The Charge

Grading the Bulls Free Agent Signings So Far

Chicago signs a few new faces, but is it enough?

By: Sal Galati

   With the conclusion of the Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah era in Chicago, the Bulls had no choice but to bring in a different set of players to fill their desires of having a younger and more athletic roster. For the first time since the dreadful Ben Wallace signing roughly 10 years ago, the Bulls front office, despite scrutiny from fans, have managed to pull off bringing some bigger names to the organization. Was it for the better of the team, or just a desperate hope of keeping our downward spiral team relevant to the league? Let's take a few moments to evaluate each of the signings that Chicago has made thus far.

Isiah Canaan: B+

G Isiah Canaan as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers last season

   The Bulls have decided to match the rest of the league by trying to become a more run-and-gun team, and testing their luck from beyond the arc, Chicago has always had great 3-point shooters, but were never leading any categories as a team. 

   Enter Isiah Canaan. The 25 year old shooting guard who has played for the Houston Rockets, and more recently, the Philadelphia 76ers, provides exactly that. Canaan's career 3-point average is roughly 38.5 percent, which is not going to be atop amongst the leagues best, considering that point guard from Golden State is shooting a 3-point average higher than an average players total field goal percentage. I think we all know who I'm talking about. But still, Canaan is still young, and at $2.2 million over the course of 2 years, you don't spend very much on a back up shooting guard who's young and still growing into his role in the league.

   Perhaps Canaan's best quality, is being able to shoot from the free throw line. This may seem like a minor trait to have, but considering that the Bulls haven't shot too well from the charity stripe, bringing in a young player who can already shoot an average 81 percent, strengthens them, and provides them with that much needed free throw line presence in close game situations.

   All-in-all, a cheap, young, and quite gifted asset to pick up to back up our starting shooting guard. Look to see Canaan playing big minutes off the bench, or if lengthy injuries occur. He replaces E'Twaan Moore, who departed for New Orleans early this free agency.

Paul Zipser: C

Zipser playing with Germany's Bayern-Munich

   It comes as no surprise that another year's draft has come and gone with the Bulls picking another foreign player to add to their arsenal. Chicago has always liked foreign players and lately has become an almost every year reaccurance for them. Such players as Andres Nocioni, Omer Asik, Dragan Tarlac, Dalibar Bagaric, and more recently Nikola Mirotic. You can now add forward Paul Zipser to that list. Chicago drafted him in this year's draft as the 48th over all pick in the second round.

   Zipser, the 22 year old German, who was previously playing for FC Bayern-Munich, is 6' 8" and can also play the guard position. His stats aren't the most spectacular, however he managed to register and league championship, as well as an All-Star appearance. 

   During the 2015-16 season, Paul played roughly 15 minutes while tallying approximately 5 points and an assist. Once again, not incredible stats, but the Bulls like what they found in Zipser and have signed him to a multi-year deal. 

  It is unsure on what Zipser's role will be or which minutes he will play but my guess would be somewhere in the third string. Unlike Canaan, I don't see him playing crucial bench minutes unless a major injury occurs. He may even be a reserve player.

Rajon Rondo: B-

Rajon Rondo with the Sacramento Kings

  We are almost at the home stretch of the signings, and now we get to the players that left some fans scratching their heads, and others cheering. We'll start with Rajon Rondo. With Derrick Rose being traded to New York roughly a month ago, the Bulls found themselves without a franchise point guard, which in today's league, a young and athletic point guard is like gold. The point guard position has become the most coveted position on the court, as well as it should. 

   But why Rondo? He's not young. He can't shoot the long ball very well, nor would you call his athleticism spectacular. It also is no secret that Rondo has had his run ins with various coaches including the great George Karl. The Bulls have a young, inexperienced coach, it's almost like throwing a Rottweiler a T-bone. However, both Rondo and Fred insist that they can come to mutual agreements and look to the bigger picture of getting the W at the end of the games.

   Rondo provides that much needed pass game that the Bulls need so desperately, and at 30 years old, with all the stars of the league, he still managed to record a double digit average of 11.7 assists a game, which matches his career high back in 2012.

  So once again, why Rondo? Why now? The answer is simple. Rondo provides veteran leadership and has a tremendous knowledge about the game. Being a former champion, and a key part of Boston's championship team with friends Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. 

   If Rondo can put his past behind him and turn a new leaf, this signing will prove to be a blessing in disguise. All-in-all, a great signing by Gar Forman in an attempt to keep relevancy to the team. Rondo of course will start, with newly acquired Jerian Grant waiting patiently behind him. At 2 years for $47 million, and that second year being partially guaranteed, this addition could prove to be better than expected.

Dwyane Wade: B

Can Dwyane Wade provide that much needed spark for his home-
town team?

   Now we get to the moment we have all been waiting for, the main event, the piece de resistance. Bulls fans everywhere absolutely erupted at the signing of Dwyane Wade. And why wouldn't you? A 3 time champion, 12 time All-Star, and many, many more accolades that would require and article of their own to list off. Not to mention another homegrown talent to fill that void after Chicago native Derrick Rose was shipped off to the Big Apple. 

   Not everyone has been on board this signing however. There are fans and critics that believe that this was just a desperation move by the front office and that Dwyane has absolutely no business being on our roster because of his point in his career and being highly injury prone. Many fans are also still angry about Wade's decision to stay in Miami and team up with LeBron James and Chris Bosh forming one of the most historic super teams in NBA history. 

   Truth is, you can't fault a player for staying on his respected team, playing for an incredible city like Miami. Where yes, Dwyane Wade six years ago would have been an incredible signing and not what people believe is the sloppy seconds of Miami, but rest assured, that if Wade's heart is in it, he will easily prove the critics wrong. He has already stated on 'The Kelly Ripa Show'. that he grew up idolizing the Chicago Bulls when he was younger and watching his father play basketball in the park with a Bulls jersey on. 

   It's all up to Mr. Wade at this point. He still has not officially signed with the team just yet, and can still back out or even retire if he decided to, but that doesn't seem to be a realistic belief, seeing as though he made this signing sound like he is living a dream more than anything. 

   Once Wade signs on that dotted line, he is going to start and play major minutes providing he can stay healthy. It comes as no secret that Dwyane can still play, he also has an ability to elevate his game in the postseason. After being absent from the playoffs last season, the Bulls are desperately trying to make a return in style. Wade agreed to a 2 year $47.5 million offer a couple of weeks ago.

   These moves don't make Chicago a contender by any means, but it definitely spices up the Eastern Conference. With LeBron James still playing in the East, it doesn't leave much room for teams to dethrone the reigning NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers, it just makes the journey a little more enjoyable.

  One thing is for certain though, this season of Chicago Bulls basketball, will definitely be one for the history books. From surely being in a rebuild mode, despite Gar Forman calling it a "retooling", to being once again back in the mix to be a postseason team, the Bulls have made the necessary moves that they needed to save the franchise from disastrous consequences. So sit back, relax, and grab your popcorn because this upcoming season will most definitely be one you wont want to miss out on.

Overall Front Office Grade: C+