temple’s scrappy, in-your-face ball pressure combined with Young’s knack for poking the ball away, or Porter’s aggressive defensive rebounding, has helped this Bulls team keep games close and finish out several of their wins this season.

Why else do you think Donovan has made it a priority to include at least two at a time in the team’s closing lineups this season?

Donovan trusts these vets to execute, and his reliance on them in a reserve role can help this team win games while simultaneously developing their young pieces. Oh, and let’s not forget to build their value in the trade market! The balance has been a joy to watch develop this season, and I’m excited to see it continue.

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

Big Ten Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big Ten squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Gonzaga Bulldogs versus the Purdue Boilermakers.How to Bet on Big Ten Games[lasso ref="draftkings-promo-1"...

SEC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 30

The Friday postseason college basketball slate includes two games featuring an SEC team in action. Among those games is the Creighton Bluejays playing the Tennessee Volunteers. Here are our recomendations for the best bets on action throughout the conference.How to...

Big 12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 30

There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big 12 squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Duke Blue Devils versus the Houston Cougars.How to Bet on Big 12 Games[lasso...

ACC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There are two games on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature ACC squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Duke Blue Devils versus the Houston Cougars.How to Bet on ACC Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best ACC...

Big East Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | March 29

There are three games on the postseason college basketball schedule on Friday that feature Big East squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That includes the Creighton Bluejays versus the Tennessee Volunteers.How to Bet on Big East Games[lasso ref="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"...

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

The Atlanta Braves open their season as -125 favorites in a road matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday at 3:05 PM ET, live on BSSO.Spencer Strider takes the mound for Atlanta while Zack Wheeler is Philadelphia's starter for the...

Washington State vs. Illinois Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Two hot teams meet when the Washington State Cougars (21-14) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-15) on April 1, 2024. The Cougars will put their three-game win streak on the line against the Fighting Illini, who have won three straight.On...

Villanova vs. Penn State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Villanova Wildcats (21-12) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (22-12) on April 1, 2024. The Lady Lions have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Villanova...

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

The Milwaukee Brewers look to start their season with a win as road favorites (-110) in a season-opening matchup with the New York Mets. First pitch is on Friday at 1:40 PM ET on SNY, live from Citi Field.Freddy Peralta...

Braves vs. Phillies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Atlanta Braves (0-0) and the Philadelphia Phillies (0-0) match up on Friday at Citizens Bank Park for Opening Day. First pitch is at 3:05 PM ET.The Braves will look to Spencer Strider versus the Phillies and Zack Wheeler.Braves vs....

more bulls news