Chances of Each Player on the Roster Bubble of Making the Chicago Bulls

With a NBA preseason record of 2-2, the Chicago Bulls are a work in progress. Their signature defense remains, but they have struggled to score.

Team chemistry is the primary reason for the noticeable problems on offense, as the Bulls have integrated as many as 10 new players into their system.

Facing a salary cap dilemma, the Bulls had to part ways with many of their trusted reserves. The offseason moves made were frugal and brought in solid contributors as replacements. But getting the new players acclimated has been a daunting task.

In the past, the Bulls relied on cohesion, communication and consistency on both sides of the ball. It is difficult to establish an identity while sifting through an assortment of players, most of whom will not make the Bulls' opening-day roster.

The starting lineup of Kirk Hinrich*, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah has been set. Of the reserves, the second unit of Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler, Marco Belinelli*, Nate Robinson* and Nazr Mohammed* will see ample playing time. The remaining players are on the bubble.

Who else will stick around remains to be seen. Of those players, here are the odds of them staying with the team.

* Denotes new players.

Ryan Allen

Allen, the younger brother of Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen, has a long road ahead of him. The recent release of Andre Emmett (via nba.com/bulls) will help his Ryan’s cause. He is also beginning to see a few extra minutes on the floor as the preseason progresses.

He still faces an uphill climb.

The first obstacle is that the Bulls are at the hard cap level of $74 million and cannot add a player until late November. If the Bulls decide on adding someone, it must come at that time.

The second issue that affects Allen is his lack of NBA experience. He is an undrafted rookie who could use some seasoning and the Bulls are not a team that can afford to groom a player at this time.

Odds on sticking with the Bulls: 10 percent. Only a serious injury will prevent Allen’s bubble from bursting.     

Vladimir Radmanovic

Radmanovic should not be on the roster bubble, but he has not been impressive in the first four games of the NBA preseason.

The veteran stretch-forward has looked timid while shooting the ball. Perhaps he has been hesitant as he learns a new offense, but in three games, Radmanovic has only taken six shots and scored two points.

That is not the type of production Bulls management had in mind when they signed Radmanovic to a one-year deal.

Odds on staying with the Bulls: 70 percent. For now, Radmanovic will stick, but he is walking on the bubble with cleats on his feet.     

Marko Jaric

Jaric can play solid defense. For that reason, the Bulls may bring him back in late November. They need versatile defenders, and that is Jaric’s forte. He can guard three positions: point guard, shooting guard and small forward.

At 6’7”, he gives the Bulls length as a swingman who can be beneficial on offense. Jaric would add another dimension as a shooter and as a guard who the Bulls can occasionally play in the post.

Unfortunately, Jaric has not had many opportunities to highlight his abilities as he has played him less than five minutes a game during the preseason. This could be a result of Tom Thibodeau placing a higher priority on constructing his second unit, or maybe he wants to keep his options open in the event that another player becomes available.

Odds on making the Bulls: 50 percent. It depends on whether the Bulls can find a better option as the season begins.

Kyrylo Fesenko

Fesenko may have sealed his fate the moment that he tripped over his own feet in his first preseason game with the Bulls. He played nervous at times, perhaps in an effort to try too hard to make the team.

It has absolutely been a tough time for him thus far and his future in the NBA may be in jeopardy.

Listed at 7’1”, 280 pounds, Fesenko has the ideal body for an NBA center. He also looks as if he is willing to learn the nuances of the NBA game. Using that size, Fesenko can become a defensive force in a limited role if he learns how to play.

The inspired play of Nazr Mohammed has also worked against Fesenko. Mohammed has been aggressive, crashing the offensive glass and making shots. His output has further diminished the need for Fesenko.

It would be wise for the Bulls to keep Fesenko and develop him, But is the coaching staff willing to do that?   

Odds on staying with the Bulls: 45 percent. The Bulls have questionable size in their frontcourt. Is there a better answer than Fesenko?  

Marquis Teague

As the Bulls’ first-round draft pick, Teague will make the team. The only reason that he is on the bubble is that he will need time to develop.

Under Tom Thibodeau, unless a rookie clearly stands out, he will not play many minutes, if any at all. At 19, Teague needs proper tutelage and playing time in order for his game to blossom. Thibodeau is the perfect coach to guide Teague’s career, but is he willing to offer him enough playing time to learn how to handle the rigors of the NBA?

Thibodeau is a win-now coach who will not sacrifice games in order to bring along a young point guard. Teague, who will go through some growing pains, may be better off spending time in the NBA’s Developmental League.

This would allow him the chance to play some minutes against better competition than he saw in his lone season at Kentucky. This also will open up a roster spot for the Bulls if they are looking for some flexibility down the road.

The odds of staying with Bulls: 100 percent.