Heading into the summer, the Chicago Bulls needed to make major changes to the roster if they wanted to push past their failure this past season, as they were bounced in the Play-In Tournament by the Miami Heat, marking a step back from the season prior.
Their needs at the point guard position were evident, and it was clear that the Bulls needed extra depth at the forward spot, too. But perhaps the most glaring need on Chicago’s roster was 3-point shooting, as they were one of the worst teams in the league from behind the arc this past year.
KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago discussed the signings of Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig, noting how much they will help the Bulls in the three-point shooting department.
“Too many games last season, the Chicago Bulls had a math problem.
“Simply put, they’d make almost as many field goals as their opponent in a game, only to be buried by the disparity in 3-pointers—and not just made ones. The Bulls ranked 30th in the NBA last season as the only team not to attempt at least 30 3-pointers in a game.
“Enter Torrey Craig, whom sources confirmed has verbally agreed to a two-year deal that contains a player option. He joins Jevon Carter as the Bulls’ first two forays into this offseason’s free agency.
“While both players are willing and able defenders, it’s their willingness to let it fly from 3-point range that underscores the main reasons for their signings. Craig is coming off a career-high 39.5 percent from 3-point range over 79 games for the Phoenix Suns. Carter shot a stellar 42.1 percent in 81 games last season for the Milwaukee Bucks,” Johnson wrote.
Whether or not Carter and Craig can significantly improve the ceiling of the Bulls is yet to be seen, but at the very least, they will improve Chicago’s shot profile.
