Over the past few seasons, the Chicago Bulls have struggled significantly with their lack of effective shooting, and the statistics are quite concerning. Last season, they ranked dead last in both three-point attempts and makes. The previous season, they were also at the bottom of the league in three-point attempts. This isn’t entirely surprising since their top scorer heavily relies on mid-range shots. To compound the issue, only one Bulls player managed to shoot 38% or better from beyond the arc while making at least one three-pointer per game last season.
What’s equally noteworthy is that the Bulls ranked 26th in free throws attempted. When you can’t shoot threes or get to the free-throw line, it’s a clear indication that your offense is struggling. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Bulls finished 24th in scoring last year. Their struggles to generate high-quality shots were evident, but the question is, how can they address these problems?
Fortunately, Billy Donovan, the Bulls’ coach, is aware of these issues and has directly addressed the team’s lack of free throws and offensive rebounding. This suggests hope that the Bulls will make a genuine effort to improve these aspects of their game in the coming season. However, it’s not enough to rely solely on internal improvements. Adding proficient shooters to the roster would be a significant step in the right direction, and the Bulls have already taken a positive step by signing Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig, both known for their three-point shooting.
One potential addition to alleviate the Bulls’ shooting deficiencies is European star Andreas Obst, who is currently a free agent. It’s somewhat surprising that the Bulls haven’t pursued him, especially given the team’s history of signing international talent. Obst is a sharpshooter playing for Bayern Munich and the German national team, and he gained recognition by leading Germany to a surprising victory over Team USA in the FIBA World Cup Semi-Finals, contributing 24 points with four three-pointers.
Obst’s abilities extend beyond spot-up shooting; he can navigate screens, create space for himself, and even handle the ball to some extent. While he may not be a primary pick-and-roll player, he can make plays if the defense closes out aggressively on him. He’s also a decent finisher around the rim, which can attract defensive help.
In the previous season, Obst boasted a 39.5% three-point shooting percentage, attempting an impressive 6.7 shots per game. With his new coach in Bayern, Pablo Laso, emphasizing player freedom, there’s potential for these numbers to improve. Furthermore, Obst’s confidence is likely to be sky-high after his World Cup victory.
Defensively, Obst is more than serviceable, capable of guarding guards and small forwards on the perimeter, and even switching onto bigger players for short durations. While he might not possess exceptional speed, his strong physique allows him to absorb contact effectively.
Billy Donovan said 24th-ranked offense last season was impacted by inability to get to FT line and offensive rebound, as well as lack of 3-point shots. Said getting into paint will be primary focus. Could help all 3 issues.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 2, 2023
The Bulls’ leading scorers tend to operate within the three-point line, so having a reliable shooter like Obst on the court could prove invaluable. Placing him on the strong side would prevent opposing defenses from helping off him, creating driving opportunities for DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. If used in off-ball situations, Obst would demand defensive attention, creating additional space for his teammates. While Obst may not be the Bulls’ savior, he could significantly contribute to the team’s improvement.
It’s somewhat perplexing that despite receiving praise from individuals like Steve Kerr after the USA-Germany game, Andreas Obst hasn’t attracted attention from NBA teams. Considering his potential impact and the fact that he wouldn’t be a costly acquisition, it’s a missed opportunity for teams looking to bolster their shooting capabilities. Currently, he is regarded as the best pure shooter in the EuroLeague, making him a compelling prospect for NBA teams. If the Bulls fail to address their glaring weakness in shooting this summer, they may continue to struggle during the regular season.