Ronnie Brewer: The Chicago Bulls' Unsung Utility Man

Ronnie Brewer’s primary role on the Chicago Bulls is to be the second team’s defensive anchor on the perimeter.

It’s a duty that he has executed faithfully and proficiently since signing with the team back in the summer of 2010.

Last season, Brewer was very familiar with the Chicago routine.

Then starting shooting guard Keith Bogans was the team iron-man, starting all 82 games, so Brewer knew that whatever he had to contribute, it would be in the reserve capacity.

This season hasn’t been so predictable for Brewer, or any of the Bulls personnel for that matter.

With injuries that forced both Richard Hamilton and Luol Deng to sit out long spells, Brewer has started 27 of the Bulls first 40 games.

Chicago went 20-7 in the games that Brewer started, and while it’s a little far-fetched to say that he is the reason that record is so good, it’s easy to deduce that he does help the Bulls maintain winning form.

Brewer’s overall stat line as a starter, with the exception of steals, doesn’t read like anything spectacular: 8.04 points, 3.48 rebounds, 2.22 assists and 1.33 steals.

Keep in mind, though, that all of these numbers are more than his total regular season averages, which means that Brewer definitely produces more when given more time.

What makes it even more notable is that he’s maintained this production filling in at more than one position.

Even when the numbers are ignored, one cannot overlook the fact that Brewer brings it defensively every night.

Despite his primary role of being a reserve player, Brewer leads a team with one of the NBA’s best defenses in steals—he even has 11 games where he’s netted at least two takeaways.

It’s easy to dismiss any lauding of Brewer as undeserving. Most will be quick to point out that he’s just a role-player who can be easily replaced, and while that may be true, it does not change the fact that Brewer has proven to be an asset to the Bulls’ franchise.

So far this season, Brewer has continued his committed style of play for the Bulls franchise with little fanfare.

While he may never get an award for his work ethic, true Bulls fans appreciate the effort he puts in.