The Bulls currently sit at 3-0 as they head into a matchup with the Toronto Raptors tonight. This team is beginning to click with one another and are looking to continue building upon that against the 1-2 Raptors. While the team is certainly looking good to start the year that doesn’t mean the Bulls will just leave everything as is. The Bulls have some bench players that could be important down the road. One player in particular needs to see more time on the floor. That player is 2020 second-round pick, center, Marko Simonovic. In order to achieve this, the Bulls are sending him to the Windy City Bulls.
Roster Update: We have assigned C Marko Simonovic to the @WindyCityBulls.
PG Devon Dotson and F Tyler Cook are currently with Windy City as well. pic.twitter.com/Y1dxFVET6G
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 25, 2021
This move is a smart one for a few reasons but the main reason is opportunity. This reassignment gives Simonovic a chance to actually get on the court. In the team’s first three regular-season games he hasn’t seen any action. On top of that, he only saw 4 minutes of action in the preseason. It’s clear the Bulls don’t think his game is ready at this stage. Sending him to the G league gives him the space to grow and get used to NBA play. Simonovic was a special talent overseas and the Bulls are hoping they can get him to that level in the NBA.
Simonovic has a high ceiling
Looking at things right now a lot of people would say that the Bulls brought Simonovic over too soon. However, you have to remember this was a strategic move as the team was losing forward Lauri Markkanen and were hoping to get a cheaper replacement. Simonovic hasn’t looked ready to go just yet but giving him some time in the G League will be good for him. In his final season overseas he averaged 15.7 PPG, 47.3 %FG, 9.1 RPG, & 1.7 APG. He was also named MVP of the Adriatic League in his final season. The issue here is he just doesn’t appear ready. The Bulls know why they brought him over but head coach Billy Donovan believes he’s got some room to grow, literally.
“I think he’s got to learn the NBA game, the physicality. He’s got to get stronger.”
Donovan also touched on that he doesn’t believe Simonovic is ahead or behind when it comes to his development. While that likely isn’t the full truth it’s clear the Bulls know at his current state he’s not ready. Knowing that it sounds like the Bulls are prepared for what role he will fill this season.
Simonovic will bounce back and forth
The Bulls won’t admit whether he is behind schedule but it does sound like they know what they will be doing with him this year. While this might not matter to the casual fan this is definitely something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Donovan had this to say when it comes to Simonovic this season.
“This is probably going to be a year where he’s going to have to go G League, us, back and forth, but I do think for a lot of those young guys, that’s the opportunity to play.”
Like I said earlier this will give him an opportunity to get some meaningful playing time under his belt and hopefully get up to the level the Bulls expect from him. It sounds like this coaching staff knows exactly what Simonovic needs to work on and he should begin focusing on that in the G League.
Simonovic needs to get quicker
The Bulls knew what they were getting when they drafted the 6’11” Simonovic. While he did well as a center overseas he likely wasn’t going to be able to replicate that in the NBA. He’s young and still learning the game but as a center, it will be tough if he can’t be quicker. The Bulls already are aware of this and that’s what pushed for this move.
“One of his challenges is he’s been a center pretty much his whole life, and he’ll be fine there. I think the physicality and the speed and the athleticism of the game are probably a lot different. Him catching up to the quickness of it will take a little bit of time.”
Hopefully, his time in the G League will be exactly what he needs to work on his quickness. I know in the sports world we are quick to give up on people who don’t produce right away. With this one, we may need to pump the brakes and give him some time in the G League. See if that is the jumpstart he needs to get himself in NBA shape and ready to contribute for this Bulls team.
Only time will tell with this one. He may end up being a miss but he also could return to the player he was overseas. Be patient with Simonovic and allow the rest of the team to get in a rhythm. If he can prove he belongs on this roster and can contribute it will simply be another welcomed addition to this Bulls team.
