Bulls mailbag: Did Artūras Karnišovas make enough moves? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
It’s less than one week until Bulls training camp. Do you know where your Bulls mailbag answers are?
Given the relatively quiet offseason, is this a signal for Bulls fans to re-calibrate our expectations? Is this a harbinger of a longer-than-expected rebuilding process towards competing for superstar free agents and perennial deep playoff runs? From your intel, do you believe AKME wants to initiate a new rebuild with their own young core or are they intent on maintaining the nucleus of the team (Lauri, Zach, Wendell, Coby, Gafford)? There was plenty of trade buzz surrounding LaVine around draft day. What do you make of that? I suppose what I'm asking is what do you see as AKME's long-term vision and how much do they value the young core at the moment? And how does coach Billy Donovan factor into this equation? From what you gather, is he assuming a Florida/player development role looking to mold young guys into a burgeoning team or something more akin to his time in OKC looking to contend right away for playoff berths and deep runs? --- Deven D.
Nothing like 173 questions to kick off the mailbag. Also: I’m a big fan of AKME for Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley. So. Much. Easier.
I mean, I don’t know what expectations are. Here’s what I do know: AKME has said the young talent on the roster is intriguing and that it has underachieved. Do I think they’re wedded to said roster? Absolutely not. But I also think their desire to mold the roster in their image and philosophy will take time. It isn’t all going to happen in the first offseason. Also, by improving the pieces on the roster, those pieces’ trade value increases.
It doesn’t take an expert to know the Bulls’ roster isn’t overflowing with two-way players who fit the style of play that AKME has publicly stated. So at this point, I’d assume they’re going to enter the season looking to maximize their assets and make significant changes over time. Some of the current nucleus will obviously stay.
Also, Karnišovas has made it clear -- both with his words and his years in Denver -- that he places great value on building through the draft. Patrick Williams is the first piece to that.
The Zach LaVine trade buzz existed completely on speculation. I started some of it merely by saying I don’t think LaVine is the poster child for how Karnišovas said he wants to play. That said, LaVine is obviously the best player on the team with the most talent, so he’s the biggest asset. Stay tuned on his situation.
As for Donovan, Karnišovas made it clear that one of his many attractive attributes is Donovan’s ability to adjust to different rosters and personnel and still have success. Donovan said he joined the Bulls because of the partnership aspect he felt with management. So he’ll know exactly the personnel he’s getting and will also offer input on it.
Artūras has continued to preach athleticism and two-way versatility when it comes to roster make-up. I wouldn’t say guys like Luke Kornet, Cris Felício, and Chandler Hutchison really fit that bill. I know they have to see what they have in the core four of Coby White, Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr. and Zach LaVine, but how does AK’s vision bode for the rest of the roster? --- Trevor B.
That they should be renting, not buying. Although I’d disagree with your portrayal of Hutchison, who does possess athleticism and two-way ability. I don’t think he’s a frontline starter. But if he stays healthy, I see him as a rotation piece, either here or elsewhere.
With Patrick Williams aboard, who is going to get the short end of the stick on the frontcourt minutes? Unless a Thad Young suitor emerges, it seems likely that either Daniel Gafford ends up getting benched and the Bulls play small with Young at center, or Hutchison gets benched and Williams spends more time at the 3. --- Nick P.
Or Young becomes a veteran mentor and cheerleader.
Here’s my complete guess at the regular depth chart:
Point guard: Coby White, Tomáš Satoranský
Shooting guard: Zach LaVine, Denzel Valentine
Small forward: Otto Porter Jr., Chandler Hutchison, Patrick Williams
Power forward: Lauri Markkanen, Thad Young, Williams
Center: Wendell Carter Jr., Daniel Gafford
That’s 11 deep and leaves Ryan Arcidiacono, Luke Kornet, Cristiano Felício and Garrett Temple on the outside looking in.
Obviously, in the positionless world of the NBA, you have plenty of flexibility with Satoranský, Hutchison, Williams and Young. Each of those players can play multiple positions, so you can go big or small and blow up this depth chart. As I said, it’s a guess. I’d also think Temple vs. Valentine is a legit battle.
Finally, you’ll notice I have Williams at both forward spots. Karnišovas said he doesn’t even know what position Williams is, that the rookie will tell him through his play and versatility. But you’d have to think he’s going to play. So they’ll likely get him minutes where they can when they can depending on what he shows them and what he’s ready for.
There hasn't been much talk about the Bulls' backup center situation. I thought they might address this with a veteran free agent signing but they haven't as of now. Do you think this is a sign that they like their backups or might it have more to do with finances and a lack of open roster slots? --- Eric S.
Each writer who is covering the team is getting tons of questions about how the new management views the current roster. I’ll just say this: They’re not wedded to anybody. So you’ll see how they value players with how they move forward.
