Your Chicago Bulls Summer League Guide
It’s that time of year again. The NBA’s Annual Summer League Tournament has officially kicked off. Here’s what you need to know for your Chicago Bulls!
Summer League Rules
- Each participating team will play four games between July 5th and July 11th.
- The Top Eight teams will be seeded by the record and take part in the tournament from July 13th to July 15th.
Chicago Bulls Roster
Photo: Chicago Bulls Summer League Roster via RealGM.com
The Chicago Bulls look to shine as one of the brighter teams in this year’s tournament. Over half of the roster has, or will shortly, suit up for the team during the regular season.
Rookies Coby White and Daniel Gafford will be focal points for these games. Fans should look for White to show that scoring spark that he provided at the University of North Carolina. His playmaking should also be watched. His vision in transition is phenomenal, however, he can struggle in half-court sets. Coby has stated his desire to become more of a true point guard during the pre-draft process and this is his first chance to showcase that.
Daniel Gafford may be a force in the Summer League as well. He was projected to be a lottery pick in the 2018 NBA Draft before returning to Arkansas for one more season. The former Razorback will look to prove himself as the backup big-man of the future to Wendell Carter Jr.
After an injury-riddled rookie year, Chandler Hutchison will be a prominent member of this year’s squad. Hutch has shown great defensive potential and a soft-touch around the rim. He was mostly in the rotation during the regular season and can give this team a real boost during the tournament.
Shaq Harrison will join the Summer League Sqaud in maybe his final audition to remain with the Bulls. It’s looking unlikely that he returns with Ryan Arcidiacono agreeing to a new 3-year deal. Shaq belongs on the roster over Antonio Blakeney. His elite defense provides much more value than Blakeney and he needs to show it in the next week or so. The Bulls can’t keep every guard, but Shaq shouldn’t be the one to call curtains.
The last returning member of the Bulls is Walt Lemon Jr. He led the Windy City Bulls to their first playoff appearance in G-League History with roughly 20 points per contest. As injuries piled up for the Chicago Bulls, Lemon was called up. He was about what to expect from a G-League call-up. The hometown kid story was a great one to watch be fulfilled, however, Lemon simply is not a long term piece in the NBA. His limited NBA minutes may give him an edge over other Summer League opponents.
The rest of the team is filled with players looking to make an impression on the league. The Summer League is a giant audition for them to try and garner the interest of at least one of the 30 NBA teams.
Overall, the Bulls plethora of NBA experience should help make the team make a deep run in the tournament.
Viewing Guide
Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
When: Friday, July 5th
Time: 6:30 PM (7:30 EST)
Where: ESPN
The Bulls take on the reigning Summet League Champs in LA. Not without SLMVP Josh Hart, the Lakers seem poised to lose their crown.
Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
When: Sunday, July 7th
Time: 6:30 PM (7:30 EST)
Where: ESPN
The first in a long line of battles between rookie point guards Darius Garland and Coby White. They’ll meet 4 times a year in the regular season in what could become a long-lasting divisional rivalry. The White/Garland matchup is one to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans at Chicago Bulls
When: Monday, July 8th
Time: 8:30 PM (9:30 EST)
Where: NBA TV
For the first time, the Bulls will meet the high-flying Zion Williamson. Pieces of two of the best young cores in the league will battle it out for a spot in the tournament. Perhaps they’ll meet again in the finale.
Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls
When: Wednesday, July 10th
Time: 4:00 PM (5:00 EST)
Where: NBA TV
The Bulls matchup against the new face Charlotte Hornets. Fresh off losing franchise point guard Kemba Walker, the Hornets will look to showcase their young talent for the regular season. Watch Chandler Hutchison and Miles Bridges matchup, a battle between two young wings.
A friendly reminder: Do not put too much stock into Summer League performances. Some of the leagues brightest stars struggled the most in the tournament. Just enjoy the games!
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