Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Antonio Blakeney
After making a splash for the Chicago Bulls during the summer league, what can we expect from Antonio Blakeney this season?
Earlier this summer, I wrote about why the Chicago Bulls should sign Antonio Blakeney. Consequentially, Blakeney impressed the front office enough during the summer league for them to give him a contract. Now the question is, how will Blakeney utilize his opportunity with Chicago this season?
Last season
In Blakeney’s last season with LSU, he lead the team in scoring. Blakeney averaged 17.2 points per game for LSU. Blakeney also shot an improved .358 from three.
In the NBA Summer League, Blakeney, who was given more playing time due to Kris Dunn‘s absence, averaged 16.8 points per game. Blakeney showed confidence scoring which will provide good depth for Chicago.
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Outside of scoring, Blakeney didn’t offer much support elsewhere.
What to expect this season
Pending any injuries, Blakeney is most likely going to be the Chicago Bulls third option at the point. Given his scoring abilities, he could be given playing time at the two as well. However, at any point this season, Blakeney could outplay either Jerian Grant or Cameron Payne and move up to be the Bulls backup point guard. Outside of scoring though, Blakeney doesn’t bring much else to the table.
With that being said, Blakeney may only be able to score, but he scores well. Blakeney could assume a role similar to Nate Robinson or John Lucas III during their tenures in Chicago. Both had roles as offense oriented guards coming off the bench which would suit Blakeney perfectly Given his ability to score, Blakeney can provide a scoring spark off the bench.
As of right now, being an undrafted free agent and the likely third point guard for Chicago, Blakeney probably won’t be given too much playing time. However, the Chicago Bulls are in rebuild mode right now. It’s not out of the question that he could be given significant minutes at any point this season. Due to the low stakes of this season, experimenting wouldn’t hurt. There’d be no harm in seeing if the kid can play at the pro level.
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The Blakeney signing is a low-risk move that can prove to have high reward. Given his scoring ability, Blakeney can be a surprise down the line for Chicago or simply be an unremembered bench warmer. Only time will tell. Don’t expect much out of him this season because he may not play more than ten minutes a game. However, he’s definitely an exciting player to keep an eye on.