Chicago Bulls: Satoransky gives inspiring performance in FIBA World Cup
The Chicago Bulls should have a lot to look forward to at point guard next year after Tomas Satoransky stole the show at the FIBA World Cup.
With this NBA offseason filled to the brim with superstar signings and shocking trades, many Chicago Bulls fans were a bit disappointed when signing Tomas Satoransky was one of the team’s biggest moves this summer. After a dominant performance in international play, it’s time these fans start to change their tune.
Signed to a three-year, $30 million contract, Satoransky is expected to be a strong contender to assume the starting point guard role over Kris Dunn. He should provide a level of stability as a floor general and could help mentor Coby White into the player he is capable of becoming.
On paper, the Satoransky signing made a lot of sense, and the general media lauded Chicago for their savvy signings. He has more experience at the professional level than other candidates and has a complementary skill set to Chicago’s core pieces Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen.
But games aren’t played on paper. They’re played on the hardwood against some of the best athletes in the world. If this year’s FIBA World Cup has been any indication, Satoransky seems more than ready to step into a bigger role and take on the NBA’s best.
Satoransky led the Czech Republic to not only their first ever qualification for a major global tournament, but also a sixth place finish — one place higher than even Team USA finished. He averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 48.1 percent from deep. He is also one of the front runner candidates to receive the World Cup’s MVP award.
As Czech’s sole team member in the NBA, Satoransky had to carry the responsibility as a leader and perform at a high level every night. With the Bulls, he will be faced with a similar burden on his shoulders with Dunn and White both fighting for minutes at point guard. If he struggles, he may face the reality of being relegated back to the bench. But after seeing his veteran savvy on full display this summer in China, I’d be willing to bet a good amount of money that never happens.
Potential outcomes for Coby White's rookie year. dark. Next
With legitimate complementary pieces like Satoransky and Otto Porter around the core building blocks, it’s no stretch to say this might be the best rendition of the Chicago Bulls that we have seen since 2015.