After announcing the dismissal of veteran forward Alfonzo McKinnie, the Chicago Bulls have officially revealed the signing of big man Tristan Thompson.
OFFICIAL: We have signed Tristan Thompson.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 20, 2022
Welcome to Chicago, @RealTristan13! pic.twitter.com/1oOrDukXWo
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 20, 2022
Thompson was part of the blockbuster Domantas Sabonis deal prior to the trade deadline, heading from the Kings to the Pacers where he appeared in just four games before he and the organization decided to part ways. An 11-year veteran who won a ring with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2015-16 season, he will now bring a deep resume of playoff experience (83 games) and reliable play to a Chicago Bulls team that has desperately needed frontcourt re-enforcement.
The Bulls have averaged the 4th-fewest rebounds per game and have allowed the 7th-most points in the paint this season. While Thompson isn’t the most elite rim protector, he does provide an energetic 6’9″ frame that has averaged 8.2 rebounds per game during his career. He’ll allow for Nikola Vucevic to take on a lighter workload down the stretch and give Billy Donovan the kind of experienced reserve he simply hasn’t had down low at his disposal this season.
Do I think Thompson significantly elevates the Bulls’ ceiling this season? Eh, not particularly. But I do think he is a midseason addition worth celebrating for the Bulls, especially considering their blatantly obvious hole at the position.
Thompson knows how to play his role and contribute to a winning team. No doubt, the team could do a lot worse than him, and this signing should at least justify part of the team’s decision to stay completely quiet at the trade deadline.