Bulls bring back Adama Sanogo on two-way deal |
The 2023-24 NBA season was another disappointing showing for the Chicago Bulls, who continue to underachieve. Whether it be the injuries, the lack of consistency, or just the drama within the organization surrounding a few players, there wasn't much to get excited about with this team last season, even if they did make the play-in round again.
However, there were some things that the fans loved to see, and most of them revolved around the growth of their young guys, especially Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, who took significant steps forward last season. Their play has put them in a position to be the leaders of this year's team, and it will be up to them to take the following steps forward in their game. Another player who took massive strides last season was former UCONN big man Adama Sanogo, who is returning to the Bulls on a two-way contract for this season. After helping UCONN win the National Championship during the 2022-23 NCAA season, Sanogo was one of the surprising players who didn't hear his name called during the draft and thus had to go undrafted to find a team. The Bulls made it clear that they wanted him, and he signed an undrafted contract with them. He spent most of his season with the Windy City Bulls of the G-League. During his time, Sanogo not only emerged as the best player on the team but was considered one of the best players in the G League, as he put on quite a show during his rookie season. While he didn't get many opportunities on the NBA roster last season, Sanogo did see time toward the end of the season, during which time he continued to show the potential many scouts thought he had. That included the Bulls' second-to-last contest of the season, in which he had 20 points and 22 rebounds in 35 minutes of play. If that is the production he brings to the table every game, there is no way he ever steps foot in the G-League again, but you cannot expect him to average that on a nightly basis. Still, if his G-League numbers are anything close to what he can be as a player, putting him back in the G-League doesn't make much sense, as he has done more than enough to earn a spot on this roster permanently. Despite being an undersized Center at 6-9 and 248 pounds, many scouts feel he can make the move to PF this season, which is why the Bulls want to evaluate him as a player a bit more. He led Windy City in both points (20.4) and rebounds (12) per game last season and was a walking double-double the moment he touched the floor. His 367 total rebounds ranked second in the G-League, while his 637 points were good for seventh. There is a reason why the Bulls gave him an opportunity late and now want him back in their organization for another year. Sure, the lack of size is a concern, but Sanogo is a very active rebounder and could be viewed as someone to replace Andre Drummond and what he brought to the table. Considering what Drummond did last season, should Sanogo eventually land on this roster as a more prominent piece and lose the two-way deal, the Bulls will be ecstatic if he can average close to a double-double off the bench. He plays much more physically than his size would indicate and has both strong finishing abilities and a soft touch around the rim. There are some concerns about whether or not he can hold up defensively at the next level. Still, given his physicality and raw athleticism, Sanogo will be given a chance to prove himself all season. Even though Sanogo is re-signing on a two-way contract, there is a real chance he could find himself playing more minutes with the Bulls next season. At just 22 years old, Sanogo is still trying to figure out who he is as a player, and with the Bulls going with more of a youth movement, this is a deal that makes a ton of sense for both sides, and it could prove to be a steal for Chicago.
