Key Takeaways:
– The Chicago Bulls have elevated Onuralp Bitim to a standard contract from two-way.
– Bitim averaged 14.2 points and 43.3 percent 3-point shooting for Bulls’ Windy City G League affiliate.
– The young Turkish player might boost Windy City Bulls’ diminished three-point shooting capacity after the loss of important players.
– Bulls are 1.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference standing.
In a desperate effort to shore up their roster amid an unfortunate injury streak, the Chicago Bulls have boosted G League affiliate player Onuralp Bitim to a standard NBA contract.
NBA Struggles for The Bulls
The Chicago franchise has been dogged by critical injuries, leaving their active roster short-handed. Key players, including Patrick Williams, Torrey Craig, Zach LaVine – sidelined for the season – and Lonzo Ball, are unavoidably out of action. The gaping loss of these crucial players, who happen to rank fourth, fifth, and sixth in efficient three-point shooting, has the team’s back against the wall.
A Constant Search for Solutions
With the team currently sitting 22nd in three-point attempts for the season, the Bulls were in dire need of options. Their answer to this crisis is in the form of Onuralp Bitim, a G League standout. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Bulls are moving Bitim to a standard multiyear NBA deal from a two-way contract.
Bitim’s Impressive G League Performance
The Turkish player, due to turn 25 in March, has shown stellar performance in the Windy City Bulls, averaging 14.2 points and 43.3 percent three-point shooting. Bitim’s consistent performance in the G League led him to log two appearances for the Bulls despite his rookie status.
The Impact of Bitim’s Elevation
During his brief stints in the big league, Bitim didn’t manage to sink a shot in his cumulative six minutes on the court. However, the team’s 129-112 loss to the Boston Celtics could have been the wakeup call the Bulls needed to incorporate this former Turkish Slam Dunk Contest champion into their regular season roster.
Bitim’s Impending NBA journey
Bitim’s performances had already caught the eye of other NBA teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder before he signed with the Bulls. Even a few European outfits expressed interest in Bitim. However, Bitim resonates with Bulls Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas’ vision of reshaping the team’s shooting profile, making him an ideal fit.
The Road Ahead for The Bulls
The scale of impact Bitim will have in the league as an international rookie remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the aftermath of the defeat at the hands of the Celtics might serve as the catalyst to expedite Bitim’s acclimatization with the NBA. Despite enduring a distance of 1.5 and 4.5 games from the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat respectively, the Bulls have their playoff hopes pinned on Bitim and his potential contributions to their campaign.
Aside from trailing by 5.0 games from the Orlando Magic and 5.5 from the Indiana Pacers for a locked playoff spot, the Bulls have set their sights on the Play-In Tournament. The task to stay in the playoff race surely appears daunting, given the team’s struggle with injuries hindering their improvement from the previous season. However, the Chicago Bulls’ decision to promote Bitim could prove to be a smart move or a desperate gambit depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.
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