Objectively grading each Chicago Bulls free agency move so far
By Ryan Heckman
Grading the Chicago Bulls’ signing of Derrick Jones Jr.
A pleasant surprise last season was the ascension of 25-year-old wing Derrick Jones Jr. After he fell out of favor with the Portland Trail Blazers, Jones’ career was in flux. He came to Chicago as more of an end-of-roster type of guy, but quickly proved to add value.
At times, Jones even stepped in and played small ball center for this Bulls team when they were short handed, and he played that position admirably. The stat sheets won’t tell you anything spectacular, as Jones only averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, playing roughly 17 minutes each night.
However, the effort and energy level from Jones is what made him a valued rotational player. The Bulls didn’t have anybody else willing to step up at the four or five at times, behind Vucevic, and Jones willingly took on that role.
He also came up big at times from three-point range. Sure, he only shot 32.8 percent from long distance. But, there were some big shots made by Jones which helped extend leads late in games.
Jones is not the ideal signing for Chicago, as he doesn’t provide the big lift from beyond the arc. However, considering the Bulls’ cap situation and options after someone like Danilo Gallinari stiffed Chicago, he’s a capable player and not a bad decision to bring back.