Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile - Luol Deng

Player Summary

Last season did not go as planned for the Chicago Bulls or for Luol Deng. Deng, who the Chicago Bulls refused to trade as part of a package for Kobe Bryant, saw his numbers go down last year. An injury limited his season and his minutes, points, rebounds, and steals all decreased. Luol Deng still had a decent statistical season, but not what the Chicago Bulls expected from a budding superstar.

It's funny how fast a player's reputation can fall. Untradeable last year, Luol Deng may now be traded or lost for nothing if the Chicago Bulls do not resign him. And, as of now, it seems that the two sides are far apart. When the season begins, I believe everything will have been worked out; Luol Deng will still be a Chicago Bull and will continue to fight Andres Nocioni for minutes at forward.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 33.7
Points: 17.0
Rebounds: 6.3
Assists: 2.5
Steals: 0.9
Blocks: 0.5

Player Strengths

Luol Deng is a young, long, adequately athletic player. Deng has a terrific mid-range game and gets to the hoop to score as well. He rebounds well and is a developing defensive player.

Probably the most impressive thing about Deng is this. The Chicago Bulls wanted Luol Deng to shoot less three pointers. In a league built on egos and on the big plays like three pointers and dunks, Deng agreed and developed his mid-range game instead. It seems rare nowadays for a player to put the team above himself.

Player Weaknesses

Luol Deng is not ultra-athletic, but has modeled his game around that fact. Deng really doesn't seem to have a lot of weaknesses. Perhaps the decrease in his statistics last year could be considered a weakness. Teams generally don't like to see their 23 year old star take a step back. But, up to that point, Luol Deng's numbers had improved dramatically in each of his three years with the Chicago Bulls.

Player Projections

Assuming the Chicago Bulls keep Luol Deng, he may lose a few more minutes in the frontcourt to Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and Drew Gooden. If he stays healthy and reverts back to his form of two seasons ago, Luol Deng may see his minutes rise again with the Chicago Bulls and my projections may be on the low side. Deng has a lot of talent and appears to be coachable. That's usually not the type of player a franchise wants to let go.

Projected Statistics for the Chicago Bulls '08-'09 Basketball Season

Minutes: 32.0
Points: 17.1
Rebounds: 6.1
Assists: 2.4
Steals: 0.8
Blocks: 0.4

Sources:
ESPN