According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls have reached an agreement with former Indiana Pacers rising star Jalen Smith, who was previously in free agency. The Bulls offered Smith a three-year, $27 million contract. It's unclear whether the Bulls acquired Smith by splitting the full mid-range or by signing and trading, but regardless of which way the Bulls sign Smith, one thing is for sure, they will be capped by the No. 1 local tyrant in the new season.
In this season's NBA regular season, Smith played a total of 61 games for the team, averaging 17.2 minutes per game, averaging 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.3 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, shooting 59.2% from the field, 42.4% from three-point range, and 69.2% from the free throw line. In the playoffs, Smith only got a total of 7 appearances, averaging only 6 minutes per game, and his average data per game was also as low as 1.9 points, 2 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.1 blocks, shooting 37.5% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 62.5% from the free throw line.
In fact, Smith's performance in the regular season can be regarded as very eye-catching, his offensive efficiency is very consistent, his performance outside the three-point line is also eye-catching, he is a very good offensive interior player, his scoring ability and versatility have been fully displayed. However, in the playoffs, Smith was suddenly put into the cold, and head coach Rick Carlisle (Rick Carlisle) trusted another interior player, Isaiah Jackson, so Smith had to sit on the bench. This, coupled with the fact that the Pacers have been riding a triumphant run this season and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, has made Smith's position on the team even more awkward. Smith also realized that his potential was not being fully realized with the Pacers, which was a big factor in his choice not to exercise the player option and become a free agent.
For the Bulls, the purpose of signing Smith is actually very clear. With the team losing Andre Drummond, last season's backup center, immediately after free agency market opened, Smith will also take over Drummond's role and get more consistent playing time. On the other hand, the Bulls are actually not well staffed at the No. 4 position, and former No. 4 pick Patrick Williams (Patrick Williams) has signed a contract extension with the team, but given his injury concerns, Smith may also get some playing time at the No. 4 position. Does his prospects for the Bulls look a little better than he did with the Pacers?