Bulls to Sign Stanley Johnson as Defensive-Minded Bench Option

Bulls signing Stanley Johnson as defensive-minded option originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

After narrowly missing out on wooing Paul Millsap, the Bulls moved on to fill their 14th roster spot by signing veteran wing Stanley Johnson, a source confirmed.

Johnson, the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft, owns career averages of 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over six seasons with the Pistons, Pelicans and Raptors. He averaged 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 61 games, including 13 starts for Toronto last season.

At 6 feet, 7 inches and 242 pounds with a 7 foot wingspan, Johnson offers another dual forward option for coach Billy Donovan. Though, like Troy Brown Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr., Johnson isn’t a traditional power forward for a roster largely bereft of size.

The Bulls have placed an emphasis on playing faster offensively this season, and management favors versatile players who can guard and play multiple positions.

Millsap would’ve been an ideal addition but chose to sign with the Nets. Past expected starters Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams, the Bulls’ big-man options are Tony Bradley and rookie Marko Simonovic. The latter two offer size, and the Bulls are high on the potential impact and rim protection ability of Bradley.

But look for Donovan to employ multiple small-ball lineups. DeMar DeRozan also has played power forward extensively over the last two seasons with the Spurs.

Johnson, 25, is more defensive- than offensive-minded, though he does possess solid athleticism and finishing skills. He averaged 0.9 steals in just 16.5 minutes last season.

The Bulls have one roster spot left to fill should they choose to do so. They also own a $5.1 million trade exception from the Daniel Theis sign-and-trade transaction, which could allow them to trade a player into that salary slot.

Training camp begins in roughly three weeks.

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