Chicago Bulls: Roster predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine to return

The Bulls raised a few eyebrows when they selected Portis with the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The move was somewhat of a surprise because of the team’s lack of depth at the point guard position.

Portis played reasonably well during his first two seasons, considering that his playing time was somewhat sporadic. In Year 3, thanks to an expanded role, Portis’ numbers improved across the board.

He posted career highs in scoring (13.2 points per contest), rebounding (6.8) and assists (1.7). Portis also canned 35.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc and posted a career best in free throwing shooting as well, converting 76.9 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe. The Bulls had already picked up his fourth-year option back in October and him having a career season makes that decision look like a good one.

Thanks to multiple ankle injuries, Denzel Valentine played the role of spot-up shooter during his 2016-17 rookie season. As was the case with Portis, Valentine saw more playing time this season and he certainly made the most of the opportunity.

He doubled his scoring output from year ago, averaging 10.2 points per outing. Valentine was also a better rebounder and facilitator while shooting a respectable 38.6 percent from deep. Yeah, his overall shooting (41.7 percent) still leaves a lot to be desired, but it’s a noticeable jump from the 35.7 percent conversion rate he posted last season, which means he will also be in the fold next season.