The Chicago Bulls are currently in the middle of their season break and it is still completely unclear who will be in the final squad before the start of the season.
The Bulls’ schedule is tough to begin with, so they won’t have time to get into the swing of things, and it’s possible they’ll be forced into a rebuild if they get off to a slow start.
Aside from all the questions about the direction of the franchise and the future of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, we wondered how the Bulls would fill their final roster spot.
Josh Giddey’s first game against OKC is part of a brutal start. dark. Related Story. Josh Giddey’s first game against OKC is part of a brutal start
Chicago had over $4 million left from its mid-level non-taxpayer exception and could have opted for a veteran shooting guard, but instead the Bulls opted for a promising big man, which could give us a clue as to their final direction.
The Bulls have been lacking big-name players, but that has changed as they have reportedly signed free agent Kenny Lofton Jr. to a one-year deal.
According to sources, free agent F/C Kenny Lofton Jr. signs a one-year contract with the Chicago Bulls @TheAthletic @StadiumLofton will fight for a spot on the roster in training camp. He has played 45 games in two NBA seasons. pic.twitter.com/2OXh9831ZI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) 16 August 2024
Lofton is best known for his Barkley-like physique (6’7″, 275 lbs) and his ability to score effectively near the basket.
In total, he has only played 45 games for three different teams, but at 22 years old, he still has untapped potential, which he demonstrated in 2023 when he scored 42 points and 14 rebounds against the OKC Thunder.
The Bulls needed another big man to compete for their third spot, so the signing of Lofton has no bearing on Vucevic’s immediate future. However, if the Bulls were to trade Vooch, they would at least have a young big man to test for the future.
Aside from the youth bias, this addition also fits the Bulls management’s approach, as they were recently ranked as one of the cheapest teams in the league and Lofton Jr. will almost certainly receive a minimal, non-guaranteed contract.
Those of you who were worried about Jerry Reinsdorf’s financial stability can rest assured, because old Jerry stayed well below the luxury tax again.
Lofton Jr. is worth a tryout and I’m sure his Refrigerator Perry-style measurements will endear him to Bulls fans, but in the end, it probably won’t mean much to the Bulls as they filled their last roster spot with another cheap player.
