Young Is the Bulls’ Best Pick Up
One of the Bulls biggest needs heading in to free agency was the caliber of players that would comprise the bench unit, GarPax did a solid job with their draft picks and free-agent signings, but the most important one just might be Thaddeus Young!
Thad Young will be an immediate boost for the Bulls, and not just because the versatile 6’8 forward plays both sides of the ball. Certainly, the Bulls bench will be much improved with Young bringing his solid offensive production and defensive intensity night in and night out. Young who only missed 1 game in each of the last 2 seasons should give the Bulls a bit of consistency and stability, as they’ve often competed with makeshift line ups due to various injuries.
Image: @clutchpoints
Young who enters his 13th season in the NBA will be stepping into the role of team captain. His 13 years of experience and knowledge of the game, will be used to help guide this young team, as well as unlock the superstar potential of Lauri Markkanen and help continue the growth of former Minnesota Timberwolves teammate Zach Lavine into a bonafide all All-Star.
Image: @nbasummerleague
The Bulls front office has to be absolutely thrilled with this signing. As we saw how much better the Bulls played once Otto Porter Jr. was acquired via trade from the Washington Wizards. Porter made an immediate impact, with solid two-way play, and was considered a glue guy. The Bulls now have 2 of those type of players in Porter and Young.
Young who was nominated last season for the “Teammate of the Year” award, was credited with rallying the Indiana Pacers after the injury to star player Victor Oladipo and being the glue that held that team together as they earned a spot in the playoffs. Young is a leader and a role model for NBA players or and off the court. It’s no wonder he received an invite to the Team USA training camp.
Image: @chicagobulls
Young preaches dedication and hard work, playing the game the right way, and not just to his teammates on the court. But also to various boy and girls that attend his basketball camp. Thad, along with his wife Shekinah help inner-city youths, with their “Young for Youth” foundation. This is a win on and off the court for Chicago, as their positive family values, will only help strengthen the community.
This young Bulls team will no doubt face several challenges this upcoming season, but Thad Young is the perfect player to help keep the team motivated and focused on making it over the hurdles.
The Bulls are very lucky to have Team Thad running with the Bulls.
Images: @chicagobulls, @clutchpoints, @nbasummerleague
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