"Summer League Dynasty?"

Dynasty? That's always a fun word in the sports world. The Chicago Bulls Summer League team took home the Vegas tournament trophy, in a rather dramatic fashion last year. Denzel Valentine not only drained the tying three pointer at the end of regulation, but followed that up with an overtime fall away mid-range jumper to secure the title. Denzel returns this year to further prove himself, as well as putting his surgical recovery (left ankle) to the test. What should Bulls fans expect?

The Las Vegas Summer League tournament is not quite the snooze fest it once was, with few dull moments thus far into day one (7/7/17). The competition level has been raised with not only this years deep draft class, but the second year talent returning to prove their draft class isn't quite as mediocre as some claim it to be. Although the second year SL returnees have the advantage of a full NBA season of coaching and weight training under their belts. The freshman class has taken the scene with a beyond impressive initial showing. Making for a much steeper hill to climb to repeat. So who should you keep an eye on with the "Baby Bulls" taking the court tomorrow at 3pm?

(Lauri Markkanen "The Kraken" #7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft acquired in the Butler trade)

First and foremost, all eyes will be on the youngest player on this rebuilding Bulls roster. Lauri Markkanen, who has been called " baby Dirk", will have some big expectations to live up to for Chicago fans. After posting the highest three point percentage of any seven foot tall (plus) player in college history, Lauri bares a heavy weight on his shoulders. This is a load this young man is not afraid of carrying with him, or leaving behind with a promising showing in this introduction to the NBA. Markkanen has played every position from small forward to center in his collegiate career. Many have called him "soft", while ignoring his rather impressive agility and ball handling skills for a "big man". I do not see him ever playing center in the NBA, unless a spread line up against smaller opponents presents itself. This should not be alarming to Bulls fans, Lauri's versatility is something teams league wide will covet if he proves his talents. It would only take you a small amount of time to obtain the optimism that I have put into this "kid". As his workout regimen is insane, the last adjective to use with Lauri would be soft. He is both mentally and physically determined to prove his talents to the world, as well as himself. 

"Kris Dunn, last years #5 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Also acquired in the Jimmy Butler trade)

Kris Dunn was a target of the Bulls to trade up for in last years draft. Which coincidentally follows a disturbing front office trend of giving up too much for past prospects. But front office obsessions aside, Dunn had a very disappointing rookie season for the Minnesota Timberwolves as many young players do under Tom Thibodeau. Kris is already 24 with a lot to prove as a potential "Rookie of the Year" candidate coming out of last years draft. He posted the lowest true shooting percentage of any NBA player last year.  Scary stat, but no one drafted Dunn expecting him to be Steph Curry. Kris is a give it all on both ends, pass first, athletic point guard (6'4 with a 6'10 wingspan). Look for Dunn to excel at great lengths in the Summer League, as he has more experience and more to prove then his younger peers coexisting around him. 

"Cameron Payne, the #14 pick overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. Acquired in the trade deadline deal for Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott, and the Bulls 2018 second round pick) 

Cameron Payne is still young with plenty of room to grow. Likely to be the designated back up point guard come the NBA 2017 regular season. Payne had minimal showings for the Bulls last year, where he showed good potential shooting ability. But lacked the decision making skills of a point guard, taking any and every shot possible. Whether this was the product of trying to prove himself to Chicago fans, eager to see the potential of the key piece involved in the trade of the forever beloved player in Taj Gibson (last year of his contract), or just trying too hard has a young man in a new system. Payne did flirt with several triple doubles playing for the "Windy City Bulls", D/G League team. Showing the potential promise the Bulls front office gave him, as they negotiated trading up for Payne in the 2015 draft. Given the confidence of a defining role next season Cam could prove to put on a very entertaining show in the SL and regular season. Cameron did have a lingering injury all of last year, due to the minor fracture in his right foot.

(Denzel Valentine, the Bulls #14 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft)

Denzel Valentine had an intriguing rookie season for the Bulls. He showed his ability to knock down NBA range three pointers fresh off the bench. Despite battling a foot injury (left ankle,offseason surgery) all year, Denzel proved to be a spark that helped the Bulls reach a playoff birth. Bringing a similar fire to the games that he did in the unforgettable 2016 NBA Summer League Tournament. Only lacking defensive urgency and the ability to create his own shots off the dribble. Look for Denzel to put his year of NBA guidance and training to the test. As last years SL hero Valentine should bring the confidence needed to repeat as champions. 

(Paul Zipser, the Chicago Bulls #48 overall second round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft)

Paul Zipser (Zippy), was a pleasant surprise for the Bulls last year. The second round pick out of Germany, provided versatility and valuable minutes at the pro level last year for the Bulls. Making the decision to sell our second round pick at #38 this year, that much more confusing. As the Bulls front office has found a way to acquire talent late. Zippy has good NBA range, as well as the length and lateral quickness to play the shooting guard or small forward positions. Likely a bench reserve in his NBA career, but Zipser should supply an ample amount of advantage in the SL given his year of professional experience. 

( Amida Brimah and Bradley Heslip, undrafted Summer League attendees)

This leaves us with two players who are not expected to make the Bulls opening day roster, but present skill sets worthy of mentioning. Amida is a seven foot rim protector out of Connecticut University, who went undrafted this year (23yrs old). With the Bulls lack of depth at the true center position, given the likelihood of Chicago moving proven veteran Robin Lopez. Brimah could sneak himself into a role on the Bulls bench next year. Bradley Heslip is an aging but still young (27) undrafted Baylor point guard with amazing range. Given the log jam at our point guard position, Heslip is highly unlikely to make the Bulls NBA roster. But will provide as a great long range scoring option that the SL Bulls could use in their efforts to repeat. 

(Felicio, Valentine and Portis with last years Las Vegas Summer League Championship trophy)

Dynasty? Not the kind of dynasty Chicago Bulls fans are longing for after a decade of dominance in the 1990's. But this young Bulls team very well may proceed to a second straight "Baby Bulls" SL title. Without forgetting the giant tanking elephant in the room, looming over every diehard Bulls fan's head, we plan to suck this year and add a young promising future All-Star in next years draft (if we don't over achieve this upcoming season). Which could mean not only back to back Vegas titles, but a three year reign over the increasingly entertaining Summer League. The future is currently dim, but our young and expanding new core, could very well steal the light from all other rebuilding teams.