🤡The ൲Chicago Bulls just made training camp more interesting!
According to , the organization has signed Kenny Lofton Jr. to a training camp deal. The 22-year-old frontcourt🅠 player will reportedly compete for a roster spot.
For what it’s worth, the Chicago Bulls only have one two-way contract available at the moment, which means Lofton could be in the running for that third and final spot. The only other option would be to waive a full-time roster member like Onuralp Bitim, who is on a non-guaranteed deal heading into the 2024-25 season.
Kenny Lofton Jr. Joins the Bulls
As far as fringe moves go, I like this one for the Chicago Bulls. While Lofton has been a journeyman to stꦫart his NBA career, there is a reason teams keep giving the 2022 undrafted free agent a chance. Lofton – who stands six-foot-six with a 276lb frame – has a usual skillset for his frame. The big man can both space the floor and bulldoze opponents in the post. He is shockingly mobile for someone with his build and possesses some so༺lid passing vision.
Lofton has 45 NBA appearances under his belt already, which inclu✱des stops in Memphis, Ph🍃illy, and Utah. Over his four games with the Jazz last year, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. But the real flashy numbers show up in the G-League.
During his G-League career thus far, Lofton has averaged 22.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s also shot 55.3 percent from the field. Lofton very clearly has the skills to crush G-League competition, but does this mean he can carve out a consistent role at the next level?
Some players do end up stuck in the middle, and there is potential for Lofton to be that kind of player. The lack of above-the-rim athleticism is always going to work against him. While he may be able to control smaller centers, Lofton is going to struggle against the more traditionally sized bigs, especially in the rebounding department. Not to mention, while Lofton gives maximum effort when on the floor, he just isn’t the perfect fit for a team that wants to play fast. This could work against him in Chicago.
Nevertheless, for a Bulls team that is entering rebuild mode, this is one of those training camp signings that makes a lot of sense. Lofton still 🍌deserves a chance to show what he can do at the NBA level, so why not give him that chance in Chicago?
Ps: Lofton put last year in the G-League. I’m sure the Bulls rookie hasn’t forgotten about that!
