With several big names preparing for free agency in 2016, the rise of rookies can make or break their futures. The Chicago Bulls are seeing that happen thanks to the rise of Bobby Portis. The rookie has been on the rise in recent games proving to the Bulls that he can be a real piece moving forward. However, the rise of Portis could mean big things for players like Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol and Taj Gibson who are fighting for playing time while preparing for free agency.
With Noah out with a shoulder injury, Portis has been getting more and more playing time in recent games. He is making the most of it as he fights for more minutes on the court. Head coach Fred Hoiberg certainly likes what he sees as he believes Portis is building his spot in the rotation for the future.
"We're going to continue to find minutes for Bobby and there's no doubt about it," Hoiberg said, via ESPN.com. "He's playing too well, he's playing with so much confidence. He rebounds the ball, he plays with a toughness and a swagger, and that's what you want. We've talked all along; Bobby's not going to back down from anybody and he continues to show that night after night."
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the rise of Portis could mean the disappearance of Noah. Currently healing from a shoulder injury, Portis is showing the Bulls what life without the center could be like and it does not look all that bad. Noah is preparing to hit free agency while Gasol hints that he is headed in that direction as well. Someone might not get re-signed if Portis continues to play like he is.
The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that both Noah and Gibson are available via trades although a deal is unlikely to come. If the Bulls have no plans on bringing back Noah, trading him is not the worst idea. His age and declining play hurts his value, but the Bulls could get something good in return and not risk losing him in the offseason for nothing. The rise of Portis shows the team can afford to look at their options moving forward.
Until then, the Bulls will continue with what they have as they are benefitting from the rise of Jimmy Butler. The swingman is currently averaging 21.8 points per game along with 4.8 rebounds. He put up 42 points in Sunday's win over the Toronto Raptors while adding 32 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Even with the return of Derrick Rose, Butler is shooting out of his mind right now and the point guard is fine feeding him the ball.
"Jimmy had it hot. I was going to him in the beginning, he got us the lead," Rose said, via ESPN.com. "We got a great start in the beginning. He's ballin' right now so keep going to him until he doesn't want the ball anymore."