Who's the 5th Starter?
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2025 5:04 pm
With Giddey, Coby, Matas, and Vooch all locked in as starters, I was wondering who everyone thinks should be the 5th starter.
Kevin Huerter: Was the starter for the last 15 games of the year, averaging 15/4/4 on 49/39/75. He’s a knockdown shooter who can space the floor for Giddey and Vooch. Doesn’t need the ball much and knows how to move without it. Defense is just okay, but the offense fits cleanly.
Patrick Williams: Coming off his worse season to day but If he ever puts it all together, he’s the perfect fit — strong defender, can shoot, and switch everything. Maybe he comes in this season in shape and ready to earn that contract.
Ayo Dosunmu: Brings POA defense, can hit open shots now, and already knows how to play with the core guys. He’s low-maintenance and brings toughness. I don't love the idea of playing 2 guards with Giddey, feels like that takes away a lot of his size advantage.
Noa Essengue: He’s close to 7 feet tall, athletic, and can defend. Might be further along as a shooter than originally thought. If the Bulls want to go young and bet on upside, he brings energy and could cover a lot defensively. Might be the best long term move since getting him a lot minutes will help his development as well as the Bulls lottery odds.
Dalen Terry: Feels like this is a sink or swim season for Dalen. Has shown really good improvement on his shot and will always be a hustle guy who brings defense, length, and energy. If he continues to improve his handle and three point shot might be a good fit with the other starters.
Julian Phillips: Another low usage wing who bring defense, energy, and size. Similar to Dalen, needs to turn into a plus shooter to even be considered as a starter.
Issac Okoro: Forgot about him initially, probably the best defender out of the group. Has good 3 point efficiency but can be very streaky and doesn't provide a ton of volume so spacing may be an issue.
Jalen Smith: Big, physical, can rebound and hit a three — fits nicely as a stretch four next to Vooch. He brings size this lineup might lack otherwise. Not flashy, but solid and steady.
Zach Collins: Doubt it but would bring a lot of size without compromising floor spacing. Probably best as the back up center.
Kevin Huerter: Was the starter for the last 15 games of the year, averaging 15/4/4 on 49/39/75. He’s a knockdown shooter who can space the floor for Giddey and Vooch. Doesn’t need the ball much and knows how to move without it. Defense is just okay, but the offense fits cleanly.
Patrick Williams: Coming off his worse season to day but If he ever puts it all together, he’s the perfect fit — strong defender, can shoot, and switch everything. Maybe he comes in this season in shape and ready to earn that contract.
Ayo Dosunmu: Brings POA defense, can hit open shots now, and already knows how to play with the core guys. He’s low-maintenance and brings toughness. I don't love the idea of playing 2 guards with Giddey, feels like that takes away a lot of his size advantage.
Noa Essengue: He’s close to 7 feet tall, athletic, and can defend. Might be further along as a shooter than originally thought. If the Bulls want to go young and bet on upside, he brings energy and could cover a lot defensively. Might be the best long term move since getting him a lot minutes will help his development as well as the Bulls lottery odds.
Dalen Terry: Feels like this is a sink or swim season for Dalen. Has shown really good improvement on his shot and will always be a hustle guy who brings defense, length, and energy. If he continues to improve his handle and three point shot might be a good fit with the other starters.
Julian Phillips: Another low usage wing who bring defense, energy, and size. Similar to Dalen, needs to turn into a plus shooter to even be considered as a starter.
Issac Okoro: Forgot about him initially, probably the best defender out of the group. Has good 3 point efficiency but can be very streaky and doesn't provide a ton of volume so spacing may be an issue.
Jalen Smith: Big, physical, can rebound and hit a three — fits nicely as a stretch four next to Vooch. He brings size this lineup might lack otherwise. Not flashy, but solid and steady.
Zach Collins: Doubt it but would bring a lot of size without compromising floor spacing. Probably best as the back up center.