The Chicago Bulls just made training camp more interesting!
According to Shams Charania of AthleticThe organization has signed Kenny Lofton Jr. to a training camp contract. The 22-year-old is expected to compete for a roster spot.
For what it’s worth, the Chicago Bulls only have one two-way contract available at the moment, meaning Lofton could be in contention for that third and final spot. The only other option would be to waive a full-time roster member like Onuralp Bitim, who has a non-guaranteed contract heading into the 2024-25 season.
Kenny Lofton Jr. Joins Bulls
As far as fringe movements go, I like this one for the The Chicago Bulls. While Lofton has been a journeyman to start his NBA career, there’s a reason teams continue to give the undrafted free agent a chance in 2022. Lofton — who stands 6’6” and weighs 275 pounds — has a typical skill set for his size. The big man can both space the floor and bulldoze opponents in the post. He’s surprisingly mobile for someone his size and has solid passing vision.
Lofton has already played 45 NBA games, including stints in Memphis, Philly and Utah. In his four games with the Jazz last year, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists. But the most striking numbers come in the G-League.
Over the course of his G-League career, Lofton has averaged 22.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He has also shot 55.3 percent from the field. Lofton clearly has the skills to crush the competition in the G-League, but does that mean he can carve out a niche at the next level?
Some players end up getting stuck in the middle, and Lofton has the potential to be that type of player. His lack of athleticism above the basket is always going to work against him. While he may be able to control smaller centers, Lofton is going to struggle against more traditionally sized bigs, especially in rebounding. Not to mention, even if Lofton gives his all on the court, he’s just not the ideal fit for a team that wants to play fast. That could work against him in Chicago.
Still, for a Bulls team entering a rebuilding phase, this is one of those training camp signings that makes a ton of sense. Lofton still deserves a chance to show what he can do at the NBA level, so why not give him that chance in Chicago?
Ps: Lofton put 53 points for Matas Buzelis last year in the G-League. I’m sure the Bulls rookie hasn’t forgotten it!
