The Wes Unseld Jr. Hire, Jarrett Allen’s Availability, Ayo Dosunmu Gets It, and Other Bulls Bullets

Elias Schuster Elias Schuster
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024

Why talk about two huge Game 7s with significant NBA Finals implications when you can talk about the Chicago Bulls’ assistant coaches!?

We only discuss the important things here at BN Bulls!

  • The Bulls are reportedly set to hire Wes Unseld Jr. as Billy Donovan’s next in command. All things considered, it sure feels like a solid move for a team that is looking for any sort of jolt it can get.

    • Bilš“‚ƒly DonovašŸ¬n Reportedly Hires Former NBA Head Coach as Lead Assistant

  • It also feels worth noting that Unseld Jr. has a couple of important connections within the Bulls’ organization. Not only did he spend several seasons with Arturas Karnisovas in Denver, but he also coached Nikola Vucevic in Orlando between 2012-15. I have to imagine this will at least help slightly in his adjustment to a new situation. What will help most, however, is simply Unseld Jr.’s 16 years of assistant coaching knowledge. Few names on the market would’ve provided the level of experience Unseld Jr. will.

  • With that in mind, yes, I’m pleasantly surprised with the hire. But I’d be lying if I said it also didn’t raise some concerns. To be sure, I have very few issues with Unseld Jr. specifically. My worries more so rest with what the hire means. By pursuing someone with this level of experience ā€“Ā which presumably means paying him quite a bit ā€“ the Bulls are further indicating that they do not plan to take a major step back. Is a soft rebuild completely off the table? I wouldn’t say that. However, this does feel like another move made with win-now intentions. I’ll be curious to see how it falls in line with the rest of the offseason activity.

    • Wes Unseld Jr. of the Chicago Bulls
    (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

  • Indeed, as much as we’re talking about this hire, we all know that overhauling the assistant coaching staff isn’t significant enough change. The last thing I want to hear Arturas Karnisovas talk about during training camp is how this new coaching staff will be their best offseason addition. The roster always has to come first. Nothing will truly change for the Bulls until they make drastic roster moves.

  • threw out a trade idea on X that has Nikola Vucevic and a 2024 first-rounder going to Cleveland for Jarrett Allen. Does it work in the trade machine? Yes. Would it work in real life? I highly doubt it. Allen averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over his 77 games this season.

  • There is no denying Allen would be an upgrade from Vucevic, and the Cavs know that. In that case, we’re talking about the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft being the “prized” piece. This prospect pool is largely seen as the worst in a decade-plus, however, so I highly doubt this piques Cleveland’s interest. They can likely find a considerably more attractive deal for their 26-year-old All-Star center. Not to mention, the Bulls wouldn’t be able to do this deal until draft night, which always makes things more complicated. The NBA forbids teams from trading future first-rounders in back-to-back drafts.

  • Now, do I think Jarrett Allen would be a good addition to the Bulls’ roster? Of course! He’s just about to enter his prime and feels like exactly what this team needs. While he’s performed well in Cleveland, the franchise’s commitment to Evan Mobely undoubtedly makes the fit awkward. Allen is a superb rim protector and a highly efficient finisher around the rim. He may not be the passer Vucevic is from the pocket, but I’d say he’s still above average in that department. For a Bulls team that is in desperate need of more two-way talent, Allen would fit right in. I also like him as a far more athletic roll-man for a growing Coby White! Unfortunately, it’s very hard to see a world where they can land him, especially since Chicago needs to avoid further hampering their future flexibility.

  • By the way, the Jarrett Allen trade talk comes after ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that he expects Cleveland to look into deals this summer. Again, the ability to give Evan Mobley an even bigger role is likely what makes the Cavs interested in the move.

  • I know he would’ve done it regardless, but I’m so glad Ayo Dosunmu got to stay home and make an immediate impact in his hometown. This guy gets it. He knows he can make a real difference.

  • Big news as we look toward the Eastern Conference Finals …

  • I like the sound of that!

    • Heads Up! Tyź¦«rique Stevenson is Poised For a Breakout

  • Thank goodness …

    • Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

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