The Chicago Bulls have reportedly signed wing Javonte Green for the rest of the season. Green was initially on a 10-day contract that recently expired before Chicago decided to take him on the rest of the way. In three games with the Bulls this season, Green is averaging 5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 54.5% from the field, including 60% from beyond the arc. In a corresponding move, the Bulls released power forward Terry Taylor, who appeared in 31 games for the team.
Roster Update: We have signed Javonte Green. pic.twitter.com/3MyMyREzzC
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 4, 2024
Chicago initially acquired Green from the Boston Celtics in 2021. In the 2022-23 season, Green became a mainstay in the team’s lineup, starting 45 of 65 games played. This also remains Green’s best statistical season. During that time, he averaged 7.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1 steal per game.
Currently, the Bulls have a 36-40 record and have clinched their second consecutive Play-In appearance.
NBA Play-In Team Signing Familiar Face for Rest of Season
Why the Chicago Bulls Signed Javonte Green
Green is a solid, well-rounded bench player for the team. He is a very athletic wing with a high motor. Although he is 6’4″, he can play spot minutes at the small forward position. Furthermore, he is a capable three-point shooter and tenacious defender. Though he isn’t necessarily a lockdown defender, his athleticism and versatility make him a pest on the defensive end. Additionally, he provides depth for the Bulls. Currently, Chicago has Alex Caruso listed as their starting small forward. Caruso is a good player, but he’s not a natural forward. Adding Green gives Chicago another body at the wing position.
Additionally, it appears Green is leaving a good impression on his teammates. Caruso recently spoke highly about Green’s game upon his season debut:
“He played great,” Alex Caruso said, per The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry on March 27. “That’s the Javonte that we’ve all known and loved for a long time. He does all those things that we need. Hard defense. Protecting the rim. Rebound. Play with energy. Catch-and-shoot when the opportunity is there. He did those tonight well.”
Javonte Green doing everything. It’s all these little things that we missed. pic.twitter.com/vYbk2usUQ6
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) March 28, 2024
What’s Next for Chicago?
Despite devastating injuries all season, the Bulls held on. They will compete in their second straight Play-In tournament and hope to advance into the playoffs. However, Chicago is 4-6 in their last 10 games and has not found their rhythm. Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Coby White spoke on the team’s recent slump:
“We not really trying to put too much into it,” White said. “We just want to take it one game at a time, get one win at a time and try not to really look to the future.”
Additionally, DeMar DeRozan has suggested the team is ready for the challenge:
“We got eight left,” veteran forward DeMar DeRozan said. “Can’t depend on nobody else. We’re going to have to continue to fight for our lives. That’s going to be even more exhausting. We have to show how much we want it.”
With just six games remaining, it will be worth watching the Bulls to see if they can figure it out before the end of the season.
