NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 23: Jalen Smith #7 of the Chicago Bulls reacts after scoring a three-point basket during the third quarter of an NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Chicago Bulls center Zach Collins will miss at least four weeks due to left wrist surgery.
The 7-footer is a strong presence inside and out for Chicago, so at first glance this loss seems significant for the Bulls.
However, there may be a silver lining.
Chance for Jalen Smith
Last offseason, the Bulls signed Jalen Smith to a three-year contract worth $27 million after Smith had a strong offensive season for the Indiana Pacers.
The franchise then simply didn’t use him much – he played just 15 minutes per night at center – which never made much sense.
With Collins out, it gives the Bulls an opportunity to right that mistake and give the now 25-year-old a minutes advantage.
Smith, entering his sixth season, can even emulate Collins’ inside/outside game, as he too can convert shots on the inside and present himself as a floor spacer who can create and make three-point shots.
This kind of versatility is desperately needed within head coach Billy Donovan’s offensive system, which has always relied on big men who can provide space.
Elite production per minute
Smith has traditionally been a production sample per minute. His career per36 numbers are 18.9 points and 11.8 rebounds, while he has canned over 33% of his three-point shots and 75% of his free throws, representing a touch that needs further exploration.
The Maryland product has averaged just over 16 minutes in his career, meaning he’s never been given a chance to assert himself in a role where he plays a significant amount of minutes, and so his actual impact remains somewhat questionable.
With Collins out, the Bulls now have a chance to see what Smith can do in an expanded role, unless they want to focus on increasing Nikola Vučević’s workload, which seems like a bad idea considering he’ll be 35 when the season starts.
Smith is there, capable and theoretically should be able to produce large-scale numbers if his minutes are extended. It’s about giving him the opportunity to do this.
Unless otherwise stated, all statistics are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the glass or Basketball reference. All salary information via Spotter. All opportunities thanks to FanDuel Sportsbook.
#Zach #Collins #Bulls #give #Jalen #Smith #chance