After an excitement-filled 2021 offseason, the Chicago Bulls sign Dragic and Drummond. Here’s a look at their two new roster additions and how they may impact the team.
2021 Offseason
In 2021, the Bulls had a huge offseason with 10 players on their roster being replaced. They secured 6-foot-6 shooting guard DeMar DeRozan from the San Antonio Spurs. The 33-year-old five-time All-Star averaged 21.6 points per game that prior season and went on to be the Bulls’ primary scorer.
The Bulls also signed Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, who had averaged 14.6 and 6.4 points per game for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. Combined with DeRozan and two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, these guards looked to make Chicago’s backcourt one that could contend in the playoffs.
Derrick Jones Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu were two additions to the Bulls’ roster that would add youth to the team. Tony Bradley, Javonte Green, Alize Johnson and Devon Dotson were other signings.
The Bulls look to turn things around this year after being eliminated in five games by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond has signed a two-year, $6.6 million contract with the Bulls. This deal was finalized on July 6 after an original announcement in late June.
Though the Brooklyn Nets center averaged a double-double with 11.8 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game, he has more potential than what his stats imply. In his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, Drummond averaged 17.5 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. The two-time All-Star and four-time NBA rebounding champion clearly has something to offer and can dominate alongside Nikola Vucevic in Chicago.
Though he’s only 29 years old, Drummond has been around the league. The Bulls will be his sixth NBA team. So far, Drummond hasn’t had the chance to settle down and adjust to a roster. With the Bulls, he may get that chance.
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragic has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Bulls. The point guard averaged 7.3 points per game for the Nets last season.
Going into his 15th NBA season, Dragic is a true veteran. The 2014 All-Star can be a mentor to young Bulls players like Jones Jr. and Dosunmu while being an overall leader for the team.
Like Drummond, Dragic has been on a variety of NBA teams. The Bulls will be the sixth team of his career, and he may find his spot in their rotation.
Overall Roster
Here is a look at how these two additions could fit into the Bulls’ rotation. Drummond may have to compete with Vucevic and Tristan Thompson for the starting center spot. But, coming off the bench may not be an issue for Drummond, having averaged only 19.7 minutes per game last season.
Dragic may be dealing with much more competition for playing time. With Caruso and Dosunmu both being shooting guards that average over 27 minutes per game, Dragic might have to play point guard or small forward.
Big Picture
Dragic and Drummond are both high-level players that will improve the Bulls’ roster if utilized correctly. Hopefully, they will help the Bulls make a deep playoff run this year.
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Featured image courtesy of Steven Ryan/Getty Images
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