Breaking down the 2017-18 Chicago Bulls roster
By Mike McGraw
mmcgraw@dailyherald.com
Beginning with the projected starters, here's a breakdown and brief assessment of the Chicago Bulls roster for the 2017-18 season:
Projected startersNo. Player Ht Pos Age College/Country
2 Jerian Grant 6-4 PG 25 Notre Dame
May not be a true point guard, but he started preseason strong.
7 Justin Holiday 6-7 SG 28 Washington
If he becomes Bulls' best player, the Holidays may beat out Balls for best hoops family from Los Angeles.
16 Paul Zipser 6-8 SF 23 Germany
Last year's 2nd-rounder earned spot by doing a lot of things well.
44 Nikola Mirotic 6-10 PF 26 Montenegro
In Year 4, Bulls hoping he can flatten out his peaks and slumps.
42 Robin Lopez 7-0 C 29 Stanford
Not many big centers left, but he'll help when Bulls run into one.
Reserves3 Kay Felder 5-9 PG 22 Oakland
Former Cavs backup a late add to the crowded mix at point guard.
6 Cristiano Felicio 6-9 C 25 Brazil
Signed a 4-year extension to be team's small-lineup center.
24 Lauri Markkanen 7-0 PF 20 Finland
For rebuilding to work quickly, this sharpshooter needs to be a star.
11 David Nwaba 6-4 SG 24 Cal Poly-SLO
Athletic wing went from D-League tryout to playing for Lakers.
20 Quincy Pondexter 6-7 SF 29 Washington
Out for two years due to knee issues, but adds a veteran presence.
5 Bobby Portis 6-11 PF 22 Arkansas
With Markkanen and Mirotic, Portis has work cut out to earn a role.
45 Denzel Valentine 6-6 SF 24 Michigan State
After doing everything well at MSU, he needs something well in NBA.
Injured list32 Kris Dunn 6-4 PG 23 Providence
No. 5 pick in last year's draft still has everything to prove in NBA.
8 Zach LaVine 6-5 SG 22 UCLA
Two-time slam dunk champ could return to play around Dec. 1.
22 Cameron Payne 6-3 PG 23 Murray State
Former OKC guard hasn't impressed since days with Westbrook.
Two-way players*15 Ryan Arcidiacono 6-3 PG 23 Villanova
He'll try to bring that NCAA championship attitude to Windy City.
9 Antonio Blakeney 6-4 SG 21 LSU
He played with Ben Simmons in AAU ball and at LSU.
* denotes player will spend most of season with G-League Windy City Bulls.