As for this offseason, Karnišovas said roster spots were at a premium. Gafford had a solid rookie season. Karnišovas values shooting. Can Kornet contribute? I think we all know Felício is here -- for now -- because of his value as an expiring deal if he makes it to the trade deadline.
There was a lot of noise about the new front office prioritizing getting a new lead playmaker, either in the draft and in FA. I understand they took Patrick Williams as their best player available, but what happened in free agency? Did the market just dry up too quickly? Was everyone out of their price range? --- @bullstateu, via Twitter
For starters, the noise came from various reporting, including mine. It didn’t come from them.
If you didn’t notice, Artūras Karnišovas isn’t that forthcoming on his plans, though does explain the rationale behind his decisions once he makes them, as he did when he fired Gar Forman and Jim Boylen and drafted Patrick Williams.
Anyway, my educated guess -- and I stand by my original reporting because I was told they conveyed to others an intention to address the lead guard spot -- is that they feel they added playmakers and ball-handlers. So while perhaps it’s not a lead point guard per se, between re-signing Denzel Valentine, signing Garrett Temple and drafting Williams, the Bulls believe they added players who can handle the ball and make plays off the dribble.
Also: Perhaps they’re not done with their offseason and/or they want to see how much Coby White can grow in this role. Trades can still happen.
Can you explain Devon Dotson’s two-way contract and what to expect from him this season? --- Robert M., via Twitter
With the status of the G League season uncertain, two-way contracts received a facelift. And they’re a definite boon for the player. Before, two-way contracts allowed 45 days of NBA service time, but that included practice days, travel, etc. Now, two-way contracts allow for 50 days of NBA service time, but it only includes games. So Dotson can be practicing with the Bulls and that doesn’t use up any of his service days.
Depending on what the G League salvages for this season, he will almost certainly get valuable NBA experience. As for what to expect from him, the Bulls aggressively pursued him for a reason.
Do you have any information on the Lauri Markkanen extension? Do you think they will reach an agreement? --- @EnBulls, via Twitter
As reported previously, Karnišovas and Markkanen’s agent own a longstanding, positive relationship. That doesn’t guarantee anything other than cordiality come negotiations.
But I have to believe Markkanen’s agent noticed that Dāvis Bertāns signed a five-year, $80 million deal. Yes, Markkanen’s career statistics overwhelm Bertāns’ because Bertāns barely played his first couple seasons in San Antonio. And Bertāns is on a serious upward trajectory, while Markkanen needs a bounceback season to change his career trendline.
That said, the Bertāns deal put a price tag on stretch 4 value. As for whether they get something done, I’m awful at sports predictions. I’m gonna go with: Maybe.
We saw some role players really up their games in Orlando and one theory suggested not having fans created a more relaxed environment. Do you buy into that? And might that help a player like Lauri who seems overwhelmed and rushed at times? --- @markstrot, via Twitter
Here’s my question: What’s the statute of limitations for former employees to get questions printed in the mailbag?
Apparently it’s passed since I’m answering.
As usual, your twisted mind views matters from an angle that may be askew but brilliant. I hadn’t thought of this. But my initial reaction is yes with a capital “Y,” and perhaps even an exclamation point.
I mean, it’s still competition and still NBA defenses. But I do think the lack of crowds gave the games more of a pickup feel in the bubble -- or at least that’s what it felt like watching the games and what it felt like to some people I talked to who were there. Not to say the games weren’t intense and competitive, because they were. But losing all that crowd noise and fans does change the atmosphere.
What's the rationale behind letting Shaquille Harrison and Kris Dunn walk? --- @dialogicmind, via Twitter
Let’s go to the Karnišovas tape: “We were addressing free agency and looking at the things that we need to add -- shooting. And those decisions were there.”
OK, so maybe he’s not always exactly long-winded in explaining his decisions. But my read on this is it seems like he doesn’t want to bury players publicly. That would mesh with his player empowerment strategy.
It’s been written pretty consistently: Karnišovas values shooting, passing, movement and two-way players. Dunn and Harrison are excellent defenders, but don’t fit how he wants to play offensively. Plus, Karnišovas did add that roster spots were at a premium. So Valentine got the lone qualifying offer.
What former Bulls draft bombs (Marcus Fizer, Tyrus Tyrus, etc...) do you think would succeed in today's NBA? --- @cesspoolboy, via Twitter
Two words: Dalibor Bagarić, baby. Guess that’s three. And I kid.
Also: Tyrus Thomas made $46.6 million during his NBA career. Who you calling a bust?
Serious answer time: I’m going to ignore Jay Williams since a career-ending motorcycle accident is a harsh condition to place on bust status. But I’m not going to lie: He did come to mind. Losing a No. 2 overall draft pick for nothing is a serious blow to a franchise.
