The Bulls Front Office did something right?!

Otto on Automatic

It has been known for the longest that the Bulls front office coveted the SF from Washington. They missed out on a chance to sign him in 2017-2018 when Washington gave him his current deal. A lot of teams at the time were unwilling to match that offer, and among them were the Chicago Bulls. Fast forward to the 2018-2019 season, and he is now a Chicago Bull via trade. And to be honest, they gave up nothing to get him.

How beautiful it must be to go to the store and grab what you want while being of high value for a clearance price. That is what the Bulls front office was able to do before the February 7th trade deadline. Obviously this was able to be accomplished because Washington was letting all of their pieces go once they heard news of John Wall missing the rest of this year and next year. They decided that since he would be gone there would be no need to pay luxury tax for a team that will not go anywhere without its main star. So here comes the Bulls giving away Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis.

Jabari Parker was not the surprise because it had been known the Bulls were trying to trade him due to the fact he did not fit in well nor was his play comparable to the 20 million they were paying him for this year. However, Bobby was the shock. This year Bobby had made great leaps for the Bulls coming off the bench, but it was said that Bobby wanted to be paid for his leaps in being the 6th man, and with the Bulls being notoriously cheap they said no. So ultimately, he was packaged to avoid an unnecessary offseason of back and forth banter involving contract negotiations and disputes.

Diving into the trade though the Bulls really only loss Bobby. And to trade a bench player for a certified starter at a position they were desolate at is an ultimate steal and win for the Bulls. Now looking at Otto Porter career numbers it is not that impressive. Only averaging 10.9 points, 5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and shooting 78.6% from the free throw line. However, what does stick out is his career 48.6% career field goal percentage, and 40.2% 3 point field goal percentage. These numbers indicate that he knows how to pick and choose his spots on the floor. He doesn't waste his attempts which creates a more efficient offense. By having a more efficient offense you limit your opposing teams ability to fast break and get easy chances for scores. Contributing to that, playing alongside two ball dominant guards in Beal and Wall in Washington, Otto developed a strong complimentary game, where he can play defense and score without taking away from those around him.

Being that the Bulls two young stars in Lavine and Markannen will need the ball for their development Otto fits perfectly with that understanding. Along with that he opens the floor due to his efficiency behind the three point line for Lavine and Markannen to drive and play make. Since coming to the Bulls in his 4 games, Otto is averaging 22.5 points per game on 62% shooting from the field and 58% shooting from the three point line.

The biggest question about Otto was if his game can translate when he was not playing around 2 all star guards. He is answering that in Otto fashion. Being asked to produce more as a scorer, has not compromised his ability to stay efficient in his shooting from deep or the floor. This is what the Bulls was looking for and needed. So for the first time ever, maybe outside of the Markannen pick, GarPax may just have did a good thing.