Chicago Bulls: 3 positives from Thaddeus Young addition

1. The Chicago Bulls have more offensive flexibility

So the Bulls didn’t shock the world and steal Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving away from teaming up with the Brooklyn Nets, and Jimmy Butler isn’t making a homecoming. But what Chicago is getting is a solid veteran who gives them more offense.

Too much of the Bulls’ offensive identity last season was built around Zach LaVine being a magician, with him trying to make something out of nothing without the ability to kick to other scorers. Kris Dunn was often tentative taking open jumpers, and Boylen insisted Carter establish himself in the post more than he seemed comfortable with. Markkanen also missed a lot of time, which meant LaVine had to shoulder much of the scoring load.

Of course, Young isn’t a superstar, nor is he an All-Star caliber player. What he is, though, is someone who will probably still play starter minutes, spelling both Markkanen and Carter and being able to knock down an open jumper.

Last season, he shot 52.7 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range. He was also very good at the rim, shooting 62.7 percent from within five feet and 59.8 percent from within eight feet.

The Chicago Bulls weren’t in the sweepstakes for a superstar talent, which should be a debate for another time, but they did jump into the fray early on and nabbed their guy. Thad Young is a solid pickup for the franchise and should make them better from the outset.