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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jack Simone

Summer League standout Nate Darling ‘fits the Bulls greatest need’

Heading into the offseason, the Chicago Bulls aimed toward pushing forward rather than tearing down the roster. And so far this summer, the moves Chicago has made have fallen in line with that plan. The Bulls signed Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig, improving their overall depth.

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But on top of that, the Bulls had a great chance to evaluate some young talent moving into next year. While the Bulls are committed to winning, they should also be constantly looking to add youth to their squad, as that will be the best way for Chicago to maintain a solid future outlook.

The Bulls Summer League team proved full of solid talent, but Sam Smith of NBA.com, Nate Darling was one of the most impressive.

“He had his poorest game of the tournament Saturday with four points in 18 minutes and zero for four on three-pointers,” Smith wrote. “That dropped his three-point average for the five games to 32.4% after it mostly hovered close to 40% earlier. He was 39% in the G League this season. The Bulls guards rarely seemed to look for him or run any actions for him. But he fits the Bulls greatest need of a classic catch-and-shoot long distance shooter in the model of players like Cavs free agent addition Max Strus, Miami’s Duncan Robinson and Luke Kennard of Memphis.”

Darling’s offensive game could potentially give Chicago’s offense a massive boost, should he earn the opportunity to do so.

“The Bulls, according to basketball chief Artūras Karnišovas speaking on a Summer League broadcast, added free agent shooting in guard Jevon Carter and forward Torrey Craig,” Smith wrote. “Neither are high volume stand still shooters, though they shoot well from three and are top defenders. The 6-foot-6 Darling from Canada fits the offensive profile the Bulls lack with size, a pure shooting stroke with a quick release and an ability to score off the dribble. He finished Summer League averaging 11.2 points despite the offense mostly operating through Dalen Terry and Freeman-Liberty.”

Should the Bulls sign Darling to the main roster?

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