The Chicago Bulls’ complete and utter lack of shooting over the last few seasons has been mind-boggling. They were dead last in three-point attempts and makes last season. They were still dead bottom in attempts the previous season. It shouldn’t be surprising given that the team’s leading scorer lives and dies on the mid-range. When you consider that only one Bulls player shot 38% or better from distance and made at least one three-pointer per game last season, it only makes sense.
It’s also worth noting that the Bulls were 26th in free throw attempts. If you can’t shoot threes and get to the free throw line, your offense isn’t working. It’s no surprise that Chicago finished 24th in scoring last season. It was difficult for them to acquire solid shots, but how can we improve?
Fortunately, Billy Donovan isn’t completely unaware of these concerns. He addressed the lack of free throws and offensive rebounds explicitly, implying that the Bulls will make a sincere attempt to improve in these areas next season.
Billy Donovan said 24th-ranked offense last season was impacted by inability to get to FT line and offensive rebound, as well as lack of 3-point shots. Said getting into paint will be primary focus. Could help all 3 issues.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 2, 2023
However, hoping for internal changes is insufficient. Adding a couple true shooters to the lineup would be extremely beneficial. Signing Jevon Carter (42.3% and 1.8 assists per game) and Torrey Craig (39.5% and 1.3 assists per game) was a great start in that direction for Chicago. However, in today’s NBA, you can never have too much shooting on your squad.
European star Andreas Obst would be a perfect free agent addition to address the Bulls’ shooting woes.
Given the front office’s proclivity for bringing in international talent, I was surprised they didn’t pursue Andreas Obst, a sharpshooter for Bayern Munich and the German national team. Obst’s name may ring a bell because he guided Germany to an upset victory over Team USA in the FIBA World Cup Semi-Finals. Obst appeared even better than his NBA colleagues on the court, scoring 24 points and hitting four three-pointers.
He’s more than a spot-up shooter. He has the ability to curl pindowns, run staggers, and draw the defense’s attention. Andreas can also play a little bit of defense. You won’t be able to run a pick-and-roll with him, but if the defense closes in on him, he can take one or two dribbles to the rim or shoot off the dribble. He’s a competent finisher around the rim. Enough to attract defensive help.
Last season, he shot 39.5% from three-point range despite attempting an unusually high 6.7 shots per game. Given that Bayern’s new coach, Pablo Laso, prefers to give his players greater freedom, those figures could potentially rise.
On top of that, Obst’s confidence is only bound to skyrocket after winning the World Cup.
It’s also worth noting that Obst would not destroy the Bulls on defense. He’s a capable perimeter defender who can protect guards and small forwards or even switch on a big for a few seconds. He doesn’t have quick feet, but he has a robust body that can withstand contact.
Because the Bulls’ greatest scorers prefer to play inside the three-point line, having an extra shooter on the court might be extremely beneficial. Put him on the strong side, and opposing opponents won’t be able to help off him, allowing DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine to drive.
If you run him off screens, he will demand the defense’s attention, which again, would open more space for LaVine or DeRozan. By no means, Obst won’t be Chicago’s savior, but he could really help the team.
Steve Kerr stated after the USA-Germany game that Andreas Obst was crucial to the game. And after receiving such high accolades, he received no interest from NBA teams? That strikes me as odd, given that he would not be an expensive asset to sign. If used appropriately, he could fill the role of J.J. Reddick as a shooter for contending teams.
He’s now the best pure shooter in the EuroLeague, so why not give him a shot on the other side of the Atlantic? If the Bulls do not address their biggest issue this summer, they will suffer the price during the regular season.
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