Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile: Aaron Gray
Can Aaron Gray Continue His Rookie Success?
Position: Center
Height: 7'0"
Age: 23
Player Summary
Aaron Gray was a pleasant surprise for the Chicago Bulls last year. Gray was drafted by the Bulls in the second round (49th overall pick) of the 2007 NBA Draft. Aaron Gray was not guaranteed to make the Chicago Bulls roster, let alone see significant minutes. But, Gray did just that in his rookie season with the Bulls. Although he did not take many shots, Aaron Gray led the Chicago Bulls in field goal percentage and was the only player who shot above 50%.
Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season
Minutes: 10.0
Points: 4.3
Rebounds: 2.8
Assists: 0.7
Steals: 0.7
Blocks: 0.9
Player Strengths
Aaron Gray will never be confused with Patrick Ewing, but Gray has a nice low post game. Gray is really the only player on the Chicago Bulls with an above-average post game. Gray is strong and plays tough and smart. He is a legit 7 feet tall and has good bulk at 270 pounds. Gray's size allows him to play decent low post defense when he's matched up against stronger, slower players.
Gray is also a very good passer for a player his size. At times, the Chicago Bulls offense looked smooth when the ball was fed into the post to Aaron Gray first.
Player Weaknesses
Aaron Gray is not very athletic and is certainly not fast. Gray has difficulty running the floor and keeping up with faster players. On defense, faster players give him fits. Gray's speed could be a problem with the Chicago Bulls newest draft pick, point guard Derrick Rose. The only speed Rose knows is fast.
Gray also does not shoot free-throws very well, gets into foul trouble, and tends to turn the ball over too often. For a player who is as good of a passer as Gray is, the turnovers are a surprise.
Player Projections
Aaron Gray was a steal in the draft for the Chicago Bulls. Gray gives the Bulls their only real post presence and plays well for the limited minutes that he sees. Gray will be Joakim Noah's backup at center and may see an increase in his minutes this season. If Gray can perform like he did last year for the Chicago Bulls, the team will be happy. Nobody expects any All-Star games from Gray. Just good, solid play.
Projected Statistics for the Chicago Bulls '08-'09 Basketball Season
Minutes: 15.0
Points: 5.2
Rebounds: 3.1
Assists: 0.8
Steals: 0.4
Blocks: 0.4
Sources:
ESPN
Published by Chris Radtke
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2 Comments
Post a CommentAaron Gray = Poster Double. He may be the new Shawn Bradley. Just, not as tall.
The bulls need a center and now have a chance to get Brad Miller if we have a chance to get into the playoffs it won't be with Noah and Gray as the centers. Get Miller from the Kings While the getting is good.