Summer League Recap: Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Chicago Bulls fans got their first look at new acquisitions last Saturday during  an 81-67 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in the Bulls’ Summer League opener. The roster was highlighted by returning Bull Marquis Teague, as well as 2013 Bulls’ draft picks Tony Snell and Erik Murphy.

The Bulls were led by former Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Andrew Goudelock, who scored 26 points in only 27 minutes. Malcolm Thomas also looked good with 11 points and 10 rebounds. There are three guys who are virtually guaranteed roster spots, and those are the aforementioned Murphy, Snell and Teague.

Erik Murphy 
6 points, 3-9 FG, 0-6 3P, 0 Rebounds 

-Erik Murphy did not show what he can do in this game. His jump shot did not look comfortable from NBA three-point range to start out the game, and still did not manage to hit one as the game went on. His stroke looked decent, but his jump shot was not going this game.

Murphy did not have a single rebound in this game. Despite that, he was able to play defense near the basket reasonably well. His body also looked relatively good, and he was able to muscle up players as well as run the floor. Murphy probably won’t get many minutes, but he should make the Bulls’ roster, if he can prove he can shoot from the NBA three-point line.

Tony Snell 
7 points, 3-9 FG, 1-3 3P, 3 Rebounds, 3 Steals 

-Tony Snell had an inconsistent first game as a Chicago Bull. He came out of the gate right away and hit his first field goal attempt, a deep three-pointer, but then went on to play rather inconsistently from then on. His defensive potential shown through at time, as he finished with three steals.

Snell showed that he can get to where he wants on the floor and get shots he wanted. He actually impressed with his ball-handling ability and skill to get to the basket. Snell in a way reminds me of Rip Hamilton with his ball-handling, awareness, and jump-shot. While Snell clearly had a poor game, he showed that he has potential to turn into something more, even if not this season.

Marquis Teague 
12 points, 4-13 FG, 5 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 1 Steal 

-Marquis Teague to me was the most encouraging player in the game, despite his shooting line. Teague showed us all why he was a heralded point guard prospect coming out of high school. He was able to get into the lane absolutely at will, and was able to create open looks for his teammates throughout. Watching the game, it was clear that he was just on a completely different level athletically compared to most of his competition.

When Teague got to the basket, he struggled finishing, but this is something he should be able to address in time. He was also robbed of a couple of assists by missed shots, and should have easily had a double-double. If Teague can keep up a comparable level of play when he plays with the Bulls’ full roster, he may be able to steal some minutes from Kirk Hinrich at backup point guard.