Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile: Thabo Sefolosha

Player Summary

Thabo Sefolosha took a big step forward for the Chicago Bulls last year. Sefolosha's statistics almost doubled from his rookie season to last season on the Bulls. He was able to provide the Chicago Bulls with quality minutes in the backcourt and started 22 games. In fact, Sefolosha appears to have jumped his career ahead of his more celebrated draft mate, Tyrus Thomas.

Sefolosha has the potential to become a very good NBA player if given a good amount of minutes. It may take a little more time, but I think he'll get there whether it's with the Chicago Bulls or another NBA franchise.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 20.8
Points: 6.7
Rebounds: 3.7
Assists: 1.9
Steals: 0.9
Blocks: 0.4

Player Strengths

Thabo Sefolosha is an under-rated offensive player when he is hitting his jump shot. He can slash to the basket, hit the three, or knock down a mid-range jumper. Sefolosha also rebounds well for a guard and is able to dish out a few assists.

Sefolosha's biggest strengths are his size for a guard, and his defense. As the NBA adage goes, "you can't teach size"�. When you combine that size with his penchant for strong defense, Thabo Sefolosha becomes a valuable piece of the Chicago Bulls roster. Sefolosha actually does quite a few things well, but not great.

Player Weaknesses

Sefolosha is young and still looks lost on the court at times for the Chicago Bulls. His jump shot is streaky and he is not a great free throw shooter. At times, Sefolosha has found himself in foul trouble because of his defense and the fact that he is still adjusting to the NBA.

Player Projections

It will be difficult for Thabo Sefolosha to duplicate the jump in production he had last season for the Chicago Bulls. I'm not sure there will be a lot of extra minutes in the Chicago Bulls backcourt. If there are extra minutes, Sefolosha has the talent to grab them. Sefolosha also has the size the Chicago Bulls need in the backcourt. I'm projecting a modest increase in minutes and continued improvement in Sefolosha's game. The Bulls need him on the floor at times for defensive purposes and he typically plays a pretty good all-around floor game.

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

Minutes: 22.0
Points: 7.5
Rebounds: 4.0
Assists: 2.0
Steals: 0.9
Blocks: 0.4

Sources:
ESPN