But I’ll go with James Johnson. I remember even when the Bulls traded him, Gar Forman told me he thought Johnson would have a 10-year career in the league. Though it didn’t work out with the Bulls because of Luol Deng, the fact he’s still here proves that Johnson has the type of game that translates to today’s NBA.
Do the happenings of the draft and free agency say more about Karnišovas’ confidence in White or the tandem of Markkanen and Carter Jr.? --- @hismindonpaper, via Twitter
This is a good question. Can the answer be both?
It’s obvious that those three players represent the critical evaluation pieces for the new management team. They need to up their value, either to be traded or developed and built around. I still think management views White more as an off-the-ball scorer than a point guard.
Would you rather Patrick Williams have exactly the same career as Luol Deng or would you take a scenario where he could be either better or worse? Basically, how high is his ceiling? --- @schechschech10, via Twitter
Deng is an underrated high ceiling. I think most executives would take “two-time All-Star” on the drafting resume. Obviously, Williams projects to be more athletic than Deng. But Deng is in the franchise’s top-five of most major statistical categories for a reason.
Do you think AK waits until at least the trade deadline to make a big move to see how the roster gels under Billy D? Patrick Williams projects more as a 4 now, but are you optimistic that he can defend smaller players and slide into the opening at the 3 that Otto likely leaves? --- Nick C.
Opportunities always develop during seasons and urgency always increases near the trade deadlines. So, sure, it’s possible. I don’t think there’s any definitive statement to make about the timing of Karnišovas’ moves other than I’m expecting significant change over time. What that timeline is, I have no idea.
I’m not optimistic for much other than that my children will be smarter than me. But as that trait applies to Williams, I’d say his defensive versatility obviously marked a large reason why they drafted him.
I've spent far too much time watching scouting, pickup and highlight videos of Patrick Williams to figure out if he could be our starting small forward if (and possibly when) Otto Porter walks next year. Or to see if he's more of a power forward who can occasionally fill in minutes at the 3. I know that he hasn't played a lick of NBA basketball, but do you have any intel on how the coaching staff / front office sees his fit on the team? --- Will A.
First, maybe dial up the Zoom machine, connect with some friends and family over the holiday weekend rather than breaking down pickup film? But I’m sure the Bulls appreciate your fandom.
Let’s go to the Karnišovas’ tape again: “I don’t even know what position he is. He's going to identify that when he gets here to Chicago and Coach Donovan, he's going to be able to use him. He's going to plug him in, whatever he feels like he's going to be able to perform right now. But he can play multiple positions. If you watch Florida State games, after baskets he would be full court pressing on top of guards. And that’s a very unique skill for such an athletic and big player.”
In your opinion, who is the key for the Bulls to make a significant jump forward, as in make the playoffs? Is it Markkanen becoming a stud, WCJ learning the NBA secret, Zach becoming elite elite, Otto contributing in a huge way? I’m expecting team defense to improve under Donovan, but the offense needs consistency. Who is the key? --- Terry M.
I think you touch on all that’s necessary. But, for me, it’s Porter staying healthy and contributing. They’re a different team when he’s out there. He spaces the floor offensively and adds a smart, long team defender.
Why is there so much trade talk on Zach Lavine, but not Lauri Markkanen? If anything, we should be building around LaVine. What has Markkanen provided except a couple of good months and nothing else? Curious to hear your thoughts. --- Saul G.
I’d dispute the “couple of good months” assessment of Markkanen. Yes, LaVine is clearly the more elite offensive player, and Markkanen regressed last season. But it’s not like the dude is a stiff. And, for what it's worth, there’s no guarantee the new regime will trade either. Perhaps both flourish under Donovan.
I just keep wondering if LaVine is the type of player who fits how Karnišovas wants to play. LaVine can adapt. His game grew even last season to me. But even with Markkanen’s regression, he’s always been a solid rebounder, particularly at the defensive end. Plus, LaVine has more trade value, based on his production and value contract.
What has been the role of John Paxson and Doug Collins since the front office change? They are listed as senior advisors on the website. Have they actually contributed anything? --- @Berqvi, via Twitter
I know Karnišovas talked to Paxson initially as far as getting acclimated to the city, the franchise and ownership. I don’t know if he used him extensively, but it certainly sounded like he valued Paxson’s 30-year association with the franchise.
But make no mistake: This is Karnišovas’ show. All basketball decisions go through and are ultimately made by him. Neither Paxson nor Collins are around the team regularly.
Thanks for all your questions. Talk to you soon, early in training camp. And a special shoutout to the reader who asked if the Bulls should pursue LeBron James next offseason.
