Bulls Season Predictions: Small Forwards |
As we continue to move down the Bulls roster and preview the upcoming season, we get away from the guard play and focus on the forward depth on this team. Of all the positions on this roster, the forwards have the most questions as they not only don't have much depth but have many questions about who can fill spots on this roster.
With Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr. leaving the Bulls via free agency, the forward depth took a significant hit, and now the Bulls must work to replenish some of that depth. Having Demar DeRozan as one of the forwards is a good start, but who backs him up will be a question heading into 2023-24.
While most of the forward room needs to be figured out, DeRozan's spot on this team is safe as he is now entering the final year of his three-year deal. With that comes the uncertainty of what lies ahead, as he could very easily be one of the more coveted in-season trade candidates should the Bulls get to that point. Always known as a mid-range assassin capable of scoring, DeRozan has taken his game to another level with the Bulls and has been their best and most consistent offensive player for the past two years. While most of that should remain the same this season, he will start to slow down at some point as Father Time starts to catch up to you quickly. Prediction: 75 games, 24.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.4 APG DeRozan will still be a massive offensive weapon for this team again this season, but expect him to be the go-to option less often. With Lavine looking like he is back at 100% and DeRozan not getting any younger, you may see the Bulls go away from him a bit more, but not enough to take away from his overall production. In any case, I still expect the mid-range assassin to come through often, as he has turned back the clock with his style of play the past two seasons. As long as he can stay healthy and get the rest he needs when needed, DeRozan has at least one more all-star-caliber season before the numbers start to die off.
Knowing that the Bulls didn't have much to work with heading into the 2023 NBA draft, Arturas Karnisovas had to be careful with whom he selected and needed to make sure they were a fit on this team. Julian Phillips falls into that category after being taken in the second round this summer. Similar in build to Patrick Williams, Phillips followed a similar college trajectory as he bounced between starter and sixth man, giving him plenty of versatility at the next level. While his 8.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG is nothing to get excited about, his ability to play defense at multiple positions will give Billy Donovan some much-needed flexibility. Prediction: 64 games, 5.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 1.4 APG Phillips will see plenty of time on the court this season, although the minutes will vary. Known for his defensive ability, look for Donovan to use that to his advantage as he tries to mix and match to give him the best chances at winning. Offensively, Phillips has a ton of work to do and is a raw player in terms of overall ability, and that alone has the front office intrigued. Look for him to get plenty of time this preseason to showcase his stuff, as he will have to earn his spot on this team.
Speaking of someone who will have to earn his spot this season, Terry Taylor will be back with the Bulls after resigning for one year. The former Indiana Pacer was acquired mid-season by the Bulls and immediately was stashed in the G-League, where he showed plenty of potential. Although he saw limited minutes in Chicago last season, Terry proved he could produce, which he often did with Indiana. He is one of those X-Factor players for the Bulls this season, as his high upside makes him an intriguing option to come off the bench. Prediction: 67 Games, 5.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG Taylor may see the floor less than he would like this season, but that doesn't mean he won't work hard when given the opportunity. I compare him to Daniel Gafford when he was in Chicago as someone who showed flashes of talent in spurts, but was never able to put it together in the long run. Hopefully, that doesn't happen with Terry this season, and he can establish himself as a legitimate rotation piece. Demar DeRozan
Julian Phillips
Terry Taylor
