Drummond News, Justin Lewis Watch, Another Clutch Sky Win, and Other Bulls Bullets

Drummond, DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls

Andre Drummond broke some of his own news during a podcast appearance recently.

While pen still has to be put to paper, the big man made clear that he intends to pick up his player option for the 2023-24 season and return to the Chicago Bulls. More thoughts on exactly what he had to say here:

  • At the end of the day, the idea of both Drummond and Derrick Jones Jr. returning for roughly a combined $6.8 million isn’t that big of a deal. Both are more than serviceable role players who provide their own unique skillset for Billy Donovan. Drummond obviously remains one of the NBA’s best rebounders and should probably be considered one of the better backup bigs in the league. As for Jones Jr., he showed real upside as a springy small-ball five last year. Not to mention, his wicked athleticism makes him a versatile and switchable defender.
  • Having said that, their return only limits the front office’s flexibility that much more. Those are two fewer open roster spots to play with this summer. Relatedly, their decision to stick around means other tough decisions have to be made. I think particularly about someone like Javonte Green. Keeping both him and Jones Jr. feels redundant, especially with shooting being a massive concern for this roster. However, how do we know they wouldn’t have kept Green over Jones Jr. if they had the option? Green has played very well when healthy and gained plenty of experience next to the Bulls’ core. Anyway, I don’t necessarily think this a big deal, but it’s a least a domino effect worth mentioning.
  • I’m also very curious to see how Chicago fits Justin Lewis into the picture this summer. After tearing his ACL ahead of last season, he hung around the franchise and re-signed with the team on a two-way deal at the end of the year. With that being the case, it seems clear that the Marquette standout remains part of the team’s future plans, but so much so that he’ll get a full-time roster spot?
  • I’ve been vocal about how much I like Lewis in the past. He fits the mold of a modern-day undersized frontcourt player with his mix of outside shooting and a super physical frame. Signing a player like him to a super cheap three-year deal could end up looking like a steal. At the same time … he’s still never played real minutes at the NBA level, so maybe the Bulls opt for another two-way deal and test him out a bit first.
  • I can’t get enough of this Chicago Sky squad. Only a few nights after pulling off a 19-point comeback over the superteam New York Liberty, the Sky pulled off a remarkably clutch OT win over the Indiana Fever. No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston gave the Fever the lead with just over 2.0 seconds left in the game. Head coach James Wade then drew up a beautiful ATO where we saw Mabrey cut toward the ball before a screening Alanna Smith dove toward the rim. Mabrey’s perfect bounce pass set her up for the tying layup at the buzzer. Check it out:
  • The Sky would not be denied in extra time and won the OT period 17-12. Kahleah Copper and Marina Mabrey combined for 52 points on 55.5 percent shooting from the field. Dana Evans also had a great performance with 20 points and 7 assists off the bench. All things considered, I think that’s the exact kind of play the Sky were expecting to see from their new stars of Copper and Mabrey early on this season. The hope was they had a new dynamic duo in town, and I’d say they’re on the right track.
  • I know it might not be the most popular opinion, but I still love the Chicago Bulls’ first-ever city edition look. I also own a 2021 jersey, so that one is right up there for me too. All in all, give me the Chicago cursive script and I’ll be a happy camper!
  • NO MARKO SIMONOVIC!? THE DISRESPECT! In all seriousness, DeMar DeRozan should probably sit at least top-15 on this list, right? Perhaps top-10? I mean, there is just no stopping that shot fake.
  • “You could not live with your own failure. Where did that bring you? Back to me.”
  • WHOA! Some huge broadcasting news!
  • 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.

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