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Chicago Bulls: Midseason Report Card From 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) and his teammates huddle up during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reacts after dunking against the Indiana Pacers in the final seconds of the game during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reacts after dunking against the Indiana Pacers in the final seconds of the game during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 90-85. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwyane Wade

When the Bulls entered the offseason on a low note, the thought of acquiring Dwyane Wade was the furthest thing from their mind. After he and the Miami Heat were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, though, Wade all but fell into Chicago’s lap and the rest is history.

Given the fact that Wade is a three-time champion and a 13-time All-Star, he was given the green light to voice his opinion during practices from the moment he arrived in training camp.

From ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell:

"“No question,” Wade said. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here as well. One of the reasons they were interested in me is because of what I come with from the standpoint of being there. I’ve been to five Finals and have a lot of experience. Sitting down with [Hoiberg] talking about all our young guys and what they can learn from me and also Jimmy [Butler] as well and [Rajon] Rondo as well. “As I said in my post, it’s about us policing each other, us three leaders but also passing it down to other guys. So, yes, he gave myself — and I’m sure he gave Rondo and Jimmy — carte blanche to be able to say the things we need to say, but at the same time respect what coach is doing and respect what coach is saying and find your times to talk.”"

On the court, Wade isn’t doing too bad either. This season, he is averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists on slash lines of .427/.372/.798. Furthermore, the 35-year-old veteran still has the ability to take over a game down the stretch, as illustrated in the highlight clip below.

In that game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Wade pumped in 17 of his 22 points in the final 12 minutes. In other words, the guy still knows how to be a closer when it is needed.

Considering the fact that Wade has been an asset to the Bulls both on and off the court, he is deserving of a solid grade at this point.

Midseason Grade: A-

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