Chicago Bulls sign former All-American, second-round Center Diamond Stone
The Chicago Bulls sign Center Diamond Stone, a former 2015 McDonald’s All-American and second-round pick.
The Chicago Bulls announced Thursday that the team has signed center Diamond Stone. Diamond Stone signed with the Bulls to a two-year deal with a $50,000 guarantee, as first reported by Chris Reichert.
Who is Diamond Stone?
The 20-year-old Stone led his high school team to four straight state championships and also won a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Americas U-16 Championship. Stone played one year of college basketball at Maryland in 2015. In that year, he averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23.1 minutes per game and was named the AP Big Ten Newcomer of the Year.
The Pelicans drafted Stone in the second round of the 2016 draft but then traded him on draft night to the Los Angeles Clippers. He played in only seven games for the Clippers. He spent the majority of his time last season in the G-League, where he played for both the Salt Lake City and Santa Cruz. Stone played in 13 games and averaged 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
Diamond Stone was then traded to the Hawks in the offseason but was waived in July. The Bulls actually worked out Stone prior to the draft, so interest in him isn’t surprising. He likely won’t make the Bulls’ opening day roster, but he should find playing time with the Windy City Bulls.
What does the signing of Diamond Stone mean for Robin Lopez?
It will be a tough challenge for Diamond Stone to make the Bulls roster. Bulls frontcourt includes Robin Lopez, Cristiano Felicio, Bobby Portis, rookie Lauri Markkanen, and Nikola Mirotic who is currently a restricted free agent but will probably return to the Bulls this season as he has been working out at the Advocate Center.
Related Story: Can Ryan Arcidiacono help the Chicago Bulls this year?
Robin Lopez’s contract with the Bulls could become a great asset. Lopez is very underrated and could be a big help to a playoff team. He is a very solid player that will make $13.7 million this upcoming season and $14.3 million the following season. The signing of Stone adds insurance if the team does decide to trade Robin Lopez.