Bulls' Guards in High-Stakes Job Interview: Will They Make the Cut?
The Chicago Bulls have just hired four new guards, but for them, it's a 10-week tryout – and they all know their contracts are up for grabs. Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, and Jaden Ivey are in a precarious position, as every move the team makes will impact their futures.
In a bid to assess their worth, the Bulls have given themselves 30 games – including Saturday's game – to evaluate their new recruits. It's not an ideal situation, given that the team is already on a rebuild path and every decision has far-reaching consequences.
Sexton, who like Simons, is in his final year of contract, seems pragmatic about it all. "I don't look too far in advance," he says. "Just give me my all for this organization, show them what I can do." His counterpart Simons takes a similar approach, saying, "I've just got to make the most out of these last couple of months here, start building chemistry with the guys and see where that goes."
The real question is, who will be given more playing time? The Bulls' coaching staff has made it clear they want to see all four guards compete and fit in with their team's dynamic. Coach Billy Donovan admits he had a meeting with the front office to discuss minutes priorities, but there was no edict on a specific player.
Rob Dillingham, who is looking for a fresh start after two seasons with the Timberwolves, seems optimistic about his chances. "I'm just trying to show I can play basketball, I belong here and I can help the team win," he says. While his teammates are in the same boat, they know their futures hang in the balance.
As the 10-week tryout unfolds, the Bulls' new guards will have to prove themselves not only on the court but also as teammates and professionals. Only time will tell who will emerge from this high-stakes job interview with a contract extension and who will be shown the door.
The Chicago Bulls have just hired four new guards, but for them, it's a 10-week tryout – and they all know their contracts are up for grabs. Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, and Jaden Ivey are in a precarious position, as every move the team makes will impact their futures.
In a bid to assess their worth, the Bulls have given themselves 30 games – including Saturday's game – to evaluate their new recruits. It's not an ideal situation, given that the team is already on a rebuild path and every decision has far-reaching consequences.
Sexton, who like Simons, is in his final year of contract, seems pragmatic about it all. "I don't look too far in advance," he says. "Just give me my all for this organization, show them what I can do." His counterpart Simons takes a similar approach, saying, "I've just got to make the most out of these last couple of months here, start building chemistry with the guys and see where that goes."
The real question is, who will be given more playing time? The Bulls' coaching staff has made it clear they want to see all four guards compete and fit in with their team's dynamic. Coach Billy Donovan admits he had a meeting with the front office to discuss minutes priorities, but there was no edict on a specific player.
Rob Dillingham, who is looking for a fresh start after two seasons with the Timberwolves, seems optimistic about his chances. "I'm just trying to show I can play basketball, I belong here and I can help the team win," he says. While his teammates are in the same boat, they know their futures hang in the balance.
As the 10-week tryout unfolds, the Bulls' new guards will have to prove themselves not only on the court but also as teammates and professionals. Only time will tell who will emerge from this high-stakes job interview with a contract extension and who will be shown the door.