If you have never watched a NBA Summer League game before, then it is important that you know up front that these games are less about who wins or loses. Box scores should be read with a bit of curious skepticism. Summer league games are generally accepted by basketball fans and professionals as opportunities to judge the process of the players on the court, more than the results.
Stephen Noh of the Sporting News wrote a Chicago Bulls NBA Summer League preview in 2017 and the following quote from his preview sets an instructive context for what you should pay attention to during the Bulls' upcoming Summer League games in Las Vegas.
"Box score statistics are largely useless, but what can be useful is watching for a prospect's projected weakness and see if if they look like legitimate concerns."
Fast forwarding to 2024, what are the storyline and development concerns that should pique your interest when the Bulls start their summer league season Sat. Jul. 12, 2024?
Matas Buzelis' Bulls Debut
Chicago Bulls 2024 first-round draft pick Matas Buzelis will certainly be a headlining presence on the Bulls' 2024 Summer League roster. Buzelis joins the Bulls as a Chicagoland native that many draft experts view as a high-upside prospect.
What aspects of Buzelis' game should you pay attention to when he's on the court? Focus on Buzelis' shooting, which is very raw. Per No Ceilings, Buzelis slashed 45.5% FG, 26.1% 3P, and 69.6% FT shooting efficiency. None of those numbers are on par for NBA league-average shooting.
Additionally, Buzelis' projected upside is generally a by-product of his size as a 6-foot-10 wing. Can Buzeliz use his size effectively on defense is a question you should ask yourself while watching Buzelis in Summer League minutes. Specifically, how effective will Buzelis be in contesting shots on defense given his wingspan is neutral compared to his height?
Julian Phillips Refines His Tools
Julian Phillips' rookie 2023-24 NBA season on the Chicago Bulls had flashes of impact and upside, but ultimately Phillips only logged 323 game minutes in 40 regular season NBA games last season. What should Phillips work on with during his 2024 Summer League minutes?
Finishing plays at the rim and making strides in free throw shooting efficiency (68.4% FT shooter in the 2023-24 NBA regular season) should be Julian Phillips' top priorities during the summer. Per Cleaning The Glass, Phillips was a 6th percentile in FG% 4 feet or less from the basket during the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season. Yes, Phillips played low minutes last season and if nothing else, I hope Julian at least makes a concerted effort to attack the rim and finish through contact in his Summer League minutes.
Marcus Domask Plays for a Roster Spot
Fighting Illini fans who are also Bulls fans will get an opportunity to watch their former All-Big Ten wing compete for a two-way contract roster spot, potentially on the Windy City Bulls. Domask signed an exhibit 10 contract with the Chicago Bulls, which includes a provision for Domask to be converted to a two-way contact at the conclusion of the Summer League season.
For Bulls fans not familiar with Domask's game, I recommend you check out this scouting report on Domask by college basketball analyst Joe Jackson of Feed the Post and Boilers in the Stands.
Missed Opportunity for Dalen Terry?
Perhaps the most notable absence from the Bulls 2024 Summer League roster is Dalen Terry. On one hand, Terry is entering his third NBA season and should be well beyond NBA Summer League play.
On the other hand, I believer there is a case to be made that Terry's combination of only logging 895 total career NBA minutes across his two seasons, and persistent weaknesses in his three-point shooting (29.3% career 3P%) and free throw shooting (60.9% career FT) make Terry an ideal roster addition on the Bulls Summer League team. Additionally, Terry's defensive motor could use a tune-up to turn down the amount of fouling he commits. Terry averages 4.3 fouls in his career per-36 minutes numbers.
