The Chicago Bulls are facing a difficult situation with injuries plaguing their roster at a critical point in the season. With the trade deadline passing without any new acquisitions, the team had to look internally to bolster their lineup.
In response, the Bulls have signed Andrew Funk and Onuralp Bitim to address their depth issues. Andrew Funk, a 6-foot-5 wingman with experience from Bucknell University and Penn State, has made a name for himself in the G-League, particularly with the Grand Rapids Gold.
These signings are part of the Bulls’ strategy to reinforce their roster and maintain competitiveness despite the setbacks caused by injuries.
The Chicago Bulls, facing a challenging season with multiple injuries, have made strategic moves to reinforce their roster. With no significant additions made before the trade deadline, the team turned to familiar faces from their G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, and the Grand Rapids Gold to address their depth issues.
One of the key additions is Onuralp Bitim, a Turkish shooting guard who had already shown promise with the Windy City Bulls. During his time there, Bitim averaged over 16 points per game across 12 regular-season appearances. Recognizing his potential, the Bulls decided to convert Bitim’s two-way contract into a standard NBA contract. Standing at 6-foot-6, Bitim has demonstrated his versatility as a two-guard, contributing not just with scoring but also with 4.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. His impressive shooting from beyond the arc, hitting over 43% of his three-point attempts, has been particularly noteworthy.
Although Bitim has yet to see significant minutes in the two games he’s suited up for the Bulls, the team is optimistic about his ability to provide a spark off the bench, especially with injuries limiting their roster options.
In addition to Bitim, the Bulls have also signed Andrew Funk to a two-way contract. Funk, a 6-foot-5 wing, has been performing well with the Grand Rapids Gold, the G-League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets. This season, Funk has averaged 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while logging significant minutes. Known for his sharpshooting ability, Funk has made 71 three-pointers, showcasing his potential as a reliable perimeter threat.
While it remains uncertain if Funk will be called up to the main Bulls roster, given the strong performances of guards Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, his addition provides the team with valuable depth and options moving forward.
These signings highlight the Bulls’ efforts to adapt to their injury struggles by tapping into the potential of emerging players within their system. Both Bitim and Funk bring fresh energy and talent, which could be crucial for the Bulls as they navigate the remainder of the season.
As of the latest updates, there hasn’t been a specific date announced for Andrew Funk’s debut with the Chicago Bulls. His role on the team and potential debut will likely depend on the team’s needs and how he performs in practices and with the G-League affiliate. Keep an eye on the Bulls’ official announcements and game rosters for any news regarding Funk’s first appearance in an NBA game.